CASAC-T Counselor **BUFFALO, NY

POSITION OVERVIEW:                                                                                                                                        

The Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) provide alcoholism and substance abuse counseling services in approved work settings. The CASAC provides comprehensive assessment services to clients who may have substance abuse barriers to employment by applying clinical judgment to determine appropriate treatment needs and levels of care. This includes performing diagnostic assessment, evaluation, intervention, referral and alcoholism and/or substance abuse counseling in both individual and group settings.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:                                                                                                                           

• Employ a range of treatment modalities/intervention to include person centered evidence based treatment approaches including motivational interviewing, stages of change, trauma informed care, anger management, medication assisted treatment.
• Develops and conducts group and individual counseling on a regular scheduled basis to caseload clients
• Obtain weekly random observed urine samples according to established protocol
• Orients clients about program goals, objectives, rules and regulations, client’s obligations, right’s and program operations
• Demonstrates knowledge of group work and individual counseling management techniques and uses those techniques appropriately
• Knowledge of a variety of evidenced based treatment models and theories of addiction and other chemical abuse and dependence related problems
• Demonstrates understanding of interdisciplinary approach to chemical abuse and dependence treatment and participates in team meetings
• Demonstrates ability to use established diagnostic criteria and understanding a variety of treatment options and placement criteria within the continuum of care
• Demonstrates appropriate treatment planning development   and clinical interventions
• Demonstrates ability to utilize various counseling strategies and develop treatment plans based on client’s stage of dependence or recovery
• Demonstrates knowledge of the medical pharmaceutical resources in treatment of chemical abuse and/or dependence
• Demonstrates ability to incorporate special needs of diverse racial and ethnic cultures and special populations into clinical practice, including their distinct patterns of communication
• Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate documentation requirements and demonstrates ability to complete in a timely manner prior to required deadline dates
• Provides education and information to the client about alcohol and drug abuse
• Demonstrates understanding of the obligation to adhere to generally accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct in the counseling relationship with clients
• Knowledge of the obligation to engage in prevention as well as treatment techniques
• Maintains and updates referral services and resources that may be useful to our client population; makes referral when necessary and appropriate
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in English including the ability to speak, write, comprehend aurally and read at a level necessary to perform as a CASAC-T 
• Demonstrates ability to participate in supervision, in ongoing feedback and performance evaluation/reviews.
• Demonstrates familiarity with APG and ICD-10 billing codes to include DSM V diagnosis
• Demonstrates ability to maintain expected billable hours of service requirements 
• Demonstrates knowledge of and insures compliance with federal and state rules, laws and regulations
• Demonstrates knowledge of Acacia policies and procedures and implements in program
• Participates in community outreach and community relations and development activities to drive and maintain census capacity
• Demonstrates ability to identify tactical steps to increase and retain census through outreach and liaison efforts within the criminal justice and courts program
• Ability to complete all client progress update reports in a professional and timely manner to ensure coordination of care with client linkages to include the criminal justice system and entities
• Participates in program meetings and required trainings 
• Ability to complete any reasonable tasks or requests made by a supervisor. 

REQUIREMENTS:                                                                                                                                                 

• High School Diploma required. Associate/Bachelor Degree preferred
• Valid unrestricted OASAS certification as a CASAC. 
• 3 years experience in OASAS program. Experienced in Residential settings preferred.
• Must have specific training in chemical use, abuse and dependence specific to the services provided.
• Obtain within six months of hire:

1. Supporting Recovery with Medications Addictions Treatment (MAT)
2. Obtain within thirty days of hire:
3. Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
4. CASAC Canon of Ethics (6 hours)
5. Confidentiality related to 42CFR (3 Hours)
6. Mandated reporter (2 hours)

• Ability to use business acumen to exercise good judgment and decision-making.
• Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and discretion.
• Must be able to multi task with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to communicate both verbally and in written form.
• Commitment to cultural diversity and sensitivity.
• Spanish speaking skills preferred
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor under pressure, and operate with a keen sense of urgency and commitment to quality.