Substance Abuse Counselor

Company Description

Brooklyn Community Housing and Services (BCHS) is dedicated to ending homelessness in Brooklyn by providing safe, supportive housing for over 600 formerly homeless individuals each year. Established in 1978, BCHS has grown to offer innovative and excellence-driven programs, including the first Scattered-Site Apartment Program for mentally ill adults. With a focus on creating a community of supportive peers, BCHS helps individuals achieve stability, independence, and a dignified life. The organization has received numerous awards for its outstanding service delivery and commitment to helping vulnerable populations.

Role Description

The Substance Abuse Counselor will serve on a multi-disciplinary service team in a 142-unit supportive housing program providing counseling and support to individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The Counselor will conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, facilitate individual and group sessions, and coordinate care with other professionals to support clients’ recovery goals.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates internal trainings to both residents and staff in the areas of Relapse Prevention, Crisis Management, Peer Counseling, and Harm Reduction, etc.
• Develop a program wide resource guide of treatment providers - detox, long-term rehab, MICA programs, etc.
• Design activities for those in recovery that support the development of independent living skills.
• Develop an assessment tool to utilize with the intake packet and as a guide for establishing treatment and support avenues.
• Carry a caseload of 2435 Pacific street residents and perform all relevant activities including timely service plans, reviews, psycho-socials, progress notes, etc.
• Document substance abuse services provided during all relevant interactions with participants throughout the program.
• Document all activities related to substance abuse counseling and treatment by publishing a quarterly recovery newsletter. Submit a monthly report that reflects substance abuse interventions and outcomes.
• Participate in Utilization Reviews and Incident Reviews.
• Participate in the recording and maintaining of accurate statistical data.
• Attend all staff meetings, clinical conferences, training seminars and other meetings assigned.
• Participate in Intake Committee process for resident applicants and design activities that support the development of independent living skills.
• Assist in weekly individual counseling of those that are in recovery or seeking support.
• Conduct special support groups.
• Work closely with team of Case Managers, Senior Case Manager and the Program Director, Deputy Director and Case Management Supervisor to ensure that an integrated approach to the provision of Psych Rehab Services and program activities occurs.
• Focus on identifying mutually agreed upon substance abuse needs and goals within the framework of Psych Rehab for those residents that are in recovery.
• Teach and encourage positive social behaviors, conflict resolution and joint planning of community building activities.
• Provide crisis intervention services which may extend to calling 911 and / or accompanying a resident to the hospital.
• Provide advocacy and linkage for residents in regard to substance abuse treatment and aftercare services.
• Create linkages with community providers of substance abuse services such as MICA detox and long-term rehab programs.
• Counsel, advocate and assist the residents to join advocacy groups and committees that offer an avenue of participation in the political process to address the issues that are related to substance use and abuse.

Qualifications

Salary Range

$61,000 - $64,000 annually ($29.00 - $30.00 per hour).

If you’re passionate about recovery work and ready to make an impact, apply today to join our dedicated counseling team.