The Substance Use Specialist on the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team provides evidence-based, person-centered treatment for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD), and involvement in the criminal justice system. As a fully integrated member of the multidisciplinary team, the Substance Use Specialist delivers direct clinical interventions, including individual and group counseling, harm reduction strategies, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and overdose prevention.

This role emphasizes the unique needs of individuals with both behavioral health and legal system involvement, supporting recovery, reducing recidivism, and promoting stability in the community. The Substance Use Specialist ensures services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and aligned with OMH ACT and Forensic ACT fidelity expectations.

Core Responsibilities

Provide integrated, co-occurring disorder treatment using harm reduction, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other evidence-based approaches.
Conduct comprehensive substance use assessments and contribute to multidisciplinary evaluations that include criminogenic and behavioral risk factors.
Collaborate in the development of individualized service plans (ISPs), including targeted substance use goals and strategies for reducing recidivism.
Facilitate individual and group counseling for substance use recovery, relapse prevention, and criminal thinking interventions.
Support the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and coordinate with prescribers to ensure client engagement and adherence.
Engage individuals in the community, including in jails, shelters, treatment programs, and homes, to provide ongoing care and support continuity of services.
Educate clients on overdose prevention and distribute naloxone (Narcan) as appropriate.
Coordinate with courts, probation, parole, and treatment courts to align substance use interventions with legal mandates and goals.
Assist clients in accessing community-based recovery supports, including peer recovery, self-help groups (e.g., AA/NA), and sober housing.
Participate in daily team meetings to review progress, safety concerns, and treatment adaptations.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with OMH, OASAS, Medicaid, and agency requirements.
Participate in clinical supervision and relevant training to maintain best practices and professional development.
Comply with the policies, procedures and regulations of the Agency and external regulatory bodies.
Provides Crisis/On call Services as scheduled.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required.
Bachelor’s degree with CASAC or CASAC-T certification and other relevant experience will be considered.
Possess currently and maintain CASAC credentials, as required by New York State
Certified in integrated mental health and addictions treatment preferred.
Licensed degree (LMSW, LMHC) with Master CASAC, or other relevant NYS licensure or credential preferred.
Minimum 2 years of experience working with individuals with co-occurring SMI and SUD, preferably in community-based, justice-involved, or ACT settings.
Travel is required. Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License.

Benefits

Our work environment provides the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced atmosphere. We offer competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.

Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision
Direct Deposit
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Retirement Plan 403(b)
Life Insurance
Voluntary Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave)
Tuition Reimbursement
Service Awards
Employee Appreciation Events
Employee Discounts

Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct-care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families. If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career. Please visit our careers website to access the full job description located within the job posting. upstatecpjobs.org

To access a copy of the job description Click Here - FACT Substance Use Specialist

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