Substance Use Counselor I

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

150 N Chestnut St, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14604

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500127 Psych SMH Ambulatory Reg

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URC 207 H

Compensation Range:

$22.91 - $30.93

Responsibilities:

The Substance Use Counselor 1 is a member of the CAT team and serves as the first point of contact for individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment services. This role is responsible for conducting initial screening phone calls, gathering demographic and clinical information, assessing treatment needs, determining MOUD or MAUD needs, providing information about available services, and scheduling intake appointments. This position serves as a liaison between patients/referring providers and clinical services to ensure connection to appropriate services. This position manages and provides referrals for adults, young adults and adolescent clinical services
The Access Team Member demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to helping individuals access appropriate care in a timely manner.

SCHEDULE

• Mon-Fri: 8am-4:30pm

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Referral Coordination:  Completes screening for eligibility and facilitates referral for patients; ensures that referral is directed to the appropriate clinical services. Communicates directly with referring offices regarding outcomes or recommendations. Presents complex cases to clinical team for triage/recommendations. Has detailed knowledge of UR Behavioral Health clinics and workflows. Has knowledge of community resources for services not offered at UR.  Has ability to complete OASAS LOCADTR
• SUD expertise within the CAT Team: Functions as the subject matter expert on SUD, providing SUD consultation and determining appropriate level of care. Is knowledgeable on medications for OUD and AUD and utilizes knowledge of substance use treatment and community resources to facilitate referrals. Will identify urgent, priority access or high-risk situations and follow appropriate procedures for crisis intervention and referral.
• Develops and maintains workflows and resource lists within the electronic medical record and provides cross training/ onboarding to CAT staff in assessing substance use. Verify patient’s access to their own safety plan and Consults with Sr. Clinical Coordinator if safety concerns arise
• Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) system. Coordinate communication between clients, clinicians, care managers, referral sources, and other departments. Follow confidentiality standards and HIPAA regulations. Assist with appointment reminders, follow-up calls, and rescheduling when necessary. Documents all interactions, interventions, referrals in the patient’s chart in compliance with Division, Department and Hospital policy.
• Cultural Respect and Administrative: Ensures Psychiatry Department, and Hospital policies and procedures are implemented with regard to professional practice, discharge planning, and patient care. Complies with Division and Departmental quality assurance and staff development activities. Timely completion of time reporting and other Hospital or Division forms; Hospital and Division mandatory in-service training programs and UHS reviews. Subscribes to the Departmental goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patient, families, trainees, and co-workers in a sensitive manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences. Participates in available cultural competence events and training appropriate to job duties.
• Cross Coverage:  Provides back up services, within scope of practice, as requested in the absence of co-workers.
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to human services and 1 year of related experience required
• 1-2 years experience in working with behavioral health population in a direct care capacity preferred
• Master's degree in a discipline related to human services preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in drug/alcohol dependence treatment preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work as a directly supervised cotherapist in group therapy for alcohol/drug dependent persons and has a working knowledge of the concepts underlying group therapy including role of feelings, defenses required
• Knowledge of legal rights and societal attitudes toward the alcoholic/addicted person in and out of treatment required
• Work as a member of a team and able to work independently preferred.
• Understanding of psychosocial stressors, community resources and safety issues; basic crisis intervention skills; problem solving skills; well-developed listening skills; ability to communicate clearly; ability to advocate, research and collaborate on behalf of patients preferred.
• Knowledge of how to use Microsoft Word products and electronic medical record preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or (CASAC-T) preferred
• If CASAC-T upon hire, successful completion of examination to remove the (T (training)) designation must be completed within 12 months of hire required - NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or (CASAC-T) required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.