CASES keeps people out of jail and prison by engaging them in effective services that help them achieve success in the community. We specialize in serving youth and young adults and people with behavioral health needs. CASES is a leading New York City provider of alternatives to incarceration, a key solution for a fairer criminal justice system. This is an important time at CASES. New York City is on track to create a smaller, safer, and fairer criminal justice system. Working at CASES is more than a job. It is an opportunity to promote justice for New Yorkers with access to high-quality and evidence-based court services.

The ACT team provides mobile community based mental health treatment to promote the recovery and community integration of 68 adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. The Substance Use Specialist provides 80% of services in consumers’ homes, shelters, and other community locations. The specialist leads the team’s integrated treatment addressing the needs of consumers at various stages of recovery. The integrated substance abuse services are delivered individually and through group treatment. The specialist will use assertive outreach and engagement strategies, motivational interviewing and stage-wise interventions that target readiness for change.

Reports to: Team Leader

•    Complete the ACT comprehensive assessment and lead the assessment of the addiction related components of the assessment
•    Identify the treatment services consumers should receive in ACT based on severity of substance use diagnosis, stage of change and immediate needs and recommend treatment objectives for the consumer’s service plan
•    During the assessment obtains information: a) to establish the degree of risk for substance use and associated harmful behaviors, and interventions required to promote progress towards recovery, and b) lead the ACT team in daily meetings and weekly clinical meetings around addiction issues and incorporate findings into service plans
•    Build in review and evaluation points, and modify the service plan in the light of feedback from recipients and relevant others
•    Develop comprehensive service plans and 6-month service plan reviews in collaboration with the consumer and the consumer’s support system
•    Run weekly Relapse Prevention group
•    Involve family and significant others in the consumer’s treatment with the ACT team
•    Complete 6-month comprehensive assessment, crisis intervention and relapse prevention plans, progress notes and other significant data
•    Provide individual mental health, relapse prevention, harm reduction and substance abuse counseling based on motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral responses to mental illness and substance abuse
•    Work effectively with the consumer’s support system, education and vocational training providers, and self-help groups providing services to ACT consumers. Link consumers to self-help recovery groups
•    Complete at least 68 face-to-face treatment contacts in the community each month
•    Direct standards for toxicology screens, along with team psychiatrist and in accordance with Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) orders
•    Assess and provide supports to consumer to address needs for problem- solving, wellness self-management, housing, income support, education and vocational training, social supports, employment, and primary care.
•    Act as an advocate and liaison for consumers in securing emergency detox and rehabilitation care, and other community supports that promote integrated dual disorder treatment
•    Evaluate, on a continuing basis, use of services and expected outcomes
•    Involve family, significant others, and housing providers in treatment
•    Provide 24-hour crisis intervention on-call services on rotating basis
•    Serve as a member of the First Responder Cohort as outlined in CASES’ First Responder Policy and Procedures
•    Provide 80 percent of treatment contacts in the community
Provide culturally competent services in accordance with CASES policies and practice
 

•    LMSW, LMHC, or LCSW with current New York State license required.
•    At least three years of experience working in human services with individuals with serious mental illness and those with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders
•    Experience understanding various evidence-based models and theories pertaining to trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, stage-wise approach to treatment of substance abuse and serious mental illness
•    Highly organized and self-motivated
•    Knowledge utilizing electronic health record and/or databases. Knowledge of Foothold AWARDS is preferred. 

The salary range for this position is competitive and commensurate with demonstrated experience and skills.CASES also offers an excellent benefits package.

Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

CASES is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with CASES is based solely on qualifications and competence for a particular position, without regard to race, color, ethnic or national origin, age, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or marital, military, or citizenship status. We also actively recruit individuals with prior involvement in the criminal justice system.Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.