Substance Abuse Counselor

Position: Substance Use Counselor / CASAC (CFC & CTC)
Classification: Full-time Exempt
Reports to:Senior Director of Outpatient and Community Outreach Services
Work location/Schedule: Upper East Side (onsite and community-based); Monday Friday 9 a.m. 5 p.m.; includes some fieldwork and occasional schedule flexibility based on program needs

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 Manhattans 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 housing and supportive services including counseling substance use treatment vocational and educational programs and employment support. To learn more about our work please visit Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter ().

Are you a counselor who believes recovery begins with meeting people where they are

NCS is seeking a compassionate and skilled Substance Use Counselor / CASAC to join our Chance for Change (CFC) outpatient program and Chance to Connect (CTC) community outreach initiative.

Chance for Change is an OASAS-licensed outpatient program that provides integrated recovery-oriented treatment in a welcoming clubhouse-style environment. Chance to Connect extends this work into the community through street outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness and complex behavioral health needs.

This role offers a unique opportunity to deliver both clinic-based and community-based services supporting individuals across the continuum of care from initial engagement to sustained recovery.

Why Join Chance for Change & Chance to Connect

Clinical Supervision Toward Licensure
Clinical supervision is available for LMSWs pursuing LCSW licensure and for CASAC-T counselors working toward CASAC credentialing.

Mission-Driven Work with Real Community Impact
Support individuals facing substance use disorders mental health challenges homelessness and chronic health conditions through compassionate person-centered care.

A Collaborative Clubhouse Treatment Environment
Work within a supportive community-oriented model that emphasizes connection recovery and holistic wellness.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Substance Use Counselor / CASAC provides integrated substance use and mental health services across both clinic-based and community-based settings. The role includes individual counseling group facilitation outreach engagement and care coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness and co-occurring disorders.

The clinician works collaboratively with multidisciplinary staff to support individuals in achieving stability recovery and improved quality of life using trauma-informed harm reduction and recovery-oriented approaches.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Services (CFC)

Provide individual group and family counseling to program participants.
Conduct person-centered intake assessments and develop individualized recovery care plans.
Deliver integrated treatment addressing co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions.
Monitor toxicology results and incorporate findings into treatment planning.
Facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational groups.

Outreach & Engagement (CTC)

Conduct community-based outreach in parks transit hubs shelters and other settings.

Engage individuals experiencing homelessness using trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches.
Build trust with hard-to-engage individuals and support connection to services.

Case Management & Service Coordination

Link individuals to housing medical care mental health services and substance use treatment
Provide referrals for detox outpatient treatment and medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Assist with benefits applications (SSI/SSDI Medicaid) and collaborate with staff trained in SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery).

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely accurate and complete documentation in AWARDS and other required

Systems.

• Complete progress notes care plans outreach logs and discharge summaries in compliance

with OASAS OMH and agency standards.

Program Participation & Collaboration

• Participate in team meetings case conferences and supervision.
• Contribute to a safe welcoming and recovery-oriented program environment.
• Engage in community-building activities including groups meals and program events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Demonstrated commitment to and passion for NCSs mission.
Current valid NYS credential: LMSW LMHC CASAC or CASAC-T required.
Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorders.
Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or serious mental illness preferred.
Strong understanding of harm reduction trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented practices.
Experience with co-occurring disorders preferred.
Strong engagement communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in clinic and community settings.
Computer proficiency and experience with electronic health records (AWARDS preferred)
Spanish language proficiency preferred.

Candidates actively working toward clinical licensure are encouraged to apply.

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 potential employees:

Successfully complete a background screening process that includes fingerprinting prior to employment (including 28-year address history)
Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (proof required upon hire)

Salary:

$60000 $65000 annually
Final pay rate will be determined based on internal equity experience education skills and certifications.

NCS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical dental and vision insurance; paid time off (vacation sick and personal days); paid holidays; a 403(b) retirement plan; disability and life insurance; and a collaborative team environment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Thank you in advance for your interest in this vacancy. We look forward to reviewing your materials.
To express interest in the role please submit a cover letter and resume to .

Equal Opportunity Employer

NCS is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do 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.