PER DIEM COUNSELOR

Description:

Position Summary

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is seeking a dedicated Per Diem Counselor to join The TRUST Center, an OASAS-certified outpatient substance use disorder treatment program. RECAP is committed to providing high-quality, person-centered services to individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders.

The Per Diem Counselor provides clinical and supportive services on an as-needed basis to support continuity of care and program operations. This position may provide group counseling, crisis intervention, assessments, patient engagement, referrals, toxicology screening, and care coordination while working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary treatment team.

This flexible, per diem position is ideal for a compassionate professional who demonstrates sound clinical judgment, maintains appropriate professional boundaries, and is committed to supporting individuals in recovery.

Essential Functions

Counseling and Clinical Services

• Facilitate psychoeducational, relapse prevention, recovery-oriented, and other therapeutic groups for individuals receiving substance use disorder services. 
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and stabilization services as needed. 
• Conduct psychosocial assessments within the scope of the employee's credentials and assigned responsibilities. 
• Assist with developing individualized treatment recommendations and recovery goals. 
• Support patient engagement and participation in treatment services. 
• Provide appropriate counseling and supportive services consistent with the employee's credentials, training, and scope of practice. 
• Assist with patient referrals and coordination of care. 
• Support discharge planning and continuity of care as assigned. 

Patient Care and Program Support

• Administer and document toxicology screenings in accordance with program policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. 
• Monitor and communicate patient progress, clinical concerns, and changes in patient needs to appropriate members of the treatment team. 
• Assist with patient care needs during staff absences, increased census, emergencies, or other operational demands. 
• Respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations and immediately notify the appropriate supervisor or emergency personnel when necessary. 
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with patients and colleagues. 
• Support a safe, respectful, recovery-oriented environment. 
• Perform other clinical and program-related duties as assigned. 

Compliance Responsibilities

• Complete timely, accurate, and comprehensive clinical documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR). 
• Maintain confidentiality and protect patient information in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, OASAS regulations, and RECAP policies and procedures. 
• Comply with applicable federal, New York State, local, OASAS, funding, and agency requirements. 
• Follow established policies and procedures for toxicology screening, crisis intervention, patient safety, referrals, and documentation. 
• Maintain all required credentials and certifications in good standing. 
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, training, case consultation, and professional development activities as required. 
• Maintain accurate documentation and complete assigned responsibilities within established deadlines. 
• Report significant patient safety, clinical, or compliance concerns to the appropriate supervisor in a timely manner. 

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an outpatient substance use disorder treatment environment. The position involves regular interaction with individuals receiving substance use disorder services and may involve exposure to emotionally challenging situations, crisis situations, and individuals experiencing behavioral or health-related concerns.

The Per Diem Counselor must be able to maintain professionalism, appropriate boundaries, and a calm and supportive approach in a fast-paced clinical environment.

This is a per diem, as-needed position with flexible scheduling within program operating hours of 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Scheduling may vary based on patient needs, staff coverage, program census, and operational requirements.

Behavioral Expectations

Employees are expected to:

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and dependability. 
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times. 
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with patients, families, coworkers, supervisors, and community partners. 
• Maintain appropriate professional and clinical boundaries. 
• Demonstrate compassion, cultural awareness, and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team while exercising sound judgment and initiative. 
• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to changing patient and program needs. 
• Maintain a commitment to professional development and quality patient care. 
• Follow agency policies, procedures, clinical standards, and supervisory direction. 
• Support RECAP's mission, values, and commitment to providing exceptional service. 

Disclosures

Professional Credentials: The employee must maintain the required CASAC-T, CASAC, or QHP credential in good standing throughout employment, as applicable. The employee is responsible for promptly notifying RECAP of any change in credential status, eligibility, certification, licensure, or ability to perform assigned duties.

Scope of Practice: All counseling and clinical services must be performed within the employee's credential, training, experience, applicable regulations, OASAS requirements, and RECAP policies and procedures.

Patient Confidentiality: The employee will have access to confidential patient treatment and substance use disorder information. All patient information must be protected in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, applicable federal and New York State confidentiality requirements, OASAS regulations, and RECAP policies.

Background Screening: Employment in this position is subject to applicable RECAP, OASAS, program, funding, and regulatory background screening requirements. The selected candidate must successfully complete all required screening requirements.

Drug-Free Workplace: RECAP is committed to maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace. Pre-employment and, where permitted by applicable law or required by program regulations or funding requirements, periodic drug testing may be conducted in accordance with agency policy.

Reasonable Accommodation: RECAP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal, New York State, and local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of this position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the organization.

Professional Development: Employees are expected to participate in required training, supervision, staff meetings, case consultation, and other professional development activities necessary to maintain competency and meet program requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to any protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, New York State, and local laws. RECAP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by law.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, physical requirements, or working conditions. RECAP reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties as business needs require.

Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned and are expected to comply with all agency policies, procedures, rules, clinical standards, and supervisory directives.

Nothing in this job description constitutes a contract of employment or alters the at-will employment relationship, where applicable under law.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications

• Must possess one of the following credentials: 
• CASAC-T (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor – Trainee) 
• CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) 
• Qualified Health Professional (QHP) licensed by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) 
• Knowledge of substance use disorder treatment, recovery principles, relapse prevention, and counseling practices. 
• Knowledge of or ability to learn applicable OASAS standards and requirements. 
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. 
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries. 
• Ability to effectively manage crisis situations and exercise sound judgment. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. 
• Proficiency with electronic medical record systems and basic computer applications. 
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and meet established deadlines. 
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive patient information. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in an outpatient substance use disorder treatment setting. 
• Experience facilitating individual or group counseling sessions. 
• Experience conducting psychosocial assessments. 
• Familiarity with OASAS regulations and clinical documentation standards. 
• Experience with electronic medical record systems. 
• Knowledge of evidence-based substance use disorder treatment practices. 

 Physical Requirements

While performing this job, the employee may be required to:

• Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods. 
• Move throughout the facility as necessary to perform assigned duties. 
• Perform toxicology screenings in accordance with established procedures. 
• Bend, reach, stoop, and move throughout the work environment. 
• Respond appropriately and safely to crisis or emergency situations. 
• Operate a computer and other standard office equipment. 
• Communicate effectively with patients, coworkers, supervisors, medical providers, and community partners, including the ability to talk and hear. 
• Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. 

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain a valid New York State driver’s license throughout employment.
• Must successfully complete any required agency vehicle or driver requirements.
• Must successfully complete required pre-employment background screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete the required pre-employment drug screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete any required physical examination or health clearance.
• Must maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Must complete required agency, program, and departmental training.
• Must comply with all RECAP policies, procedures, program requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Must maintain confidentiality of client, employee, and organizational information.
• Must exercise appropriate discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Must perform other job-related duties as assigned.