Credentialed Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)

University of Rochester • Rochester, NY

12d • $28 - $40

About The Position

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. GENERAL PURPOSE: Provides counseling services, under direct supervision, as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team caring for alcoholics, addicts and drug abusing persons and their families. Develops and carries out specific treatment goals using independent professional judgment. May have supervisory responsibility for other team members.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a discipline related to human services and 1 year of related experience in substance use disorder treatment setting required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to work as co-therapist 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
• CASAC-T upon hire required
• CASAC Certification within 1 year required

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive intake evaluations through direct patient interviews, assessing substance use history including type, quantity, frequency, and patterns of licit, prescription, or illicit substances. Evaluate the psychological, social, legal, medical, psychiatric, financial, vocational, and educational impacts of substance use, as well as prior treatment history such as detoxification, rehabilitation, drug-free programs, and medication-assisted treatment. Assess motivation for change, psychological dependence, personal resources, and relevant family history. Prepare written and verbal clinical reports for multidisciplinary intake review and diagnostic conferences while maintaining productivity standards and compliance with program and departmental policies and procedures.
• May present educational information at seminars or patient groups as required.
• Communicate with patients and external partners while adhering to confidentiality laws and patient rights. Coordinate with healthcare agencies, employers, criminal justice programs, and social service organizations to clarify referral circumstances and incorporate information into the diagnostic team’s assessment of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Provide counseling to individuals with substance use disorders within a comprehensive treatment plan. Demonstrate strong listening, empathy, supportive confrontation, and motivational skills to monitor patient engagement, compliance, and participation in treatment. Communicate treatment team decisions to patients and collaborate with interdisciplinary team members as needed while establishing and maintaining long-term therapeutic relationships.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation including treatment plans, problem-oriented progress notes, periodic updates to treatment plans, documentation of incidents, discharge summaries, and interagency communications and correspondence.
• Apply knowledge of the psychological, social, spiritual, behavioral, vocational, and physical effects of substance use, including alcohol, opiates, stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens, compulsive drug-related behavior, peer group relationships among individuals with substance use disorders, and family interaction patterns related to substance use. Demonstrate knowledge of treatment approaches for alcoholism and addiction including drug-free treatment, detoxification, and medication-assisted treatment such as methadone or other medications used for detoxification or maintenance. Understand the indications and limitations of drug testing methods such as urine drug screens. Maintain familiarity with and the ability to work with local and regional services and agencies that support individuals with substance use disorders, including self-help programs for patients and families, educational and referral resources, inpatient detoxification, rehabilitation and therapeutic community programs, residential facilities, vocational counseling, and employment services.
• Design and implement therapeutic interventions and facilitate group counseling processes.
• Maintain continuing education in knowledge and skills related to chemical dependency counseling through attendance at in-service meetings and other professional development activities. Participate in regular supervision with a clinical supervisor regarding all clinical activity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level