Substance Use Specialist - ACT

Do Work That Matters. In a Culture That Means It. Be part of a team that values connection, accountability, and real impact.

Why Access? Because how we work matters just as much as what we do. At Access, our Culture Playbook isn’t a poster on the wall – it’s how we show up for each other and for the people we support.

You’ll Be Part Of a Team That Is

• Clear about expectations
• Supportive and accountable
• Focused on outcomes that matter to people.

And committed to helping people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible – while making sure out staff can do the same.

Substance Use Specialist - ACT

Location: 140 NY-303, Valley Cottage, NY 10989

Hours: 8:30am-5pm

Pay: $28.50 CASAC-T and $30.50 CASAC

Overview Of Primary Responsibilities We are seeking a Substance Use Specialist to join our ACT Team. This role provides substance use counseling, education, and support to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges.

The Substance Use Specialist will maintain a caseload, provide individual and group counseling, participate in treatment planning, and coordinate care with the interdisciplinary team and community partners. Using a harm reduction, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented approach , the Specialist supports participants in achieving their recovery and life goals through flexible, community-based services.

Primary Functions

• Maintain a caseload of 12-15 participants and provide case management services. This can fluctuate based on staffing and other team needs.
• Perform intake interviews and evaluate appropriateness for treatment.
• Complete bio-psycho-social assessments and treatment plans, and other required reporting (e.g. AOT, CAIRS) within required timeframes.
• Establish collaborative, supportive relationships with participants to promote engagement in recovery and work toward life-goals.
• Utilize trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches to provide individual, group, and family counseling as indicated by treatment plan.
• Provide psychoeducation around substance use, co-occurring disorders, recovery, and relapse prevention strategies.
• Complete timely and accurate progress notes for all participant and collateral contacts in compliance with all relevant regulations, laws, and agency policies and protocols.
• Complete discharge summaries and documentation in accordance with agency policy and regulatory standards.
• Attend and actively participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Make appropriate referrals to outside providers and community resources as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during emergencies. Participate in on-call rotation.

Additional Functional / Organizational Support

• Stay current on agency and clinic policies, as well as State and Federal requirements related to substance use services.
• Participate in individual and group supervision as scheduled.
• Respect and support interdisciplinary team decisions regarding patient care.
• Participate in staff training and professional development activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications And Attributes

• Current CASAC or CASAC-T credential required.
• Ability to work independently while functioning as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong skills in boundary-setting, limit-setting, and crisis management.
• Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of co-occurring disorders, evidence-based practices, and recovery supports.
• Ability to use electronic health record systems for documentation and other electronic systems for communication (e.g. email, Teams, Zoom, etc.)

Education And Experience

• Bachelors degree or Associates degree with experience.
• CASAC or CASAC-T credential required.
• Prior experience providing substance use counseling preferred, ideally in community-based or mental health settings.
• Valid NYS driver’s license required.
• Bilingual Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Yiddish speaking a plus.

Physical Characteristics These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to perform the job's essential functions successfully.

• Must be able to move throughout the workday and accompany individuals served in the community.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods while using a computer.
• Able to work in an open-space office setting in close proximity to co-workers (within 3 feet).
• Must be able to move in tight spaces as needed.
• Occasional lifting of more than 5 lbs. (e.g., carrying backpack with laptop and materials).
• Able to work in open space floor plan
• Must be capable to move throughout work day

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and Veterans