JOB TITLE: Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)

PROGRAM: Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT)- White Plains

HOURS PER WEEK: 35

Salary Range: $50,000-$57,000

In-Person/ Mobile

The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is a community-based not-for-profit committed to recovery-focused mental health services through advocacy, community education, and direct services. We are recognized as the leader in Westchester in providing person-centered services that involve collaborating with each individual to achieve his or her goals.

MHA facilitates recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making, and collaborative work. Our highly trained staff utilize evidence-based practices throughout our comprehensive array of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services.

Through our robust services, as well as our advocacy programs and community events, MHA is able to meet the needs of thousands of adults, children, and families each year, helping them live independent lives in the community.

Join our Team! We have an exciting new opportunity for a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in White Plains and surrounding communities. 

MCRT Team partnership model to support law enforcement in addressing mental health crisis through rapid engagement, assessment of needs, and providing short-term support and linkage to necessary services, such as crisis prevention and response team, crisis stabilization services, treatment programs, County Single Point of Access (SPOA), peer supports, care management, respite, and social services. The team is charged with addressing a wide range of behavioral health-related crisis including crisis resolution, suicide threats, wellness checks, substance misuse, and more, relaying on a trauma-informed, de-escalation, and harm-reduction techniques. This program runs a 24/7 staffing model. Rotating weekends and holidays are required.

SUMMARY of DUTIES

Responsible for direct patient services as a member of the clinical staff to individuals in crisis. Possess knowledge of area resources and agency services in particular to coordinate care that is individualized. Ability to engage and effect change through a person-centered model. Demonstrate initiative, flexibility, creativity and a collaborative spirit. Support recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination choice shared decision making and collaboration. When possible, utilize evidence-based practices; always embracing a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.

SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide culturally sensitive direct, clinical triage and assessment services, which may include but are not limited to: assessment and treatment planning, crisis counseling and intervention, and community consultation and education. Services are delivered to anyone and anywhere within the community.
2. Document client interactions in electronic health records to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures.
3. Identify case management needs of clients and coordinate with other agency staff and community agencies to have these needs met.
4. Coordinate treatment with other community agencies and services; particularly around social determinants of health to meet the immediate needs of an individual.
5. Establish and continually develop relationships with community providers, resources, programs, etc. to assist with connection, communication around the needs of clients, and the continuation of services for clients.
6. Engage daily with members of law enforcement, 9-1-1 services, first responders, and other various entities of emergency services.
7. Respond to dispatch calls as assigned.
8. Participate in program development and required training programs.
9. Follow the established agency/program policies & procedures.
10. Maintain appropriate professional standards.
11. Operate of an agency vehicle.
12. Other designated related duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

1. Principles, practices, and methods of community mental health treatment including complexity-capable interviewing, assessment, and crisis intervention.
2. Adequate knowledge base of community resources in the areas of mental health, substance use, medical, housing, financial entitlements, and legal advocacy for client treatment purposes and relationship building. 
3. Understanding the impact of culture on mental health practices.
4. Computer proficiency, including the ability to master electronic health records, is required.
5. Strong attention to details.
6. Effective crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
7. Good time management, organizational and problem-solving skills.
8. Bilingual, Fluent in Spanish strongly preferred.
9. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and cultural humility. 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Active CASAC certification is required. CASAC-T will be considered.

1. Bachelor’s degree- preferred. 
2. Experience working with individuals with behavioral health diagnoses, substance use disorders, and histories of trauma; experience with navigating the systems, and interact with (housing, criminal justice, and health care) is a plus.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality standards as promulgated by the state; (OMH, OASAS, DOH) and federal government (SAMHSA and 42 CFR). 
4. Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Must be a team player who is stress resistant, flexible, creative, and open to feedback.
5. Must have advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office - Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and database management.
6. Must have and maintain a Defensive Driving certification. 
7. Must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
8. Must be and maintain clearance through the NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
9. Must be and maintain clearance by the DCJS New York State Sex Offender Registry.
10. Must be and maintain clearance by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and the New York State Medicaid Exclusion List.
11. Must be and maintain clearance by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
12. MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law.
13. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States. 

MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by the applicable law.

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