Substance Abuse Counselor

Job Details: Job Location: Chance for Change

• NY 10021, Salary Range: $32.96 - $32.96Hourly, ABOUT THE PROGRAM: The Chance for Change (CFC) program, an OASAS-licensed clinic (part 822) located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is an outpatient substance use treatment program primarily serving homeless adults with substance use disorders. Our program uses a “harm reduction” model within a collaborative, respectful, and empathetic environment, meeting members wherever they are on their path to stability. Individual and group therapy sessions focus on sobriety and assist members in managing challenges such as mental illness, chronic medical conditions, homelessness, unemployment, and other life stressors. Our comfortable “clubhouse” setting provides a safe, sober-supportive space for members.

POSITION SUMMARY

The counselor will be responsible for providing integrated dual diagnosis treatment at the clinic, addressing both the substance use and mental health needs of the program’s members. Services will be provided on-site and in community settings, as needed, to support members in achieving greater stability and wellness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Program Director to maintain a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all program members. Provide integrated treatment for members with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Conduct person-centered intake assessments and develop individualized recovery care plans. Provide individual, group, and family counseling as appropriate.

Deliver services off-site in the community, including SBIRT screenings, referrals for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), housing, and behavioral health services. Offer case management services with a holistic, trauma-informed, and harm reduction-focused approach. Facilitate therapeutic and recreational groups that support emotional regulation, recovery, and social connection.

Participate in community-building activities such as member meals, award ceremonies, holiday events, and volunteer-led programs. Monitor toxicology results and incorporate findings into the therapeutic process. Maintain timely, complete, and accurate documentation in compliance with OASAS and agency policy and procedure standards.

Create and update recovery care plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and any other required documentation. Perform other job-related duties as assigned as needed.

Qualifications

Demonstrated commitment to and passion for Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter’s mission. Current valid credential in New York State as one of the following: LMSW, LMHC, CASAC, or CASAC-T. Experience working with individuals with substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders, ideally within underserved or homeless populations.

Strong understanding of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented principles. Knowledge of community-based resources, housing programs, and behavioral health systems. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in office, clubhouse, and community-based settings. Computer proficiency and comfort using electronic health records (AWARDS).

Bilingual (English/Spanish) — strongly preferred, especially for client outreach and community engagement. Qualifications: