SUBSTANCE USE SPECIALIST

Description

About Us 

Callen-Lorde is the global leader in LGBTQ+ healthcare. Since the days of Stonewall, we have been transforming lives in LGBTQ+ communities through excellent comprehensive care, provided free of judgment and regardless of ability to pay. In addition, we are continuously pioneering research, advocacy and education to drive positive change around the world, because we believe healthcare is a human right.

Our Mission 

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center provides sensitive, quality health care and related services targeted to New York’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities — in all their diversity — regardless of ability to pay. To further this mission, Callen-Lorde promotes health education and wellness, and advocates for LGBTQ+ health issues.

About the Role 

The Substance Use Specialist is responsible for assisting Callen-Lorde’s patients with addiction and substance misuse needs including: screening and assessment, providing brief interventions and brief treatment for patients living with addiction, internal and external coordination of care including referrals/partnerships with substance use disorder treatment facilities, and case management/navigation. This position plays a key role in specific grants related to identification and treatment of addictions with a focus on SAMHSA projects. The Substance Use Specialist will provide clinical care for patients and have time dedicated to the programmatic, administrative, and case management functions of the role.

Key Responsibilities:

Direct Patient Care & Case Management

• Provide direct patient care, including:
  • Screening patients for substance use disorders.
  • Making and following up on appropriate referrals for services.
  • Conducting data collection assessments using SAMHSA tools (GPRA, NOMS).
  • Providing warm hand-offs for patients needing immediate evaluation for substance use or mental health.
  • Applying case management and patient navigation services.
• Provide direct case management and navigation services, including:
  • Screening patients for entitlements and other concrete needs, assisting with access through advocacy.
  • Conducting outreach to re-engage patients who have fallen out of care or are at risk of non-adherence.

Program Development & Integration

• Collaborate with medical, behavioral health, care coordination, nursing, and other teams to design and implement substance use screening and assessment protocols within primary care and behavioral health settings.
• Work with addictions and quality teams to review SBIRT protocols and utilize the PDSA cycle for continuous process improvement.
• Assist with the administration and deliverables of agency grants related to substance use and mental health treatment.
• Support workflow redesign, facilitating screenings and referrals across departments, and ensuring proper follow-up care.
• Work with the behavioral health team to create robust substance use programming in existing clinics, with a special focus on opioid and crystal methamphetamine use.
• Alongside Project Director(s), develop Callen-Lorde’s policies and procedures for substance use screening, assessment, treatment, and referrals.

Training, Consultation & Outreach

• Provide consultation to other departments regarding the impact of substance use on patient access and treatment.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to assess agency training needs in substance use screening and treatment.
• Develop outreach plans for disengaged patients to ensure needs are met for those living with addictions, with a specific focus on LGBTQIA+-identified patients.
• Deliver substance use trainings to multidisciplinary teams, including Medical Coordinators, Behavioral Health Coordinators, Nurses, Care Coordinators/Case Managers, and Dental Coordinators.
• Develop external partnerships with substance use organizations to create seamless information sharing and referral systems.

Quality Improvement & Data Management

• In tandem with Project Director(s), collect data related to substance use screening and care, working with Quality Management to set and meet benchmarks.
• Work closely with HIT, IT, and internal/external EHR specialists to review substance use and mental health documentation procedures, explore IT/HIT needs, and enhance EHR efficiency.

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Attend relevant meetings, including behavioral health and medical department Coordinator meetings, consultation groups, and other assigned meetings.
• Actively participate in and champion Callen-Lorde’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position with regular business hours (Monday - Friday). 

Benefits:

Salary will be based on experience and will be accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package including an exceptional low cost medical plan option for you, your spouse/domestic partner and/or your family, dental insurance, vision insurance, no cost life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Tuition Assistance, commuter benefits, a generous paid time off plan, and a 403B retirement savings plan.

Qualifications

• New York State Licensure/Registration as an LMSW or LCSW (required) 

• New York State Certification as a CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) preferred. 

• 1+ year of experience working with people diagnosed with substance use disorders preferred. 

• 1+ year of experience providing psychotherapy, individually or in a group setting. 

• Active participation in a setting that demonstrates a commitment to providing sensitive, culturally competent psychiatric care to LGBTQ persons and persons living with HIV. 

• Demonstrated ability to work with the special substance use concerns of dually diagnosed LGBTQ persons. 

• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative, team-based substance use and mental health treatment valuing the input and perspective of the full array of health professionals. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of substance use treatment, levels of care and treatment resources throughout the New York City area.  

Desired Characteristics, Skills 

• Innovative, strengths-based approaches to working with acute and chronic behavioral health issues in an outpatient setting. 

• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and participate in multiple clinical teams. 

• Commitment to community-based health and substance use services. 

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.  

• Commitment to the mission of Callen-Lorde