Substance Use Specialist-ME533702

JOB SUMMARY:  

Under the general supervision of the Team Leader/Program Director, and the guidelines provided by the NYS OMH functions as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team with shared caseloads, assists participating individuals who have serious and persistent mental illness in developing and maintaining viable living, working and social situations in the community by obtaining needed medical, social, psychosocial, educational, financial, vocational and other services. Has lead responsibility for integrating dual-recovery treatment with the tasks of other team members. Participates in the provision of crisis intervention services to participants 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless this causes undue hardship to the agency.

1. Perform assessment of substance abuse and substance abuse diagnosis.  Using competencies acquired through experience and/or training, such as motivational interviewing techniques, stage-wise treatment, knowledge of principles and practices of harm reduction etc., counsels recipients, individually and in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes.
2. Complete and maintain accurate records and reports regarding the recipients' histories and progress, services provided, and other required information.
3. Develop recipient treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and recipient histories.
4. Review and evaluate recipients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
5. Interview recipients, review records, and confer with other professionals to evaluate individuals' mental and physical condition, and to determine their suitability for participation in a specific program.
6. Intervene as advocate for recipients or recipients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
7. Provide recipients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services and programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
8. Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in recipient status.
9. Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals and other health professionals such as doctors, nurses, and social workers.
10. Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
11. Plan and implement follow-up and aftercare programs for recipients to be discharged from treatment programs.
12. Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.
13. Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting recipients or recipients.
14. Participate in case conferences and staff meetings.
15. Act as liaisons between recipients and medical staff.
16. Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services and other post-treatment agencies.
17. Confer with family members or others close to recipients to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress.
18. Instruct others in program methods, procedures, and functions.
19. Follow progress of discharged recipients to determine effectiveness of treatments.
20. Develop, implement, and evaluate public education, prevention, and health promotion programs, working in collaboration with organizations, institutions, and communities.
21. Performs other job related duties that may be assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

High School diploma or GED and a minimum of 3 years of experience in providing direct services to individuals with mental disabilities (i.e., persons properly diagnosed as suffering from mental illness, and/or alcoholism, or substance abuse) including at least 1 year training/experience in integrated mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment, motivational interviewing techniques and stage-wise treatment.  CASAC or CASAC-T and acquisition of full CASAC credential within one year of appointment to position. Valid NYS driver’s license preferred

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
At least two years experience integrated mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment, motivational interviewing techniques and stage-wise treatment. Knowledge of the principles and practices of harm reduction. Substance abuse counseling experience with individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse.