Substance Abuse Specialist

 The Substance Abuse Specialist is a clinical staff member, who in addition to performing routine team duties, has lead responsibility for integrating dual-recovery treatment with ACT patients.  The Substance Abuse Specialist must have knowledge of substance abuse assessment, stage wise treatment, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction.   Competency must be demonstrated by at least 1 year of training and/or experience in integrated mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment.

Responsibilities:

• Formulates treatment plans for assigned caseload, prepare substance abuse assessments for all ACT patients, and write progress notes based on regular individual and/or group counseling sessions.
• Conducts follow-up services with community supports, collaborate with treatment providers, and connect with patient supports to insure the continuation and success of rehabilitation services.
• Connect patients to rehabilitation supports around the community in promoting recovery (outpatient substance abuse program, AA, NA).
• Attends meetings and conferences around the community for the purpose of providing information about service goals and objectives, and to provide consultation on the special needs of patients.
• Attends multi-disciplinary staff meetings to discuss and evaluate ongoing treatment and rehabilitation services for the patient and their families.
• Provide clinical support and backup to other clinical staff as needed.
• Provide on-call emergency consultation coverage as needed.
• Perform other duties (not outlined above) as needed

Qualifications/Requirements:

Experience:

• Knowledge of the dynamics of the disease of alcoholism and/or substance abuse, including both the

physical and psychological effects of alcohol and drugs, both to the patient and family members, and the modern methods for rehabilitative treatment;

• Familiarity with the community, public and local agencies which provide services for patients with alcohol and substance abuse;
• Ability to work with alcoholic and substance abuse clients in a manner which is dependable, consistent, supportive and sympathetic;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with both lay and professional persons, and also with people from a wide range of socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds in a stressful environment;
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and good writing skills;
• Ability to evaluate a problem related to alcoholism and substance abuse, and assist clients and/or their families to arrive at solutions which are workable within their individual socioeconomic environment;

Education:  

Possess a Master’s degree in social work, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, or related field.

Licenses / Certifications: 

CASAC and NY Licensure (LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, or psychologist) preferred