DSS Alcohol and Drug Assessor

The DSS Assessor works closely with the Department of Social Services to foster the provision of timely and effective services to those receiving public assistance and in need of substance abuse services. The assigned counselor follows clients throughout their treatment experience, thus promoting successful completion of person-centered, strength based sobriety. They will also help to establish employability goals by facilitating access, enhancing treatment participation, preventing long-term chemical dependence, encouraging self-reliance and economic independence.

This position is onsite Monday through Friday, with the ability to work one day remotely after probationary period.

Essential Job Functions

· Manages the client from the initial referral from DSS until DSS requires no further assistance.

· Ensures client file is prepared for the initial screening. The appointment is typically conducted within 24 hours of DSS notification.

· Must obtain and complete all necessary paperwork to include appropriate releases of information.

· After screening client, the assessor makes a determination if any drug and alcohol counseling is required.

· If counseling is required, the assessor will make referrals and appointments to providing agencies.

· Meets with client for re-evaluation when needed or requested by DSS.

· Ensures that all mandatory paperwork is completed, mailed and filed appropriately.

· May carry a designated case load as a SUD Counselor as required.

· Effectively utilizes agency’s medical records software program(s) to complete required medical record documentation in a timely and comprehensive manner and in compliance with NYS OASAS and federal regulations including Public Health Law, 42CFR and patient confidentiality policies.

Secondary Functions

· Collaborate with other care providers and referral sources to increase understanding of client issues and assets.

· Participates as a contributing member of an interdisciplinary team in coordination and delivery of client care.

· Participates in professional supervision and education that supports continuous improvement of client care including weekly case management staff meetings.

· Consistently reviews policies and procedures and stays abreast of current laws, regulations and policies.

· Must retain CASAC 2 Credential

· Performs other related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Intermediary knowledge of substance abuse problems and their effects on the individual and family members including human behavior, attitudes, and motivations and their applicability in the treatment/rehabilitation of the substance abuser and/or offender.

· Intermediary knowledge of substance abuse counseling and treatment principles, practices, and techniques and competent knowledge of individual and group behavior including interviewing techniques.

· Familiar with the resources available to individuals with substance abuse problems.

· Ability to recognize symptoms of substance abuse and elicit information concerning underlying reasons for addiction.

· Ability to effectively manage a caseload of substance abuse offenders, conduct substance abuse assessments, write bio-psychosocial assessment summaries, and develop client progress reports and evaluations.

· Ability to accurately prepare and maintain documentation of services, treatment records, and reports utilizing computer databases and software programs including proficiency with spreadsheets.

· Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and the general public.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be able to:

· Use a computer including keyboard and mouse operations; visual and/or auditory capacity.

· The employee may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

· The employee must be able to drive a vehicle.

The addiction counselor must be able to prioritize situations and manage time, and may find that they are needed at irregular hours causing fatigue and stress. The Counselor may experience stress and stress related symptoms due to interacting with clients in crisis. S/he may be exposed to illness and unsanitary conditions so must take care to protect their own health. They may also have to manage physically threatening clients and be prepared to be responsible for their own safety, and the safety of others.

Work Environment

The employee is expected to adhere to strict policies/regulations relative to being in a tobacco and alcohol free workplace. Work is performed in a normal office environment.

Qualifications

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with a major in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, nursing (with a clinical specialty in the human services) or other related field and 3 years of experience in a health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting.

OR

Master’s degree preferred with major in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, or nursing (with a clinical specialty in the human services) or other related field and 2 years of clinical experience in a health or human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting.

The SUD Counselor – CASAC 2 preferred, but CASAC-T Considered (must be a under NYS OASAS regulatory guidelines).
Must possess a valid driver’s license. This position is subject to a criminal background clearance.

Must successfully complete additional training requirements based on NYS OASAS standards, which include:

- Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) – 3 hours

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $26