Sr. Substance Use Counselor
Company : Services For The Underserved
Location : New York, NY, 10035
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Min
USD $65,000.00/Yr.Max
USD $69,628.00/Yr.Position Overview
Casac is a major bonus but not a requirement.
I. SCOPE OF ROLE: The Senior Substance Use Counselor is a highly experienced professional responsible for providing leadership, expertise, and guidance in the field of substance use disorder treatment and prevention. They play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and evaluating substance use programs, as well as providing training and consultation to other professionals in the field.
II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Clinical Skills • Responsible for integrating dual-recovery treatment • Provide expert knowledge and guidance on substance use assessment, diagnosis, and treatment interventions, ensuring best practices are followed • Develop and deliver training programs to educate staff, community workers, and stakeholders on substance use-related topics, including the latest research, treatment modalities, and harm reduction strategies. • Have a strong understanding of substance use disorder assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning • Conducts assessments for substance abuse services amongst individuals served during initial assessment period and follow-up assessments on a needed basis. • Extensive knowledge of evidence-based practices, treatment modalities, and harm reduction strategies in substance use disorder care.
Data and Accountability • Develops, conducts, and monitors treatment interventions for specific target populations and ensure these interventions are incorporated into treatment plans • Performs consumer centered, comprehensive assessments to determine needed services for all consumers; develops both initial and ongoing treatment plans; assigns the most appropriate staff to the individual treatment team and actively participates in all activities in revising treatment plans as the participant’s needs change • Conducts qualitative field visits to ensure consumers needs are concerns are being met in their living environment • Complete Progress Notes, which should be entered into system within 24-48hrs of event date • Support around facilitating groups, as needed.
Compliance • Ensures program operates in accordance with contractual requirements and other applicable regulations, including program standards and performance improvement plans • Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training programs and presentations on substance use-related topics
• Stay abreast of current substance use policies, regulations, and guidelines at the local, state/provincial, and national levels. Advocate for evidence-based policies and contribute to the development and implementation of effective strategies to address substance use issues. • Participates in quality improvement process, administrative meetings, team meetings, in-service trainings, client staffing and case reviews.
Operations • Participate in daily morning meetings and case conferences to discuss overall consumer well being and/or any issues that may arise • Performs on call duties for crisis intervention and rotation of on call telephone • Ensure all documentation is completed in a timely manner in accordance with Agency, & State Regulations • Applies time management skills to work effectively within given deadlines. Organizes own time and prioritizes workload effectively. Uses resources wisely.
External Relations • Maintain relationships with outpatient and inpatient programs, housing programs, as well as continuing to build relationships with organizations that may be able to assist SUS consumers who need other services. • Performs other related work as assigned.
Qualifications
III. REQUIREMENTSREQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field• Must have excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills• Must have 2 years or more experience working with dually diagnosed individuals
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS • Proficient in MS Word/Excel • Bilingual in any language a plus not required. • Strong clinical skills and knowledge base of clinical care standards • Strong organizational skills and timely follow-up to manage complex tasks associated with providing
#HPSUS
Company Overview
S:US IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Join a team of employees who cares about the wellbeing of others. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and development. From health and wellness resources to generous PTO, professional development, and more, explore all that we offer on our Benefits Page and see how S:US invests in you.
We believe in fostering a culture built on our core values: respect, integrity, support, maximizing individual potential and continuous quality improvement.
S:US is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. S:US is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities, including allowance of the use of services animals. To request reasonable accommodation or if you believe such a request was improperly handled or denied, contact the Leave Team at MyMedicalLeave@sus.org.
ID
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Frequently asked questions
A Senior Substance Use Counselor integrates dual-recovery approaches by assessing both mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring treatment plans address the complex needs of dually diagnosed individuals with evidence-based interventions and ongoing adjustments based on client progress.
Beyond a master’s degree, certifications like CASAC can boost credibility. In NYC, familiarity with local substance use regulations and bilingual skills offer an edge, helping counselors connect with diverse populations and navigate complex healthcare systems.
Senior Substance Use Counselors in NYC typically earn between $65,000 and $70,000 annually, reflecting the city's cost of living and demand for specialized clinical skills in substance use disorder treatment and prevention.
Services For The Underserved offers a supportive culture focused on respect and continuous improvement, with competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth, making it attractive for counselors seeking meaningful impact in New York’s social services sector.
At Services For The Underserved, senior counselors gain roles in program design, staff training, and policy advocacy, enabling them to influence treatment quality and advance community health initiatives effectively within a collaborative organizational framework.
Given NYC’s traffic and transit options, proximity to the boroughs where Services For The Underserved operates can minimize commute times. Many candidates consider subway accessibility or flexible work arrangements to balance travel with caseload responsibilities.
Yes, the complexity of substance use combined with mental health disorders in NYC increases demand for counselors skilled in dual diagnosis, especially those with experience in evidence-based and harm reduction strategies.
Strong computer skills are essential for accurate documentation, data tracking, and reporting. Proficiency in MS Word and Excel supports timely progress notes, treatment plan updates, and administrative compliance within substance abuse programs.
Counselors often navigate cultural sensitivities, stigma, and varying levels of community acceptance. Success depends on adapting evidence-based harm reduction approaches to local beliefs while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and external organizations.
They actively engage in continuous education, attend trainings, participate in quality improvement meetings, and monitor local, state, and national guidelines to ensure program compliance and advocate for evidence-based policy adaptations.