Substance Use Specialist

JOB SCOPE:
This is a direct service position requiring specific knowledge of mental health, and skills in crisis
intervention and stabilization. The SUS II acts as an advocate and liaison for consumers in helping them
secure help through harm reduction, detox and other community supports that promote integrated dual
disorder treatment. As part of the ACT Team, you must be willing to go out into the community to
provide services. This position requires clinical experience, and the desire to work as part of a team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
 Conducts daily visits in the community, completes subsequent progress notes and other required
documentation in accordance with agency and OMH standards.
 Completes Wellness Plans, Comprehensive assessments and other documentation as required.
 Identifies the treatment services consumers should receive based on severity of substance use
diagnosis, stage of change, immediate needs and recommend treatment objectives for the
consumer’s treatment plan.
 Facilitate weekly Harm Reduction and Relapse Prevention treatment groups.
 Participates in daily morning meeting, and informs ACT team in daily meetings and weekly
clinical meetings around substance use issues and incorporate findings into service plans.
 Involves family and significant others in the consumer’s treatment with the ACT team and
provide psycho-education and relapse prevention based on motivational interviewing and
cognitive behavioral strategies during visits.
 Provide 24-hour crisis intervention on-call services on rotating basis.
 Performs other duties, consistent with the goals and objectives of the program, as directed by
Team Leader.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
 Master’s Degree required - LMHC, LMSW, LCSW, or equivalent in licensure in NYS.
 At least one year of experience working with individuals with serious mental illness with co-occurring substance use disorders.