Job Summary: In accordance with the organization's mission, vision, and values, the Senior Counselor is responsible for providing direct clinical services and supporting the delivery of high-quality, person-centered, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment within an OASAS Part 822 outpatient clinic. In addition to maintaining an assigned caseload, the Senior Counselor provides clinical guidance, consultation, training, and support to counseling staff under the direction of the Outpatient Clinic Director. This position assists with clinical documentation oversight, quality improvement, staff development, and continuity of clinical services to ensure compliance with OASAS regulations, agency policies, and established standards of care.
Duties
- Provide direct clinical services, including assessments, individual and group counseling, family counseling, treatment planning, and discharge planning.
- Maintain an assigned caseload and ensure timely, accurate, and complete clinical documentation in accordance with OASAS, payer, and agency requirements.
- Utilize person-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based treatment approaches appropriate to the needs of individuals served.
- Provide clinical guidance, consultation, and support to counseling staff regarding assessments, treatment planning, clinical interventions, and complex cases.
- Assist the Clinic Director with monitoring clinical documentation, conducting chart reviews, identifying deficiencies, and supporting corrective actions.
- Assist with clinical supervision and oversight of counseling staff as assigned and within applicable credentialing and scope-of-practice requirements.
- Provide clinical and operational support in the absence of the Clinic Director, within assigned authority and professional qualifications.
- Support the orientation, onboarding, training, and professional development of new and existing counseling staff.
- Assist with training staff on electronic health records, clinical documentation, group facilitation, and agency procedures.
- Participate in clinical case reviews, interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, staff meetings, and supervision activities.
- Collaborate with medical, psychiatric, nursing, and other clinical providers to support coordinated and integrated treatment services.
- Assist with identifying and addressing barriers to treatment engagement, retention, and continuity of care.
- Support appropriate referrals and coordination with internal programs, community providers, and higher levels of care.
- Assist the Clinic Director with monitoring clinical service delivery, documentation compliance, and established program performance expectations.
- Respond appropriately to clinical concerns, patient crises, and safety issues, consulting with program leadership and other professionals as necessary.
- Maintain knowledge of applicable OASAS Part 822 regulations, clinical standards, confidentiality requirements, patient rights, and agency policies.
- Support implementation of quality improvement initiatives and corrective actions to strengthen clinical practice and treatment outcomes.
- Participate in community presentations, outreach activities, and professional development opportunities as assigned.
- Promote a professional, supportive, and accountable clinical environment that encourages teamwork, effective communication, and quality patient care.
- Perform other duties and functions as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Must be a Qualified Health Professional (QHP) as defined by NYS OASAS regulations, with a minimum of one year of clinical experience in substance use disorder treatment. Must possess and maintain applicable professional credentials or licensure. CASAC Advanced, CASAC Master, or appropriate NYSED licensure qualifying the individual to provide clinical supervision preferred. Experience in outpatient treatment, clinical documentation, and staff development preferred. Valid NYS driver's license required.
Other Skills/Knowledge and Experience
- Must have the ability to supervise and direct the activities of other counselors and staff.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with culturally diverse persons, staff and community service providers.
- Knowledge of local behavioral health service system.
- Ability to multi-task, have good problem solving & time management skills and the ability to remain calm in a crisis.
- E-Record.