Substance Abuse Specialist

Substance Abuse Specialist

Licensed Behavioral Health Clinicians provide supportive counseling, advocacy, education, and care management to help patients and families navigate mental illness, access community resources, and manage symptoms to remain safely in the community. This senior, master’s-level, licensed social services role provides direct care as part of a team. Join us in building on our 130-year history and become part of the Future of Care that strengthens communities with high quality, integrated behavioral health programs.

• Attractive sign‑on bonus and referral bonus opportunities
• Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 30 days and 9 company holidays
• Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones:
  Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability
• Employer‑matched retirement savings
• Personal and financial wellness programs
• Pre‑tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care
• Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
• Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities
• Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of Professionals

• Utilize approved assessments to identify client/members needs and develop clinical care plans.
• Maintain effective care management for assigned caseload, leading the coordination for complex psychiatric clinical cases.
• Provide supportive counseling and ongoing mental health services.
• Collaborate and refer to appropriate agencies; address concerns and use motivational interviewing to foster behavioral changes.
• Develop an inventory of resources that meet identified client needs.
• Link, coordinate with, refer to and follow up with service providers and managed care plans.
• Facilitate case record reviews and conferences with all providers.
• Provide advocacy and education to clients/families about entitlements, community services, transportation, and appointments.
• Assist clients/families in creating sustainable community support networks.
• Participate in initial and ongoing trainings to maintain skills.
• Maintain updated case records in EMR, adhering to policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, utilization review and discharge planning meetings.
• Cover 24/7 on‑call schedule and perform on‑call duties as required.
• Act as liaison with other community agencies.
• Provide short‑term counseling (coping skills, trauma‑informed decision making) and risk health assessment/safety planning.
• Collect and report data, adhering to productivity standards.
• Lead and participate in network meetings with client and support network using the Open Dialogue Model.

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Family Therapy or related field.
• Minimum of two years mental‑health work experience delivering direct services to clients with Serious Mental Illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and/or chronic medical conditions.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Bilingual skills may be required as determined by operational needs.
• License and current registration to practice as a Mental Health Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker or related license in New York State.
• Valid NYS  NYS driver’s license may be required per operational needs.

USD $63,800.00 – USD $79,800.00 per year.

VNS Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit home and community‑based health care organizations. Innovating in health care for over 130 years, our commitment to health and well‑being drives us: we help people live, age and heal where they feel most comfortable, in their own homes, connected to their families and community. Over 10,000 VNS Health team members deliver compassionate care, unparalleled expertise, and 24/7 solutions to more than 43,000 neighbors.

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