Substance Use Counselor

Position:                               Substance Use Counselor - SIGN ON BONUS!
Classification:                      Full-time, Exempt
Reports to:                           Program Director
Schedule:                              Onsite
Work location:                    Upper East Side

About Us:

Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (NCS) helps New Yorkers who have a history of homelessness, often compounded by mental illness or substance use, to achieve their highest level of independence. We were established in 1982 by faith and community leaders on Manhattan’s Upper East Side who believed that homelessness is the responsibility of the entire community. More than 40 years later, we are still guided by the principle that neighbors should help neighbors. 

Today, NCS offers an array of groundbreaking housing and supportive services, including counseling, substance use treatment, vocational and educational programs, and employment support, and we are poised for further growth. 

NCS provides New Yorkers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with a home, a community, and access to the services that they need to thrive. To learn more about our work, please visit Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (ncsinc.org).

Job Summary: 

The Chance for Change (CFC) program, an OASAS-licensed clinic (part 822) located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is an outpatient substance use treatment program primarily serving homeless adults with substance use disorders. Our program uses a “harm reduction” model within a collaborative, respectful, and empathetic environment, meeting clients wherever they are on their path to stability. Individual and group therapy sessions focus on sobriety and assist clients in managing challenges such as mental illness, chronic medical conditions, homelessness, unemployment, and other life stressors. Our comfortable “clubhouse” setting provides a safe, sober-supportive space for clients.

The counselor will be responsible for providing integrated dual diagnosis treatment at the clinic, addressing both the substance use and mental health needs of the program’s clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the Program Director to consistently maintain a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all clients utilizing the clinic's services.
• Provide integrated treatment that addresses the substance-use and mental-health treatment needs of the program’s clients.
• Conduct intake assessments using a client-centered approach. Provide individual, group, and family counseling as needed.
• Offer case management with a strong emphasis on a holistic and harm reduction approach to treatment and recovery.
• Lead therapeutic and recreational groups and activities that contribute to clients’ overall well-being.
• Maintain concise and accurate client records and ensure timely input of information into the AWARDS client data system and other reporting sources.
• Develop treatment plans, discharge plans and all other records and documentation required by NYS OASAS part 822 regulations and the NCS policy and procedures manual.
• Participate in all CFC client and volunteer activities, ensuring the program is well-prepared for client meals, award ceremonies, holiday events, and other activities.
• Monitor toxicology results as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned as needed.

Qualifications:

• Passion for or commitment to NCS’s mission.
• Proven experience working with population served in an OASAS setting.
• Licensure such as LMSW or LMHC or a CASAC-T or CASAC certification required.

• Experience working with the dually diagnosed adult population is required.
• Understanding of, and belief in, the harm reduction model.
• Familiarity with ways that homelessness can interact with substance use and mental health challenges.
• Knowledge of and experience with the NYC housing placement and resource system is an asset.
• Computer proficiency is required.
• Excellent listening and communication skills (i.e., written and verbal);
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
• Prior experience working with AWARDS client data system is a plus.
• Associate/bachelor’s degree in social work or a counseling-related field preferred.

Additional requirements:

NCS is committed to maintaining a safe and secure workplace for our employees and clients. Please be advised that regulatory agencies mandate all newly hired employees

• Successfully complete a background screening process that includes fingerprinting prior to start date. A section of the background screen requires address history for the last 28 years.
• Are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are selected for the position, proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will be required as part of the onboarding process.

Salary range: $50,000- $60,000 plus sign-on bonus.

Final salary will be determined based on various factors which may include internal equity, work experience, skills, knowledge, and/or education and/or certifications. 

BENEFITS:

NCS offers a collegial work environment, and a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation, sick days, paid holidays, 403 (b) retirement plan, disability, life insurance, and more

Equal Opportunity Employer

Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. NCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.