Overview

Title: CASAC Counselor

Location: Support and Connection Center

 

Program Overview:

 

The Support and Connection Center (Center) provides 24/7 short stay, engagement, stabilization and treatment services for adults with mental health and/or substance use issues referred directly by NYPD as an alternative to the traditional police responses of arrest, summons, or transport to an emergency room. Guests are referred to the Center when their infractions are non-violent and/or low-level offenses such as loitering, trespass, public inebriation, and disorderly conduct. The goal of the Center is to help guests begin to identify and modify the behaviors that result in repeated police contact. An OASAS licensed outpatient clinic, located on site, provides services to guests who are eligible. The maximum length of stay is 5 days.

 

Overall Responsibilities:

 

Under the general direction of the Clinical Director, the CASAC Counselor conducts rapid assessment, assesses guest eligibility for on-site OASAS services, develops service/discharge plans including collaboration with guests’ current providers/support systems, linkages to community services & residential settings, participates in outreach with NYPD.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the CASAC Counselor include but are not limited to the following activities depending on the assigned shift:

  • Provides direct care to guests, including conducting assessments to identify the full range of service needs
  • As the primary counselor for a designated caseload – collaborates with the full on-site team to ensure coordination of care
  • Conduct groups and individual counseling sessions
  • Complete progress notes, psycho socials, as well as other pertinent documentation in a timely manner
  • Conduct ongoing assessments using evidence-based modalities.
  • Attend daily case review meeting and report on caseload status to team
  • Performs other duties as assigned by supervisory staff

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • NYS CASAC required; CASAC-T certification accepted, but must be in the process of obtaining CASAC
  • A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with homeless and criminal justice involved adult individuals with a substance use disorder, including experience working in emergency or crisis services and/or an OASAS licensed program
  • The ability to work well in a highly pressured environment, set and meet deadlines, and delegate as appropriate.
  • Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds required
  • An ability to interface with guests as well as all levels of staff.
  • Knowledge of case management software as well as a proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

All newly hired Project Renewal staff must provide verification of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.