Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming–now across 15 sites—focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

JOB PURPOSE

Counsel and aid individuals who have substance use disorders in a New York State OASAS-certified outpatient treatment program. Utilizing a person-centered and trauma-informed lens, individualized assessment and counseling (telehealth or virtual) services are delivered in Project Contact at the Center for Recovery and Wellness, in addition to offsite service locations.

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

• Provide trauma-informed individual therapy and group counseling to adolescents and adults with substance use diagnoses.

• Provide family counseling and significant other services.

• Partner with referral sources, providing regular updates and progress on clients.

• Partner with a multi-disciplinary team in assessing diagnoses, planning treatment, implementing evidence-based interventions, offering clinical insight, and providing team-based support for clinical operations.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Clinical Services and Documentation (80%)

• Provide caseloads with weekly individual case management and counseling sessions consistent with the individualized treatment plan.

• Continuously assess the appropriateness of the current level of treatment, corresponding with LOCADTR and utilization review instruments.

• Coordinate integrated services with medical, mental health, vocational, recovery services, and other social service providers.

• Complete detailed progress notes, comprehensive treatment plans, intake/admission assessments, psychosocial assessments, discharge plans, and other required documentation in accordance with OASAS and CARF standards.

• Maintain accurate and organized clinical charts, engaging in pre-audits of charts to ensure compliance with OASAS, managed care, and CARF standards.

• Send weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to HRA through the Substance Abuse Tracking and Reporting System.

• Specimen collection for clients and monitors for treatment-related issues in order to update the treatment plan

• Check the toxicology reporting portal daily to ensure any positive toxicology reports are communicated to supervisory staff, documented, and addressed with the client.

• Coordinate integrated services with medical, mental health, housing, vocational, recovery services, and other social service providers.

• Facilitation of individual and group-level interventions during other clinician vacations or leave

• Ensure that clients’ annual medical examinations are completed, with associated referrals as needed.

• Contact referent and/or family contacts upon admission of new clients in a timely manner, and provide written or oral clinical updates as needed.

• Effective advocacy and collateral contacts to empower clients.

Other (20%)

• Outreach to referral sources to expand the network of clients.

• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required, as well as individual and group supervision.

• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

• Complete detailed progress notes, comprehensive treatment plans, intake/admission assessments, psychosocial assessments, discharge plans, and other required documentation in accordance with OASAS and CARF standards.

• Maintain accurate and organized clinical charts, engaging in pre-audits of charts to ensure compliance with OASAS, managed care, and CARF standards.

• Send weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to HRA through the Substance Abuse Tracking and Reporting System.

• Specimen collection for clients and monitors for treatment-related issues in order to update the treatment plan

• Check the toxicology reporting portal daily to ensure any positive toxicology reports are communicated to supervisory staff, documented, and addressed with the client.

• Coordinate integrated services with medical, mental health, housing, vocational, recovery services, and other social service providers.

• Facilitation of individual and group-level interventions during other clinician vacations or leave

• Ensure that clients’ annual medical examinations are completed, with associated referrals as needed.

• Contact referent and/or family contacts upon admission of new clients in a timely manner, and provide written or oral clinical updates as needed.

• Effective advocacy and collateral contacts to empower clients.

Job requirements and required knowledge

• Master's Degree in a mental health discipline (MSW, MHC, etc.), and either licensed in the state of New York or working under a limited permit and eligible for licensure.

• CASAC credentialing (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) or CASAC-T with a bachelor's degree in a human services-related field and a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a substance use program.

• A qualified healthcare professional is required.

• Possess a demonstrated ability to deliver patient treatment, including communication skills, successful engagement in specialized human services training, understanding of human interaction and personality development, and the ability to write and record case documentation.

• Familiar with Regulatory Agency/OASAS Regulations regarding the operation and practices of patient care.

• An understanding of group dynamics is essential.

• Must be computer-literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

• Competent in electronic health records that support treatment plans and case notes such as Relias, Netsmart, and AWARDS (willing to learn new systems).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to multitask and handle challenging situations in a professional and courteous manner

• Being bilingual in any language is a plus.

• Self-motivated

• Ability to work professionally and empathetically with a diverse group of clients and staff.

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 accommodations can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, which are reviewed in each individual case.

While performing the responsibilities of the role, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use his or her hands and fingers to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phones, and printers; moderate traffic).

• Ability to work in an open or confined area

• Ability to sit at a computer terminal, stand, or walk for an extended period of time.

Benefits:

• Generous PTO Policy

• Competitive Salary

• Medical & Dental Insurance

• Pension Plan

• 403b Retirement Plans

• Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks.Etc

• Free Gym Membership to our Manny Cantor Center Gym & 14TH ST Y Gym

• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position.

Role: Key Competencies

Team Player

Flexible

Adaptable

Communication

Planning and organizing

Organized

EEO Info

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Educational Alliance takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.