Substance Use Counselor - $21-26 per hour - VNS Health

VNS Health is seeking a Substance Use Counselor for a job in Bronx, New York.

• Specialty: Substance Use Counselor
• Discipline: Therapy
• Start Date: ASAP
• Duration: Ongoing
• Employment Type: Staff

VNS Health Peer Specialists are living examples of the transformative power of behavioral health intervention programs and who can uniquely relate to those that would benefit from VNS Health Behavioral Health services. Peer Specialists embody our core values of Empathy, Integrity, and Agility to engage and connect community members suffering from chronic mental illness, psychological trauma, or substance abuse with meaningful resources. By sharing personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insights, Peer Specialists directly help VNS Health clients live and heal at home surrounded by their family and community. VNS Health provides vital client-centered behavioral health care to New Yorkers most in need, across all stages of life and mental well-being. We deliver care wherever our clients are, including outpatient clinics, clients’ homes, and the community. Our short- and long-term service models include acute, transitional, and intensive care management programs that impact the most vulnerable populations, from children, to adolescents, to aging adults. As part of our fast-growing Behavioral Health team, you’ll have an opportunity to develop and advance your skills, whether you’re early in your career or an experienced professional.

What We Provide

• Referral bonus opportunities
• Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days of paid time off and 9 company holidays
• Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability
• Employer-matched retirement saving funds
• 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

What You Will Do

• Conducts phone and field outreach to locate and enroll clients/consumers/members into programs services
• Practice regularly in the community, including traveling to patients’ homes, or schools, to engage frequently with clients. Navigate emergency situations
• Works collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients/consumers/members
• Applies mutually shared and lived experiences to build relationship and trust with the client/consumers/members
• Educates clients/consumers/members about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques. Serves as a role model, advocate and mentor. Escorts clients/consumers/members to appointments as needed
• Advocates effective recovery-based services on behalf of clients/consumers/ members. Assists in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals
• Teaches symptom management and coping skills for resilience. Empowers clients to take a proactive role in their recovery journey and helps the client be an advocate for themself
• Reviews service plans with clients/consumers/members and their families or caregivers. Provides ongoing education, guidance, support and encouragement
• Develops inventory of resources that will meet the clients/consumers/members needs as identified in the assessment process. Provides navigation services to help clients/consumers/members connect with community-based services and supports
• Documents contacts with clients/consumers/members in EMR in accordance with program policies/procedures, VNS Health standards, and regulatory requirements
• Assists clients/consumers/members with transition to alternate housing, when appropriate
• Participates in special projects and performs other related duties as assigned

• High school degree or equivalent required
• Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) and/or Family Peer Advocate (FPA) Certification(s) may be required
• Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) & Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CERPA) preferred
• Minimum of one year experience in a mental health, health care or human services setting, preferred
• Experience working with a severely mentally ill, psychological trauma, and/or substance using population, preferred
• Effective oral/written/interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team
• Computer fluency
• Valid New York State driver’s license, as determined by operational/regional needs
• Bilingual skills may be required as determined by operational needs
• Sharing your experience with others who are navigating behavioral health and substance use challenges is life changing which is why we welcome you to apply even if you don’t meet all criteria

VNS Health Job ID #R009906. Posted job title: Therapy Substance Use Counselor

VNS Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit home and community-based health care organizations. Innovating in health care for more than 125 years, our commitment to health and well-being is what drives us—we help people live, age and heal where they feel most comfortable, in their own homes, connected to their family and community. On any given day, more than 10,000 VNS Health team members deliver compassionate care, unparalleled expertise and 24/7 solutions and resources to the more than 43,000 “neighbors” who look to us for care. Powered and informed by data analytics that are unmatched in the home and community-health industry, VNS Health offers a full range of health care services, solutions and health plans designed to simplify the health care experience and meet the diverse and complex needs of those we serve in New York and beyond.

• Guaranteed Hours
• 401k retirement plan
• Employee assistance programs
• Dental benefits
• Vision benefits
• License and certification reimbursement
• Life insurance
• Discount program
• Holiday Pay
• Continuing Education
• Wellness and fitness programs
• Mileage reimbursement
• Medical benefits
• Benefits start day 1