The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is a community-based not-for-profit committed to recovery-focused mental health services through advocacy, community education and direct services. We are recognized as the leader in Westchester in providing person-centered services that involve collaborating with each individual to achieve his or her goals.
MHA facilitates recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaborative work. Our highly trained staff utilize evidence-based practices throughout our comprehensive array of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services.
Through our robust services, as well as our advocacy programs and community events, MHA is able to meet the needs of thousands of men, women, children and families each year, helping them live independent lives in the community.
Join our Team! We have an exciting new opportunity for a “CASAC Counselor” in our Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) located in White Plains and surrounding communities.
The primary purpose of the MCRT Team partnership model to support law enforcement in addressing mental health crisis through rapid engagement, assessment of needs, and providing short-term support and linkage to necessary services, such as crisis prevention and response team, crisis stabilization services, treatment programs, County Single Point of Access (SPOA), peer supports, care management, respite and social services. The MCRT Team is charged with addressing a wide range of behavioral health related crisis including crisis resolution, suicide threats, wellness checks, substance misuse, and more, relaying on a trauma-informed, de-escalation and harm reduction techniques. This program runs 24/7 staffing model.
SUMMARY of DUTIES
The CASAC counselor is responsible for direct patient services as a member of the clinical staff to individuals in crisis. Will possess knowledge of area resources and agency services in particular to coordinate care that is individualized. Must possess the ability to engage and effect change through a person-centered model. Demonstrate initiative, flexibility, creativity and a collaborative spirit. The CASAC counselor will support recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaboration. When possible, the CASAC will utilize evidence-based practices; always embracing a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.
SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provide culturally sensitive direct, clinical triage and assessment services, which may include but are not limited to: assessment and treatment planning, crisis counseling and intervention, and community consultation and education. Services are delivered to anyone and anywhere within the community.
2. Document client interactions in electronic health record to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures.
3. Identify case management needs of clients and coordinate with other agency staff and community agencies to have these needs met.
4. Coordinate treatment with other community agencies and services; particularly around social determinants of health to meet immediate needs of an individual.
5. Establish and continually develop relationship with community providers, resources, programs, etc. to assist with connection, communication around needs of clients and continuation of services for client.
6. Engage daily with members of law enforcement, 9-1-1 services, first responders and other various entities of emergency services.
7. Participate in program development and required training programs.
8. Follow the established agency/program policies & procedures.
9. Maintain appropriate professional standards.
10. Operate of agency vehicle.
11. Other related duties.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS
1. Principles, practices and methods of community mental health treatment including complexity-capable interviewing, assessment, and crisis intervention.
2. Understanding of treatment approaches, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), trauma-informed methods, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Relapse Prevention.
3. Maintain a current knowledge base of co-occurring treatment issues.
4. Understand the impact of culture on co-occurring integrated treatment practices.
5. Applicable city, state and federal guidelines and laws affecting mental health treatment, substance use services and reporting procedures.
6. Knowledge of the common challenges associated with behavioral health conditions, including co-occurring disorders.
7. Community mental health resources and services and other health, financial, social, recreational cultural, housing and legal advocacy services.
8. Understanding the impact of culture on mental health/substance use practices.
9. Familiarity with and ability to use an Electronic Health Record system.
10. Strong attention to detail.
11. Effective crisis intervention skills.
12. Problem solving skills.
13. Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification or CASAC-T Certification required. Must obtain CASAC status within 12-month period of post hire.
2. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
3. Possess a minimum of one year of providing co-occurring/substance use disorder treatment services.
4. Computer proficiency, including the ability to master the Electronic Health Record (EHR) is required.
5. Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality standards as promulgated by the state; (OMH, OASAS, DOH) and federal government (SAMHSA and 42 CFR).
7. The CASAC counselor must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
8. The CASAC counselor must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
9. The CASAC counselor must be cleared NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
10. The CASAC counselor must be cleared by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and the New York State Medicaid Exclusion List.
11. The CASAC counselor must be cleared by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
12. The CASAC counselor must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by the applicable law.
To apply, please send your cover letter and résumé by e-mail to [email protected] with “CASAC Counselor-MCRT” as the subject line of the e-mail. Thank you.
Source: Indeed.com
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