Substance Use Specialist

Position Title: Substance Use Specialist

Department: Older Adult ACT

Reports to:ACT Team Leader

Location: Hybrid-Flexed

Travel: 75-100% Travel within NYC boroughs and neighboring counties as appropriate

Vibrant Emotional Health's groundbreaking solutions have delivered high quality services and support, when, where and how people need it for over 50 years. Through our state-of-the-art technology-enabled services, community wellness programs, and advocacy and education work, we are building a society in which emotional wellness can be a reality for everyone.

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the ACT Team Leader and Designee, the Substance Use Specialist will be responsible for providing services to older adults with serious mental illness as part of an ACT team. This role focuses on ensuring consumer success in community living and psychiatric stabilization by providing Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) to consumers with dual mental health and substance abuse issues. The Substance Use Specialist provides and coordinates assessment, treatment, planning, and services for substance use based on the needs of the individual. Evidence-based approaches are a focus, with demonstrated knowledge in Motivational Interviewing and Harm-Reduction approaches.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide direct services and/or facilitate access to community support services (medical, mental health, substance abuse, social/recreational services, housing, entitlements) within an interdisciplinary team

• Manage caseload of up to 15 seniors with serious mental illness, ensuring comprehensive coordination of care, rehabilitation and wrap-around support to enhance independence, community connection, and goal achievement

• Conduct screenings, intakes, and bio-psychosocial assessments; assist in developing Individualized Service Plans (ISPs).

• Provides and coordinates assessment, treatment, planning, and services for substance use based on the needs of the consumer.

• Maintain accurate charting and documentation as per requirements.

• Provide crisis intervention, including emergency hospital admission support.

• Actively participate in program activities and team meetings, including daily clinical meetings.

• Be able to work flexible hours, including evenings/weekends as needed.

• Rotate coverage of the ACT Emergency Phone with other members of the team, which will include 24/7 coverage of possible outreach from clients or treatment providers.

Required Skills/ Abilities:

• Demonstrated training and/or experience in delivering evidence-based practices, such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT.

• Strong organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Proficient in computer literacy.

• Multitasking efficiently on a regular basis.

• Manages their own task list with minimal supervision.

• Bilingual/bicultural preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate-level degree with a focus in Mental Health Services required (MSW, MHC, or related degree; professional license by NYSED preferred, but not required)

• CASAC certification preferred

• 1-2 years of experience with individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires robust physical activity, coordination and stamina.

• Comfort in commuting with public transportation, constant exposure to outdoor conditions.

• Comfortable meeting with consumers inside their homes.

We determine base pay through a comprehensive review of skills, experience, education, certifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors. The range listed reflects the compensation parameters for the role and does not represent the full compensation package. A complete overview of compensation and benefits will be provided by the Talent Acquisition team during the hiring process.

Full time employees will be eligible for excellent comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental income insurance, employer paid disability insurance, employer paid life insurance, pre-tax FSA for medical and dependent care, and 401K available.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. Vibrant will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Vibrant Emotional Health is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, caregiver status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Please be aware that fictitious job openings, consulting engagements, solicitations, or employment offers may be circulated on the Internet in an attempt to obtain privileged information, or to induce you to pay a fee for services related to recruitment or training. Vibrant does NOT charge any application, processing, or training fee at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process. All genuine job openings will be posted on our careers page and all communications from the Vibrant recruiting team and/or hiring managers will be from an @vibrant.org email address.