Substance Use & Family Support Specialist

The Substance Use & Family Support Specialist will serve as the substance abuse specialist for the Clinical Supports Program. Provides consultation and engagement support to CPS Teams working with families impacted by substance use disorders. Assists with assessment, harm reduction, treatment linkage, and safety planning to support child and family well-being. This position will work directly with CPS staff to provide trauma-informed consultation, crisis intervention, and guidance to ensure families receive timely access to appropriate services. The Substance Use & Family Support Specialist will act as the primary liaison between CPS teams, community providers, and partner agencies to streamline referrals, improve coordination of care, and ensure consistent responses for families. This position requires flexibility, as some cases may require after-hours or weekend response depending on client needs or emergency situations.

Responsibilities:

• Integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered, and culturally responsive approach into all clinical collaborative activities.
• Serve as the designated substance abuse liaison between CPS, community partners, and external providers.
• Conduct brief assessments and provide crisis intervention and psychoeducation to families.
• Support CPS staff with consultation, case planning, and strategies to address complex family dynamics.
• Facilitate warm handoffs and referrals to appropriate community services, ensuring follow-up and coordination of care.
• Conduct substance use screenings, assessments, and brief interventions using evidence-based practices.
• Train CPS teams on risk reduction strategies, safety planning, and treatment options.
• Facilitate referrals and warm handoffs to appropriate treatment providers.
• Participate in case conferences, home visits, and discharge planning meetings.
• Deliver borough-based training for ACS staff on addiction and recovery.
• Collaborate with hospitals, treatment programs, and community providers.
• Document activities and outcomes in required systems.
• Develop and maintain relationships with hospitals, outpatient clinics, and mental health partners to expand service access.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to provide mental health expertise and ensure care planning.
• Deliver mental health awareness and self-care training to CPS staff to enhance trauma-informed practice.
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation in compliance with program standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Respond to after-hours or weekend mental health needs as required by emergent situations or program demand.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

Required:

• Willingness to work as part of a learning community.
• Flexibility and openness to testing new interventions and practices.
• Comfort with technology and ability to use data to drive decisions.
• Ability to make decisions based on sound judgment and insight.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Collaborative spirit and willingness to work as part of a team with both internal departments and partner agencies.
• Willingness to self-reflect and openness to feedback.
• Strong crisis management skills and trained in Psychological First Aid.
• Strong leadership, management, and organizational skills.
• Sound knowledge of victimization issues; and social and criminal justice systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Clinical experience working with victims of community and gender-based violence.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelors with a CASCA, Masters degree preferred
• Licensure or Certification (CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor)
• At least two years of experience providing services to individuals and families.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis response and multidisciplinary collaboration
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred:

• Experience working with substance use and similar interdisciplinary setting.
• Knowledge of community mental health systems and evidence-based trauma treatment models.

If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon’s rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me. I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

​​Technology Statement:​

Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.​

​Please follow this link to view complete EEO Law and complaint filing information: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal.

Hiring Range: $29.40 to $32.50 hour

Full-time Hours: 35 Hours per week

Full-time Benefits: Vacation Time, Paid Sick Time, Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Company Life Insurance, Medical/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits Program, Gym Reimbursement, Parental Leave, Employee Learning Center