Behavioral Health Counselor

JOB SUMMARY

The Behavioral Health Counselor provides direct clinical services to individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This position supports individuals in achieving recovery, stability, and improved overall functioning through person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care.

The counselor works as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver integrated behavioral health services in accordance with OASAS and applicable New York State regulations.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group counseling to individuals with substance use and/or co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Conduct screening and comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments.
• Develop and implement individualized, person-centered treatment plans that address substance use, mental health, medical, housing, vocational, educational, legal, and social needs.
• Monitor treatment progress and update plans in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Provide crisis intervention, relapse prevention, and stabilization support as needed.
• Facilitate discharge planning and aftercare services to support long-term recovery and community integration.
• Deliver family counseling and psychoeducation when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care.
• Collaborate with medical providers and other healthcare professionals to support integrated care.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Maintain professional conduct, appearance, and communication.
• Complete required continuing education and mandatory training.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and regulatory readiness activities.
• Support a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive treatment environment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Education & Credentialing

Education and credentialing must be reflective of the skills, training, and regulatory requirements necessary to perform clinical counseling duties in an OASAS-certified program.

Qualified candidates may include:

• CASAC or CASAC-T
• LMSW or LCSW
• LMHC
• Other New York State-recognized Qualified Health Professional (QHP) credentials consistent with program regulations

An Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in a behavioral health-related field may be required depending on credential pathway.

Experience providing direct clinical services in substance use and/or mental health treatment preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Commitment to person-centered, strengths-based, and recovery-oriented care.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and evidence-based treatment approaches.
• Ability to conduct assessments and develop clinically sound treatment plans.
• Strong documentation and regulatory compliance skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals, families, multidisciplinary teams, and regulatory bodies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems.
• Ability to manage crisis situations professionally and calmly.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred but not required.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to manage the emotional demands of clinical work.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population.

Observation skills, sound clinical judgment, and emotional stability required.

Application Requirements:

• Completion of CAO Employment Application
• NYS SCR Clearance with acceptable results
• Criminal Record Certification and fingerprinting as required
• Valid NYS Driver’s License (if applicable to role)
• Physical examination record or clearance as required by agency policy

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

CAO of WNY, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.