Acacia Network, the leading Latino integrated care nonprofit in the nation, offers the community, from children to seniors, a pathway to behavioral and primary healthcare, housing, and empowerment. We are visionary leaders transforming the triple aim of high quality, great experience at a lower cost. Acacia champions a collaborative environment to deliver vital health, housing and community building services, work we have been doing since 1969. By hiring talented individuals like you, we've been able to expand quickly, with offices in Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, Orlando, Tennessee, Maryland and Puerto Rico.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Under supervision of the Program Director, the Harm Reduction Specialist is an integral part of the Scatter Site Team. The Specialist is a team member responsible for engaging participants through harm reduction strategies including motivational interviewing and stage-wise interventions that target an individual's readiness for change. The Harm Reduction Specialist is a resource to other team members in issues related to mental health and co-occurring substance use.
KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Complete substance use screenings and assessments.Identify participant treatment and support service needs and associated service plan objectives based on stages of change and assessment results, including risk associated with harmful behaviors.Function as resource on harm reduction and substance use issues.Provide harm reduction services, integrated substance use treatment and relapse prevention.Provide harm reduction, relapse prevention and other groups that are responsive to need and interest.Link participants to self-help recovery groups.Advocate in securing emergency detox and rehabilitation care, and other community supports that promote integrated dual disorder treatment.Assess and provide services to participants to address health and wellness, housing, income support, education, vocational training, employment and social supports.Complete initial comprehensive recovery-oriented service plan and 6-month plan review incorporating participant and relevant others' feedback.Service planning and coordination; problem solving; support with maintaining housing; developing social connections; strengthening family and other relationships; developing independent living skills and obtaining necessary resources; accessing and accessing education and training; employment supports (job search, placement and support); entitlement and financial management; empowerment and self-help; wellness self-management with a focus on the development of coping skills; support with medications; and weekly groups.Use motivational interviewing, recovery and trauma-informed approaches when delivering services.Complete crisis intervention and relapse prevention plans.Collaborative with participants, families and natural supports, treatment programs and community partners to promote attainment of treatment and recovery goals.Maintain program case files and other records as 'audit-ready' at all times as required by program funding sources, including but not limited to progress notes, individualized family service plans and psychosocial assessments specific to the family unit.Counsel clients on treatment goals, such as issues with co-occurring disorders, unsatisfactory relationship between partners, parents and/or children; home management and work adjustment; care giving issues; or difficulties encountered in travel or stabilization in new communityUtilize a strengths-based approach; maintain non-judgmental and unbiased approachOther duties as assigned by Program Director or Administrator
REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree and/or CASAC; or Associate Degree with 3 plus year experienceTwo years of experience working with individuals with a substance use disorder and/or mental health issues.Excellent interpersonal skills; computer proficiency; excellent writing and verbal skillsDemonstrated ability to interact with different races, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment, as well as ability to multi-task and work under pressure.Bilingual - (Spanish/English), preferred.
*Acacia network is an Equal Opportunity Employer*