Job Title: CASAC Clinician

Reports To : Clinic Director of SUD Services

Location: White Plains, NY (1 day remote 4 onsite)

Hours Per Week: 35 hours (full-time)

Salary: 50K-55K

Join our Team! Join us at The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA), 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 CASAC Clinician provides clinic-based behavioral counseling and education to clients with co-occurring disorders and issues that encompass all life domains. Mental health and substance use disorder treatment methods are combined to meet the needs of these individuals. The CASAC Clinician is a member of an interdisciplinary professional clinical team that utilizes an evidence-based integrated treatment approach utilizing harm reduction strategies that are strength-based, trauma-informed and person-centered in practice in our Article 32 Substance Use Disorder Clinic located in White Plains, NY.

Key Responsibilities :

• Perform integrated screening and identification of all co-occurring issues, including mental health, substance use, brain injury, intellectual/developmental disabilities, trauma, domestic violence, legal, housing, abuse/neglect, and other challenges.
• Assess the client for MAT eligibility, if warranted.
• Determine the appropriate level of care and treatment setting in terms of client’s individual needs.
• Develop integrated treatment plans that reflect an understanding of client needs as related to issues that impact physical health, mental health, cognitive functioning, and psychosocial needs.
• Facilitate group and individual counseling sessions.
• Refer clients in a timely manner to alternative treatment and support services as needed, e.g., detoxification, rehabilitation programs, supported housing, peer support, recovery self-help meetings, 12-Step Programs, Mutual Aid , etc.
• Maintain clinical records in compliance with all regulatory bodies and MHA Westchester policies and procedures.
• Facilitate crisis intervention services to address the client’s current needs in conjunction with making appropriate time-sensitive referrals.
• Monitor toxicology screenings and results.
• Participate in discharge plan development.
• Work in a collaborative manner with clinic staff, MHA staff across agency programs, as well as staff from external care providers, including physicians, hospitals, specialty clinics, behavioral health practitioners, homeless shelters, county entities (DCMH, DSS, etc.), etc.
• Attend and actively participate in clinic team meetings.
• Participate in all necessary activities to ensure payment for treatment services by managed care payers, Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurers.
• Follow the established clinic policies and procedures.
• Participate in program development and training programs.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Key Competencies :

• Proficient written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Familiarity with the ability to use an Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently along and with a clinical team to achieve optimal treatment results for clients with co-occurring disorders.
• Adequate knowledge base of community resources in the areas of mental health, substance use, medical, housing, financial entitlements, insurance and legal advocacy for client treatment purposes and relationship building.
• Understanding of treatment approaches, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), trauma-informed methods, CBT , SBIRT, DBT and Relapse Prevention.
• Maintain a current knowledge base of co-occurring treatment issues.
• Understand the impact of culture on co-occurring integrated treatment practices.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) :

• Track client progress in achieving treatment goals, including managing substance use and improving mental health.
• Monitor the number and effectiveness of crisis interventions performed.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of referrals to external treatment and support services.
• Ensure that clinical records are maintained accurately and in compliance with regulatory bodies.
• Assess the effectiveness of collaboration with clinic staff and external providers in managing client care.
• Track activities related to securing payment for treatment services from managed care and insurance entities.

Requirements :

• NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification or CASAC-T Certification is required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Possess a minimum of 3 years of providing substance use disorder treatment services.
• Computer proficiency, including the ability to master the Electronic Health Record (EHR) is required.
• Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality standards as promulgated by the state; (OMH, OASAS, DOH) and federal government (SAMHSA and 42CFR).
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
• Must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification 30 days after hire.
• Must be cleared NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
• Must be cleared by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and the New York State Medicaid Exclusion List.
• Must be cleared by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

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 .