Counselor (CASAC/LMSW / LMHC / LCSW)

Integrated Counselor (CASAC LMSW / LMHC / LCSW) - Intensive Crisis Unit
Part-Time or Full-Time (20 to 40 hours per week)
Schedule: TBD
Location: 904 East Church Street, Suite A, Elmira, NY 14901

Position Summary

The Integrated Counselor provides comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services within a 24/7 Intensive Crisis Center and integrated care setting. This role supports individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises through rapid assessment, brief intervention, stabilization, and transition planning, while also delivering ongoing therapeutic services as appropriate.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Integrated Counselor collaborates with medical, psychiatric, nursing, substance use, and peer recovery providers to deliver coordinated, whole-person care addressing co-occurring mental health, substance use, and psychosocial needs. Responsibilities and level of autonomy vary based on licensure and credentialing.

There is a shift differential with this program:

• Day Shift (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM): $1.00 per hour
• Evening Shift (5:00 PM – 11:00 PM): $2.00 per hour
• Overnight Shift (11:00 PM – 8:00 AM): $3.00 per hour

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct rapid, comprehensive diagnostic, substance use, and psychosocial assessments to determine clinical needs, risk factors, and appropriate level of care
• Provide individual, family, and group counseling using evidence-based, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and harm reduction approaches
• Deliver crisis assessment and intervention, including suicide risk screening, safety planning, and relapse risk management
• Develop, implement, and update individualized, integrated treatment plans focused on stabilization, engagement, and measurable outcomes
• Provide brief interventions in a high-acuity environment, emphasizing crisis stabilization and discharge readiness
• Monitor client engagement and progress in real time, adapting interventions as clinically indicated
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members (medical, psychiatric, nursing, SUD, and peer staff) to ensure coordinated care delivery
• Facilitate discharge and transition planning, including referrals to appropriate levels of care (outpatient, inpatient, residential, and community supports)
• Document all services in the electronic health record in a timely, accurate, and compliant manner in accordance with NYS OASAS, OMH, Public Health Law, HIPAA, and 42 CFR standards
• Participate in daily team huddles, shift reports, interdisciplinary case conferences, and quality improvement activities
• Maintain productivity expectations through effective client engagement and workflow management

Role Differentiation by CredentialCASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor)

• Functions as an independent practitioner within CASAC scope, providing SUD-specific counseling and relapse prevention services
• Collaborates closely with licensed clinicians for co-occurring mental health needs
• May provide mentorship and guidance to CASAC-T staff

LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker)

• Provides clinical services under supervision of an independently licensed clinician (LCSW or LMHC)
• Participates in regular supervision and professional development toward independent licensure
• Supports care coordination, case management, and community referrals

LMHC / LCSW (Independent License)

• Functions autonomously within professional scope, providing advanced diagnostic, clinical, and therapeutic services
• Serves as a clinical leader and resource within the integrated care team
• Provides mentorship, clinical consultation, and supervision to LMSWs and CASAC staff
• Contributes to program development, staff training, and quality assurance initiatives

Secondary Functions

• Collaborate with internal and external providers to ensure continuity of care and successful transitions
• Participate in program development and quality improvement initiatives related to crisis and integrated care services
• Maintain current knowledge of laws, regulations, and best practices in mental health and substance use treatment
• Attend required trainings related to crisis intervention, integrated care, and regulatory compliance
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of mental health, substance use disorders, relapse prevention, and recovery principles
• Understanding of crisis stabilization, brief intervention models, and integrated treatment approaches
• Ability to conduct efficient, clinically sound assessments in high-acuity environments
• Strong skills in engagement, motivational interviewing, de-escalation, and crisis management
• Proficiency in electronic health record systems and documentation standards
• Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, team-based environment
• Leadership and mentorship skills (LMHC/LCSW preferred)

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Regular use of computer and standard office equipment
• Ability to maintain visual and auditory acuity
• Occasional lifting/moving of up to 25 pounds
• Ability to respond effectively to behavioral health crises using de-escalation techniques
• Ability to manage stress and maintain professionalism in high-acuity environments
• Potential exposure to illness or unsanitary conditions; adherence to safety protocols required

Work Environment

Work is performed in a 24/7 Intensive Crisis Center and/or integrated clinical setting providing immediate stabilization and ongoing behavioral health services. The environment is fast-paced, high-acuity, and requires flexibility, responsiveness, and strong interdisciplinary teamwork.

The organization maintains a tobacco-, alcohol-, and drug-free workplace.

QualificationsRequired (All Candidates)

• Valid New York State credential/licensure in one of the following:
• CASAC (in good standing with OASAS), or
• LMSW, LMHC, or LCSW
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (CASAC) or Master’s degree (LMSW/LMHC/LCSW) in a related field
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in behavioral health, substance use, or integrated care settings (CASAC)
• Experience in crisis stabilization, inpatient, or emergency services strongly preferred
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass required background checks

Additional Requirements by License

• LMSW: Must work under supervision of an independently licensed clinician
• LMHC/LCSW: Minimum of three (3) years post-master’s clinical experience preferred

This job description is intended to provide a description of essential job functions that are used in order to assess employee performance. It is not an all-inclusive statement of job responsibilities.

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Pay: $26.00 - $36.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you Interested in Full-Time?
• Are you Interested in Part-Time?

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• Mental health counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
• Clinical counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
• Psychiatry: 1 year (Preferred)
• Patient assessment: 1 year (Preferred)
• Behavioral health: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• CASAC,LMSW, LCSW, or LMHC (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $36