The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is a community-based not-for-profit committed to recovery-focused mental health services through advocacy, community education and direct services. We are recognized as the leader in Westchester in providing person-centered services that involve collaborating with each individual to achieve their goals.
MHA facilitates recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaborative work. Our highly trained staff utilize evidence-based practices throughout our comprehensive array of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services.
Through our robust services, as well as our advocacy programs and community events, MHA is able to meet the needs of thousands of men, women, children and families each year, helping them live independent lives in the community.
Join our Team! We are immediately hiring a CASAC Clinician for our Article 32 substance use treatment program in Westchester County, NY. Base Annual Salary Range: $50,000 to $55,000.
SUMMARY of DUTIES
The CASAC will work as part of a multidisciplinary team in the Article 32 outpatient substance use treatment program, licensed by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), which is part of MHA’s Comprehensive Care Center. The CASAC provides behavioral counseling and education to clients with substance use and co-occurring disorders. The CASAC is responsible for completing assessments, diagnosing substance use disorders, conducting individual and group counseling. The CASAC utilizes an evidence-based integrated treatment approach along with harm reduction strategies that are strength-based, trauma-informed and person-centered.
SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Utilize identified screening/assessment tools, stage-wise interventions and treatment models.
2. Support telehealth services in clinic.
3. Provide clinical counseling services to clients including outreach, intake, program orientation, initial assessment, treatment planning, individual and group 2 counseling, family counseling, crisis intervention, case conferences, care coordination and discharge/transition planning.
4. Complete assessment reports and formulate substance use and mental health diagnostic impressions.
5. Perform initial screenings and assessments utilizing LOCADTR 3.0, including but not limited to, psychosocial histories, drug and alcohol evidence-based screenings.
6. Participate in meetings with community agencies and other service providers as needed for care collaboration.
7. Assess client for MAT eligibility, if warranted.
8. Maintain caseload, provide individual and group treatment utilizing evidence-based practice focused on daily living skills, harm reduction, anger management, parenting skills, assertiveness, health issues, mental health issues, pre-vocational and employment issues.
9. Develop collaborative integrated treatment/recovery plans that reflect an understanding of client needs as related to issues that impact substance use, physical health, mental health, cognitive functioning and psychosocial needs.
10. Refer clients in a timely manner to alternative treatment and support services as needed; e.g., detoxification, rehabilitation programs, supported housing, peer supports, recovery self-help meetings, 12-Step Programs, Mutual Aid, etc.
11. Monitor toxicology screenings and results, including breathalyzer screenings.
12. Perform outreach and engagement activities to clients with poor program attendance.
13. Work collaboratively with staff across programs and external to MHA.
14. Participate in all necessary activities to ensure payment for treatment services by managed care payers, Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurers.
15. Follow the established clinic policies and procedures.
16. Maintain record, completing all required paperwork following regulatory requirements.
17. Participate in program development and training programs.
18. Maintain appropriate professional standards.
19. Other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS
1. Proficient written and oral communication skills.
2. Strong organizational skills.
3. Familiarity with the ability to use an Electronic Health Record (EHR).
4. Ability to work independently along and with a clinical team to achieve optimal treatment results for clients with substance use and co-occurring disorders.
5. Adequate knowledge base of community resources in the areas of mental health, substance use, medical, housing, financial entitlements, insurance and legal advocacy for client treatment purposes and relationship building.
6. Understanding of treatment approaches, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), trauma-informed methods, CBT, SBIRT, MRT, DBT, Harm Reduction and Relapse Prevention.
7. Maintain a current knowledge base of substance use and co-occurring treatment issues.
8. Understand the impact of culture on substance use and co-occurring integrated treatment practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification required.
2. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred.
3. Bilingual (preferred) in one or more of the following: Spanish, Italian, Haitian, Creole, Greek, French or American Sign Language proficiency.
4. Possess a minimum of three years of providing substance use disorder treatment services.
5. Computer proficiency, including the ability to master the Electronic Health Record (EHR) is required.
6. Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality standards as promulgated by the state; (OASAS, OMH, DOH) and federal government (SAMHSA and 42 CFR).
8. Must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
9. Must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
10. Must be and maintain clearance through the NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
11. Must be and maintain clearance by the DCJS New York State Sex Offender Registry.
12. Pre-employment drug screen is required as a condition of employment.
13. Must be and maintain clearance by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and the New York State Medicaid Exclusion List.
14. Must be and maintain clearance by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
15. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by the applicable law.
To apply, please send your cover letter and résumé by e-mail to employment@mhawestchester.org with "OASAS CASAC Clinician" as the subject line of the e-mail. Thank you.