CASAC Substance Abuse Counselor- MCRT

Title: Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor

Program: Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT)

Reports To: Clinic Coordinators

Hours Per Week: 35 (full-time)

Salary Range: 50-60K

Join our Team! Join us at The Mental Health Association (MHA) of Westchester, where our mission is to promote mental wellness through advocacy, community education, and direct services. We empower individuals and families on their unique journeys to recovery, honoring their rights to self-determination, choice, and collaboration. With evidence-based practices and a focus on trauma-responsive care, our dedicated team provides comprehensive services to thousands and fosters independence and resilience within our community. If you're passionate about making a difference in mental health and creating brighter futures for individuals and families throughout the Lower Hudson Valley region, apply today!

Summary Description: The Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) plays a pivotal role within the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) partnership model, collaborating with law enforcement to address mental health crises effectively. They provide direct patient services, focusing on rapid engagement, assessment, and short-term support, while coordinating with various community agencies to ensure individuals receive necessary services.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide culturally sensitive clinical triage, assessment, and crisis intervention services as part of the MCRT, responding to diverse behavioral health-related crises, including crisis resolution, suicide threats, and substance misuse.
2. Document client interactions accurately in electronic health records, ensuring thorough and timely recording of assessment findings, interventions, and referrals made.
3. Coordinate case management needs of clients, liaising with other agency staff and community agencies to facilitate access to services related to social determinants of health, such as housing, financial entitlements, and legal advocacy.
4. Develop and maintain relationships with community providers and resources, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration to support ongoing client care.
5. Engage daily with members of law enforcement, 9-1-1 services, first responders, and other emergency services entities, responding to dispatch calls as assigned.
6. Participate actively in program development initiatives, contributing insights and feedback to enhance the effectiveness of crisis response services.
7. Adhere strictly to established agency policies and maintain professional standards, ensuring compliance with confidentiality standards and legal regulations governing patient care.
8. Operate agency vehicles as necessary to facilitate timely response and outreach within the community.

Key Competencies:

1. In-depth knowledge of community mental health treatment practices, including complexity-capable interviewing, assessment, and crisis intervention techniques.
2. Familiarity with local resources in mental health, substance use, medical, housing, financial entitlements, and legal advocacy for effective client treatment and relationship building.
3. Understanding of the impact of culture on mental health practices, demonstrating cultural competence and humility in interactions with clients and stakeholders.
4. Proficiency in computer skills, including mastery of electronic health records systems to ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation of client interactions.
5. Strong attention to detail, coupled with effective crisis intervention and de-escalation skills to manage high-stress situations safely and efficiently.
6. Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills, enabling efficient coordination of case management needs and service provision.
7. Bilingual fluency in Spanish strongly preferred to facilitate communication with diverse populations within the community.
8. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural humility, fostering an environment of respect and understanding in all interactions.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

1. Timely and accurate documentation of client interactions in electronic health records.
2. Successful coordination of case management needs with community agencies, ensuring access to essential services for clients.
3. Positive feedback from law enforcement and emergency services regarding the effectiveness of crisis response interventions.
4. Active participation in program development initiatives, contributing valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
   

Requirements:

1. Active CASAC certification, with CASAC-T considered.
2. Bachelor's or Master’s degree preferred
3. Experience working with individuals with behavioral health diagnoses, substance use disorders, and trauma histories, including navigating systems such as housing, criminal justice, and healthcare.
4. Understanding of confidentiality standards promulgated by state and federal agencies governing patient care.
5. Reliable, team-oriented, and stress-resistant, with a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
6. Clearance through various state and federal agencies, including the NYS Justice Center, DCJS New York State Sex Offender Registry, and others as required.
7. Legal eligibility to work in the United States.

Special Considerations: Full-time position with rotating weekends and holidays required. Ability to travel within the service area, operate agency vehicles, and engage in outreach activities that may involve prolonged standing, walking, and sitting.

The Mental Health Association of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The Mental Health Association of Westchester is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, you may contact the Human Resources Department via telephone at 914-345-5900 or via e-mail at hrsupport@mhawestchester.org .