NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation. We are a network of 11 hospitals, trauma centers, neighborhood health centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, and correctional health services. We are a home care agency and a health plan, MetroPlus. Our health system provides essential services to 1.4 million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations across the city's five boroughs. Our diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees are uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers. NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services is one of the nation's leading correctional health care systems in quality of and innovations to care, and access from pre-arraignment through compassionate release. In-jail services include medical, nursing, mental health, substance use treatment, social work, dental and vision care, discharge planning, and reentry support. In addition to providing direct patient care in the jails, CHS leverages the resources of the nation's largest municipal health care system to help discharged patients successfully return to their communities. CHS is also a pivotal partner in New York City's criminal justice reform efforts. Work Shifts
- Time: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Days: Monday to Friday
- Facility: EMTC at Rikers Island
Duties & Responsibilities HHC Payroll Title: Addiction Counselor Level II
Position Title: KEEP Substance Use Counselor
Summary of Position: This full-time role reports to the Director of OTP Operations (KEEP) and is responsible for supporting the day-to-day functions of the opioid treatment program. The position is based within jail facilities and requires onsite work in a secure correctional setting. Overview: With approximately 40,000 admissions per year and a 7,500-person average daily population, the NYC jail system is among the largest in the nation. The Division of Correctional Health Services (CHS) of the New York City Health and Hospitals (NYC H+H) is responsible for delivering medical care, mental health care, and discharge planning in the jail system. CHS is a national leader in healthcare delivery to the criminal-justice involved population and strives toward the highest standards of care to meet or exceed what is available in the community. From the comprehensive history and physical at the point of admission, to robust screening and treatment efforts around HIV, hepatitis C, STDs and TB, to the management of chronic disease, CHS views incarceration as a crucial point in time to provide essential care to an underserved population often not engaged in care in the community. In this way, CHS Medical seeks to provide the highest level of care to our patients and improve the population health of the communities to which they return. CHS is committed to continuously improving care delivery in the security setting, using the system-wide Electronic Health Record to promote patient safety and population health. CHS has contributed to the literature on medical care in jail and the public health implications of incarceration. CHS seeks to build on its reputation as a national leader in supporting patient care by including integrated networks and harnessing the expertise of the city's public hospital system in caring for our patients. CHS Medicine seeks to promote an academic practice environment with ample opportunities for continuous education, clear pathways for career growth, and engagement of front-line staff in the ongoing process of improving clinical care.
Responsibilities and Duties: Promptly and effectively respond to KEEP referrals for individuals showing signs of high-risk substance use. Conduct comprehensive screenings and evaluations for eligible individuals interested in KEEP services (including the Opioid Treatment Program and other substance use initiatives), and facilitate program enrollment when appropriate. Engage with patients in both clinic settings and housing units to conduct interviews, complete follow-ups, and assist with care coordination. Reassignment to different jail sites may occur based on operational needs. Provide patient-centered counseling using harm reduction principles and motivational interviewing to enhance engagement and retention. Track patients' participation in the program, manage medication renewals, and deliver individual counseling around substance use and crisis management. Develop and coordinate appropriate discharge plans, including referrals to outpatient care, pharmacies for ongoing medication, and other relevant community resources. Participate in team meetings to support collaboration and effective communication across disciplines. Attend biweekly supervision meetings with the Director of OTP Operations to enhance clinical practice and ensure program consistency. Work closely with Site Medical Directors (SMDs), physicians, nursing staff, and other interdisciplinary team members to carry out KEEP protocols. Comply with organizational attendance and timekeeping policies, including promptly notifying supervisors of lateness or unexpected absences to help maintain staffing coverage. Ensure accurate and timely completion of all required documentation, including treatment planning materials, within 24 to 48 hours to support ongoing care coordination and reporting needs. Assist with other program-related and departmental responsibilities as needed to support overall goals. Minimum Qualifications Any individual working in a NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)-Certified Treatment Program or newly-hired into the System in the title of Addiction Counselor in a NYC Health + Hospitals health care setting must have proof of completion of OASAS Supporting Recovery with Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) training. For Assignment to Level I 1. Valid Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) - Level 1 Certificate issued by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS); or 2. Is otherwise considered a Qualified Health Professional (QHP) based on licensure, certification and/or registration along with appropriate experience and/or training as defined in Section 800.4 (U) of the OASAS Treatment Services: General Provisions, Title 14 NYCRR Part 800 (
Department Preferences 1. A Bachelor's Degree is preferred. 2. A minimum of 2 years of experience in providing substance use counseling services and/or working with an incarcerated population is required. 3. Prior experience with methadone treatment is preferred. 4. Experience in Harm Reduction approaches is preferred. 5. Proficiency in computer skills and comfort with an Electronic Medical Record system is essential. Benefits NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
- Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
- Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
- Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
- College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
- College Savings Program
- Union Benefits for eligible titles
- Multiple employee discounts programs
- Commuter Benefits Programs
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