Policies & Procedures Manual

The NYS Association of CASAC Professionals Policies & Procedures Manual provides clear, member-focused guidelines for events, partnerships, complaints, and ethical use of the Association’s name. Designed to promote fairness, transparency, and professionalism, it ensures all members and partners uphold the shared values that strengthen the CASAC community across New York.

NYS Association of CASAC Professionals

Policies & Procedures Manual

(For Internal Use & Member Reference)

At the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals (NYS-CASAC), our policies exist to serve you, the counselors, advocates, and changemakers who keep New York’s behavioral health system strong.

These guidelines safeguard the integrity of our Association while ensuring that all members, vendors, and partners experience fairness, respect, and transparency.

1. Training & Event Cancellations

1.1 Member Cancellations

We understand that life can be unpredictable and schedules can change. If you need to cancel an event registration:

• 7 or more days before an event: You can request a full refund or choose to apply your payment as a credit toward a future training or event.
• 3–6 days before an event: You’ll receive a 50% refund or credit toward future programming.
• Less than 72 hours before an event: Refunds are not available, but credits may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All refunds or credits are processed within 10 business days using your original payment method.

1.2 Association Cancellations

If the Association cancels an event, all registered participants will automatically receive a full refund or credit.

Please note that we cannot reimburse travel or lodging expenses; however, we will communicate changes promptly and offer flexible options.

1.3 Transfer Requests

Would you like to transfer your registration to another event?

Please contact us 72 hours in advance, and we’ll gladly transfer your registration at no additional cost.

2. Vendor & Sponsorship Partnerships

2.1 Shared Purpose

We value partnerships that enhance the professional experience of CASACs and contribute to a stronger behavioral health community. Vendors and sponsors should share our commitment to ethical practice, transparency, and member benefits.

Preference is given to organizations that provide approved training, education, clinical tools, or recovery resources that advance the CASAC mission.

2.2 Advertising & Promotion

We welcome promotional collaborations that align with our mission. All materials must be reviewed for accuracy and inclusivity — no false claims or discriminatory content.

2.3 Professional Conduct

We expect vendors to engage respectfully, providing information rather than pressure. Collecting personal data from members requires prior consent.

2.4 Vendor Benefits & Participation

Vendor fees help us sustain professional development opportunities for our members. All sponsors receive visibility through our digital platforms, member newsletters, and events.

Participation requires a signed agreement and payment before event setup.

3. Member Complaints & Resolution Process

We’re committed to maintaining a professional, supportive environment for all members. When concerns arise, we handle them with fairness, confidentiality, and transparency.

3.1 Submitting a Concern

Members, officers, or vendors may submit written concerns to the Grievance Committee, which operates independently to ensure neutrality. Complaints are acknowledged within five (5) business days and reviewed within fifteen (15) business days.

3.2 Review Process

The Grievance Committee, composed of neutral, trained members, reviews all materials, gathers statements, and provides both parties with the opportunity to respond in writing.

All proceedings remain confidential.

3.3 Outcomes & Appeals

Possible outcomes include:

• No action
• Written feedback or recommendation for corrective action
• Temporary membership suspension
• Revocation of membership (in extreme cases)

Members may appeal a decision in writing within ten (10) days of receiving notice.

Our goal is always resolution, not punishment, to maintain professionalism while fostering trust and integrity.

4. Use of the Association Name & Logo

We’re proud of our shared identity as the New York CASAC community, and we encourage our members to share it!

4.1 Authorized Use

Members in good standing are encouraged to display the NYS-CASAC logo on their resumes, professional bios, LinkedIn profiles, and social media to highlight their membership.

If you wish to use the logo on websites, promotional materials, or educational content, please submit a brief request to our team for approval.

4.2 Prohibited Use

The logo or name cannot be used for political endorsements, personal product sales, or unrelated promotions. Misuse may result in corrective action.

4.3 Requests

For logo access and sharing guidelines, contact: jmakohen [at] nyscasacassociation.net

5. Feedback & Policy Suggestions

We believe our policies should evolve in response to the needs of our members.

Members are invited to suggest new policies, edits, or improvements at any time. Submissions are reviewed quarterly by leadership and the Governance Committee.

To share feedback or policy recommendations, email mmendez [at] nyscasacassociation.net.

Our policies are built to make membership accessible, flexible, and fair.

They exist to protect your investment, amplify your professional voice, and support a thriving statewide network of CASAC professionals.

Effective Date: 10/06/2025

Approved By: A. Maria Mendez, Founder & CEO