Junior Counselor (CASAC-T)

Position Summary

The primary function of the Junior Counselor will be to provide support to patients to reduce barriers to treatment and keeping patients engaged in addiction treatment services. They will model competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills while encouraging patients in recovery.

The incumbent will work with participants on-site within the clinics. They will leverage their education and continued training to promote engagement counseling, through care planning, treatment and discharge.

Essential Functions

• Provide individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use recovery.
• Establish supportive and therapeutic relationships with clients to foster trust and growth.
• Assist in crisis intervention and de-escalation when needed.
• Collaborate with clients to create individualized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and goals.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Monitor and document client progress, updating treatment plans as necessary.
  
  

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including medical and psychiatric staff, to deliver holistic care.
• Refer clients to additional services and community resources as appropriate.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and case conferences to ensure alignment of care.
• Ensure all services are delivered in accordance with regulations and policy.
• Stay current on best practices and emerging trends in substance use treatment through ongoing professional development.
• Uphold START’s mission and values in all interactions with clients, staff, and stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned, both at program locations and in the community.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Certification: CASAC-T required.
• High School GED or Diploma
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general office electronic resources.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, diverse, and team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work in a variety of settings including the general community and OASAS regulated outpatient programs under the general supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related field preferred.
• Prior experience in substance use treatment or counseling is a plus.
• Bi/Multi-lingual
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Able to work outside the traditional hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
  
  

Physical Requirements

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position which are reviewed in each individual case.