Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Program Director, the Counselor II’s function is to provide individual and group counseling and case management to a caseload of up to 40 clients. The Counselor II serves adolescents, adults, and significant others who are adversely affected by substance use within the family. The Counselor II ensures that assigned cases are managed according to the guidelines set out for Part 822 outpatient treatment by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). The position includes regular practice of some or all of the 12 Core Functions of a CASAC: screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, record keeping, and consultation.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Perform intakes and comprehensive evaluations according to OASAS Part 822 regulations and Argus’ Policy and Procedures Manual.
- Comprehensive review of the intake evaluations to assist clients with their evolving person-centered treatment plan.
- Provide individual counseling according to an established schedule with all assigned clients.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records that comply with regulatory standards and agency internal policy and procedure.
- Utilize Evidence-Based Practices to facilitate assigned therapeutic groups for clients with SUD.
- Maintain accurate filing system for program reporting of admissions, treatment updates, and discharges to OASAS Client Data System and STARS.
- Complete accurate monthly reporting, including to OASAS, grant managers, Argus Executive Management, STARS, legal referents, and others.
- Ensure that all program staff upholds the agency's Code of Conduct/Code of Ethics and complies with all federal, state and local laws/regulations, including 42 CFR confidentiality and HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
- Monitor and track toxicology samples for each client in accordance with OASAS and referent standards.
- Coordinate MAT and OTP services with Medical Team.
- Participate in Interdisciplinary Team Meetings for Case Conferences, Utilization Reviews, Quality Improvement, Incident Review, etc.
- Actively participate in clinical supervisions, with a focus on professional development and optimizing service delivery.
- Cultivate linkages with other service providers and community-based resources.
- Maintain credentials through professional development, including Continued Education, and timely recertification
- Follow training schedule and submit completion certificates when required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Criteria/Education:
- CASAC or CASAC-T, required
- Minimum of 2 years of SUD service provision, preferably in an outpatient setting
- BA in Human Services, strongly preferred
- Understanding of MAT & OTP treatment protocols
- Naloxone, First Aid, and CPR certified
- Adept working in an electronic medical record (EMR).
- Strong clinical writing and organizational skills
- Strong computer literacy
- Compassion and dedication to supporting individuals on their recovery journey
- Effective communication and collaboration abilities
