Substance Use Counselor (49533702)

Institute for Community Living (ICL) is a non-profit organization servicing the NYC-Metro area and for over 35 years, we’ve provided life-saving care to New Yorkers in need that includes but is not limited to addiction assistance, mental health services, and housing support for all. Proudly doing so, with integrity, love, and respect. Our goal is to have a positive and long-lasting impact on the lives of the people and communities we serve with the hope of providing the care, support, and attention they need.

So, it is our pleasure to announce that we are currently seeking a full-time candidate for the role of Substance Use Counselor (SUC), to join our team! – Veterans preferred for specific VA Shelter locations.

By ICL definition, under the direct supervision of the Dir. of Social Services, a Substance Abuse Counselor is someone primarily responsible for providing direct assistance to residents with mental disabilities in understanding and managing substance abuse.

MIN. ROLE REQUIREMENTS & PREFERENCES:

• LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Available 5 Days min. Monday to Sunday, with options for O.T. – Shift: Days & Hours TBD
• EDU/EXP: GED/HSE or higher and 3 years of relevant human services with substance abuse – preferably in a shelter setting
• Certifications: per program needs, you MUST obtain, maintain, or be in the process of obtaining, ALL certifications within 6mos of hire…
  • CPR & First Aid
  • OD Responder from NYS Opioid Overdose Prevention Program (NYSOOPP)
  • Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor or In Training (CASAC) or (CASAC-T)
  • Valid State Driver’s ID (CDL, General Class D or Class A, B, or C licensing accepted) – NY, NJ, CT, or PA preferred
• Proper attire always – this includes work pants, boots, and outer/inner-wear with the ICL company logo (provided after training)

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, bend, and stretch for long periods of time
• Ability to effectively use computer software such as MS Word and Outlook
• Ability to consistently report for work as scheduled, being on-call if needed
• Knowledge of the causes and processes of mental illness and substance abuse disorder
• Ability to perform medium to heavy manual labor, including lifting objects weighing up to 30 lbs
• Ability to work in a setting with diverse individuals with mental illness and/or behavioral disorders
• Ability to work independently and as a team, to conform to all applicable safety and accountability measures
• Ability to effectively and efficiently present info and respond to questions from employees and other persons served
• Strong problem-identification and solving skills and knowing when to make proper judgment calls and/or seek assistance
• Ability to continually learn and apply knowledge with a willingness to participate in in-service training and development activities
• Ability to learn, understand, and comply with all state and city regulations, policies, and procedures regarding substance abuse
• Ability to engage in active listening—attending to what other people are saying with awareness of self and one’s impact on others
• Strong communication, listening, interpersonal, writing, presenting, and conveying skills – bi-lingual is a plus but not mandatory
• Ability to facilitate meetings and organize time effectively to accomplish all tasks in a timely way and meet deadlines without prompting
• Ability to follow all safety guidelines in accordance with the performance of the tasks mentioned below...

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR TASKS:

• Develop, evaluate, implement, and modify a case management plan, meeting all deadlines and productivity standards
• Ensure residents have any necessary transportation, escorting them to and from substance abuse appointments and participation
• Lay the groundwork for the implementation of Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment, an evidence-based practice, upon discharge for residents with mental illness and substance abuse disorders
• Function as an effective team member, including performing share of work, cooperating with coworkers, securing cooperation, and maintaining professional relationships and boundaries with co-workers, supervisors, and residents
• Comply with attendance and timekeeping rules, reporting reliably and regularly to work on an on-going basis, and attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff, mgmt., supervision and clinical meetings, required in-service trainings, and development activities
• Provide and conduct individual and/or group harm reduction counseling that addresses substance abuse issues as they relate to getting and keeping a job and permanent housing, and cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention techniques and motivational interviewing to residents as needed
• Execute emergency plans as outlined in the policy and procedure manual (e.g. monitor the availability and status of Naloxone kits, provide education to staff as to the location of the kits, ensure that the kits are not expired; administer CPR or First Aid to staff or residents who require such services, etc.)
• Conduct, review, and maintain accurate and timely documentation, reports, and other written material as assigned (e.g. staff communications log, making entries concerning essential elements of info designated by program mgmt.; assessment info to determine the substance abuse needs and preferences of persons served; and up-to-date accurate individual paper and electronic case records on each assigned resident, etc.)
• Assist in the orientation of new personnel when requested, serving as a role model to residents including modeling appropriate demeanor, appearance, and interpersonal interactions and working with residents, families, and staff in a caring, empathetic, and respectful manner, actively looking for ways to help be compassionate and hopeful, helping others work toward recovery with due understanding of and consideration for cultural differences
• Comply and promote compliance in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies, (e.g. a smoke-free environment at Transitional Veterans Residence; guiding the use of onsite drug testing for residents whose service plans incorporate it; immediately reporting serious incidents, allegations of abuse, or sensitive situations, completing incident reports as a result, etc.), helping to strengthen and maintain an ethical organizational culture
• Collaborate with the peer counselors, using linkages already developed in Bklyn & Queens with Buprenorphine and Methadone programs, seeking to expand these to other locations as needed and serve as a liaison to TORCH or other similar programs to continue any substance abuse-related plans and processes while the person(s) served are actively in the residence – develop and maintain any current or future work relationship with alcohol and substance abuse detoxification, rehabilitation, and treatment centers
• Perform other job-related tasks as assigned in an organized and detail-oriented manner…
• Please Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless this causes undue hardship to the agency.

If you feel that you’re a suitable candidate for this role and would like to join our organization, please submit your resume in response to this ad to contact a recruiter in HR for further related info to the role above or the benefits mentioned below…

ICL BENEFITS:

PLEASE NOTE: ICL Company Benefits are exclusive to employees working 20 hours and EDU Leave is 40 hours ONLY!

• PAID Orientation and Training Union
• Choice of full and/or partial Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits (spousal and child coverage available too)
• Life & AD&D Insurance Medical Flexible Spending
• Mental Health Services and Providers
• Educational & Parental Leave
• Tuition & Work-Life Assistance
• Commuter Benefits Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Matching 403B (non-profit)
• Payroll Benefits: Corporate Fitness Account / NYS College Savings Program / Etc.
• Discounts on select ticketed purchases provided by Plum Benefits
• And many more…

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