Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor - CASAC in Holbrook, NY

As a Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) at The IMA Group, you will conduct assessments for substance use disorders, provide treatment recommendations, and monitor client participation in OASAS programs. Your role will involve establishing strong communication channels with clients and community resources to ensure they receive the support they need throughout their recovery journey.

To work as a Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) at The IMA Group, you must have a valid CASAC credential along with one to four years of relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree with credentialing is preferred, and ongoing professional education as mandated by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) is also required.

The work schedule for the Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) position at The IMA Group in Holbrook, NY is typically Monday through Friday. Employees can choose from flexible shifts including 8 am to 4:30 pm, 8:30 am to 5 pm, or 7:30 am to 4 pm, promoting a balanced work-life schedule.

The IMA Group offers a competitive compensation package for Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC), featuring comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401k plan with employer matching, tuition assistance, and generous parental leave. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting our employees' work-life balance and professional growth.

Yes, as a Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) at The IMA Group, occasional travel between various centers may be necessary. Therefore, candidates are required to possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to facilitate this aspect of the job.

At The IMA Group, we value the ongoing development of our Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC). We provide access to continuing education required by OASAS, as well as tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance to encourage advancement and support employees in achieving their educational goals.

The IMA Group fosters an inclusive workplace culture for our Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC) through active participation in our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. We believe in creating an environment where all employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

When dealing with a resistant client as a Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), it’s essential to build rapport and trust first. I would use motivational interviewing techniques to understand their perspective and concerns, actively listen, validate their feelings, and explore potential barriers they face. Demonstrating empathy while gradually guiding them towards recognizing the benefits of treatment can lead to better engagement.

As a Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), I prioritize networking with local OASAS providers, attending community meetings, and utilizing online resources and databases. Additionally, I maintain relationships with multidisciplinary teams to ensure I’m aware of the latest programs and services that can enhance my clients' treatment plans.

Documenting client progress in compliance with OASAS guidelines involves maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of assessments, treatment plans, interventions, and client feedback. I ensure that all documentation adheres to confidentiality protocols and reflect the ongoing changes in the client's condition, treatment adherence, and necessary updates in their care strategy.

Family involvement is a critical element in my counseling approach as a CASAC. I believe that engaging family members can provide additional support for clients in their recovery journey. I facilitate family sessions to educate them about substance use disorders, help them recognize their role in the recovery process, and encourage open communication between the client and their support system.

In my previous role as a CASAC, I developed a treatment plan for a client with dual diagnoses of substance use and mental health disorders. After conducting a thorough assessment, I tailored interventions that included individual therapy, family support, and integration with medication management while coordinating with other healthcare professionals to address all aspects of my client’s well-being. This collaborative approach led to significant improvements in the client’s recovery process.

Self-care is crucial in my role as a CASAC to avoid burnout. I prioritize setting clear boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in regular physical activity. Participating in peer supervision or group therapy provides a safe space to share experiences and processing feelings related to the job. Such strategies help me stay balanced and ensure I'm providing quality care to my clients.

One of the significant challenges I foresee in the role of CASAC is handling relapses. I would address this by fostering a non-judgmental approach that emphasizes learning from setbacks rather than viewing them as failures. Implementing regular follow-ups and adjusting treatment plans to meet the evolving needs of clients will also be vital in addressing this challenge.

Building rapport during initial assessments is essential for establishing trust. I employ active listening, non-verbal cues, and a warm demeanor to make clients feel at ease. Transparency about the assessment process and assuring confidentiality can also help clients feel more comfortable sharing their experiences, allowing for a more productive initial interaction.

Cultural competency is vital in substance abuse counseling as it allows counselors to understand and respect the diverse backgrounds of their clients. By being aware of cultural influences on behavior and recovery processes, I can tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual, leading to more effective treatment and a stronger therapeutic alliance.

To motivate clients who are ambivalent about treatment, I utilize motivational interviewing techniques that foster self-exploration and highlight clients' personal values and goals. By helping them connect their goals to their treatment journey, I can encourage them to take ownership of their recovery process and can facilitate their commitment towards change.