Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselor

The South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation’s (SoBro) mission is to enhance the quality of life in the South Bronx by strengthening businesses and creating innovative economic, housing, educational and career development programs for youth and adults.

SoBro’s programs include spurring economic development, building affordable housing, adult education, workforce development, helping at-risk youth to succeed, and producing other positive outcomes for South Bronx residents and employers.

As we are celebrating 50 years serving the community, SoBro intends to become a 21st community and economic development organization doing vital work in the communities we serve, incorporating the values of equity, sustainability, strong business practices and advocacy into the foundation of this anchor institution.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Substance Abuse Counselor will provide comprehensive services to residents who have a serious or persistent mental illness and/or diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in supportive housing setting. This position will aid residents in maintaining their sobriety and in becoming an active part of the local community. In addition, The Substance Abuse Counselor will assist in identifying client strengths, needs, abilities, goals and create related service plans in electronic client records systems (AWARDS/Foothold). The Substance Abuse Counselor will assist and encourage clients to develop natural support. Including these provisions in Support Plans and client-related meetings. The Substance Abuse Counselor will hold individual meetings as well as co-facilitate groups in areas including but not limited to wellness, leadership, housing, stability, employment, education, relationships, vocational, and healthy decision making while completing timely documentation in accordance with agency policy.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Screen residents for substance abuse related services.

• Provide counseling to residents along with Harm- Reduction groups.

• Provide case management, including benefits assistance, help complete housing applications, provide links to primary and behavioral health care in the community, and housing referrals to formerly homeless adults diagnosed with serious mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders.

• Assist in identifying strengths, needs, abilities, and goals and create related Support Plans in electronic client records system.

• Motivate clients to develop skills needed to maintain housing. Assist and encourage individuals to develop natural support and include these supports in Support Plans and client related meetings.

• Timely completion of required documentation for every client contact as per agency policy.

• Ensure documentation meets regulatory guidelines for level of care.

• Co-facilitate groups if requested in areas including but not limited to wellness, leadership, housing, stability, employment and education, relationships, and healthy decision making.

• Assist in preparing program for audits.

• Provide crisis intervention, as necessary.

• Compliance with requirements, including facilitating appropriate admissions and discharges, maintaining census, documentation and incident reporting

• Liaise with other departments and outside agencies.

• Ability to work with consumers/residents, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, and with due understanding of and consideration for cultural differences.

• Conduct apartment inspections on multiple floors, utilizing stairs. Provide escorts to clients throughout the community utilizing public transportation.

• Immediately reports serious incidents, serious incident allegations, incidents, or sensitive situations to supervisors.

• Completes incident reports in accordance with SoBro policy. Accounts for consumers, performs diligent searches, and files missing person reports on consumers not accounted for in accordance with policy and procedure.

• Attending staff meetings, supervision and training as required.

• Any other duties as may be assigned.

• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or Human Services with a minimum of one (1) year experience with health services field. Prior experience preferred in case management, counseling with groups and/or individuals, crisis intervention and resident advocacy. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.

• Crisis intervention and managing trauma triggered behavior.

• Excellent time management skills; stress resistant, flexible; team player; open to feedback; creative; and excellent organizational skills.

Position – Full Time

Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.

Job Location

Bronx

Salary

$48,000.00 - $50,000.00 annually

How to Apply

Interested parties should apply within the hosting jobsite (preferred).

SoBro provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or citizenship status.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

TTY/TDD: 1-800 662-1220 / Voice Relay: 1-800-421-1220