Substance Abuse Counselor I/II/III - Lake County, United States - County of Lake, California

Description

General Recruitment Information

Recruitments for County positions are typically conducted to establish eligibility lists to fill countywide vacancies that occur during the active status of those lists (approximately 3 -12 months).

Any person on a promotional eligibility list will be considered first by the hiring department(s) before persons on an open eligibility list.

The County of Lake only accepts applications for permanent positions when actively recruiting. Only online applications are accepted. It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements.

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer. Veteran's Preference.

To apply for County examinations- All applications for County examinations must be submitted through the County's online application system. A completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each online application. All permanent County recruitments will be posted at with a link to the online application.

The County of Lake reserves the right to limit the number of applications that will be accepted for any open recruitment, and any such limit will be included on the job posting.

When a limit is posted, the recruitment is subject to close at any time prior to the final filing date.

Completed online application packets must be submitted by the close of business on the date that the recruitment closes.

All relevant experience must be included on the application to be considered - resumes and other attached documents will not be used to qualify an applicant.

Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted at a ratio of 2 to 1 for the purpose of meeting minimum qualifications and applicants should contact the Human Resources department for details.

Important Notice - The provisions listed on job postings, job descriptions, or other recruitment materials do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Benefits may vary between bargaining units. Any provisions contained within job postings, job descriptions or other recruitment material may be modified or revoked without notice.

All County of Lake applicants who are given a conditional employment offer must comply with the County's pre-employment medical review program before they may be appointed to the County position.

Minimum Qualifications


SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR I

Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor from the State of California approved certifying organization.

OR

Possession of registration to obtain certification as an AOD counselor by the State of California approved certifying organization, and the completion of the certification as an AOD Counselor within five (5) years from the date of registration.

Education and Experience:

Applicants must meet the necessary educational requirements to register to obtain certifications as an AOD Counselor by the State of California approved certifying organization.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR II


Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counselor from the State of California approved certifying organization.

OR

Possession of registration to obtain certification as an AOD Counselor by the State of California approved certifying organization, and the completion of the certification as an AOD Counselor within five (5) years from the date of registration.

Education and Experience:

One (1) year of full-time experience working in substance abuse counseling and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR III


Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counselor from the State of California approved certifying organization.

OR

Possession of registration to obtain certification as an AOD counselor by the state of California approved certifying organization, and the completion of the certification as an AOD Counselor within five (5) years from the date of registration.

Education and Experience:

Two (2) years of full-time experience working in substance abuse counseling and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency.

Job Description


SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR I

DEFINITION

Under direct supervision, learns to provide assessments, treatment planning, and counseling for substance abuse program clients; learns to provide education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; performs prevention activities designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in the county; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry and first working level classification in the Substance Abuse Counselor series. Incumbents learn to provide a variety of substance abuse counseling services for individuals and groups.

Incumbents learn program procedures, policies, counseling techniques, and treatment methods in the identification of client problems and development of case service plans.

This class is distinguished from Substance Abuse Counselor II in that incumbents in the former have responsibility for more independently performing the full range of duties and activities.

Positions in theSubstance Abuse Counselorseries are flexibly staffed.

Incumbents may advance to the higher classifications after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff, depending on areas of work assignments. Exercises no supervision over staff.


EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Meets with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings to develop client centered service plans and learns to determine appropriateness for program service.
• Learns to conduct assessments of clients with substance abuse problems and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Learns to develop treatment plans for clients.
• Learns to provide outpatient counseling on an individual and group basis.
• Assists clients in understanding their problems and developing plans to resolve them.
• Advises clients on available community resources and serves as a liaison with organizations and service agencies.
• Makes referrals and other arrangements for client treatment and service, as necessary.
• Prepares and presents progress reports on assigned cases.
• Cooperates with professionals from other disciplines in the development of a team and collaborative diagnoses and counseling programs.
• Develops recommendations to mitigate client problems and follows-up with clients and their families to assess progress.
• Learns to perform crisis intervention.
• Maintains records and prepares reports for state and local agencies.
• Assists with prevention activities and community substance abuse prevention programs for targeted groups, such as children or young adults.
• May work with clients' families to secure their cooperation in programs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Basic methods and techniques for conducting assessments of an individual's substance abuse problems.
• Approved principles and practices of substance abuse counseling.
• Basic knowledge of an individual's legal rights in counseling and treatment programs.
• Psychological and social aspects and characteristics of substance abuse.
• Drugs and drug abuse patterns, alcoholism, and the physiological effects of drug abuse and alcoholism.
• Case management principles, practices, and processes related to the assessment, care, treatment, and documentation of individuals with behavioral disorders.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to State and local laws, policies, and procedures governing the administration of alcohol and drug prevention and treatment programs.
• Requirements and needs of persons with serious substance abuse problems.
• Available community resources for substance abuse services.
• Customer service principles and techniques.
• Written and oral communications skills.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Learn principles and conduct effective individual and group counseling related to substance abuse problems and recovery.
• Learn to assess substance abuse problems and develop services to meet client problems.
• Recognize a potential crisis and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Handle stress and unstable client behavior.
• Communicate effectively with people from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Learn to explain complex and technical terminology and concepts in an understandable and non-threatening manner.
• Learn to establish and maintain a variety of administrative records and related materials.
• Learn to understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Learn to conduct detailed assessments by obtaining information, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Implement comprehensive case management for all clients, including those referred to other providers.
• Effectively represent alcohol and other drug services and the Behavioral Health Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government organizations.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor from the State of California approved certifying organization.

OR

Possession of registration to obtain certification as an AOD counselor by the State of California approved certifying organization, and the completion of the certification as an AOD Counselor within five (5) years from the date of registration.

Education and Experience:

Applicants must meet the necessary educational requirements to register to obtain certifications as an AOD Counselor by the State of California approved certifying organization.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR II


DEFINITION

Under direct supervision, provides assessments, treatment planning, and counseling for substance abuse program clients; provides education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; performs prevention activities designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in the county; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level classification in the Substance Abuse Counselor series. Incumbents provide a variety of substance abuse counseling services for individuals and groups.

Incumbents apply program procedures, policies, counseling techniques, and treatment methods in the identification of client problems and development of case service plans.

This class is distinguished from Substance Abuse Counselor III in that the latter functions as a lead and has responsibility for more independently performing the complex duties and activities.

Positions in the Substance Abuse Counselor series are flexibly staffed.

Incumbents may advance to the higher classification after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff, depending on areas of work assignments. Exercises no supervision over staff.


EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Meets with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings to develop client-centered service plans and to determine appropriateness for program service.
• Conducts assessments of clients with substance abuse problems and determines an appropriate course of action.
• Develops treatment plans for clients and performs crisis intervention.
• Provides outpatient counseling on an individual and group basis.
• Assists clients in understanding their problems and developing plans to resolve them.
• Advises clients on available community resources and serves as a liaison with organizations and service agencies.
• Makes referrals and other arrangements for client treatment and service, as necessary.
• Prepares and presents progress reports on assigned cases.
• Cooperates with professionals from other disciplines in the development of a team and collaborative diagnoses and counseling programs.
• Develops recommendations to mitigate client problems and follows-up with clients and their families to assess progress.
• Maintains records and prepares reports for state and local agencies.
• Assists with prevention activities and community substance abuse prevention programs for targeted groups, such as children or young adults.
• May work with clients' families to secure their cooperation in programs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques for conducting assessments of an individual's substance abuse problems.
• Approved principles and practices of substance abuse counseling.
• An individual's legal rights in counseling and treatment programs.
• Psychological and social aspects and characteristics of substance abuse.
• Drugs and drug abuse patterns, alcoholism, and the physiological effects of drug abuse and alcoholism.
• Case management principles, practices, and processes related to the assessment, care, treatment, and documentation of individuals with behavioral disorders.
• Requirements and needs of persons with serious substance abuse problems.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to the administration ofalcohol and drug prevention and treatment programs.
• Available community resources for substance abuse services.
• Customer service principles and techniques.
• Written and oral communications skills.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Apply principles and conduct effective individual and group counseling related to substance abuse problems and recovery.
• Assess substance abuse problems and develop services to meet client problems.
• Recognize a potential crisis and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Conduct detailed assessments by obtaining information, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Implement comprehensive case management for all clients, including those referred to other providers.
• Handle stress and unstable client behavior.
• Communicate effectively with people from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Explain complex and technical terminology and concepts in an understandable and non-threatening manner.
• Establish and maintain a variety of administrative records and related materials.
• Effectively represent alcohol and other drug services and the Behavioral Health Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government organizations.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counselor from the State of California approved certifying organization.

OR

Possession of registration to obtain certification as an AOD Counselor by the State of California approved certifying organization, and the completion of the certification as an AOD Counselor within five (5) years from the date of registration.

Education and Experience:

One (1) year of full-time experience working in substance abuse counseling and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR III


DEFINITION

Under direct supervision, provides assessments, treatment planning, and counseling for substance abuse program clients; provides education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; performs prevention activities designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in the county; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced, fully experienced level classification in the Substance Abuse Counselor series. Incumbents provide a variety of substance abuse counseling services for individuals and groups.

Incumbents apply program procedures, policies, counseling techniques, and treatment methods in the identification of client problems and development of case service plans.

This class is distinguished from Substance Abuse Counselor II in that Substance Abuse Counselor III performs a broader range of more complex duties on a more independent basis.

This class is distinguished from Substance Abuse Counselor, Senior in that Substance Abuse Counselor, Senior is the lead worker, advanced journey level in the series.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff, depending on areas of work assignments. Exercises no supervision over staff. May provide work coordination, training, and lead direction, as assigned.


EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Meets with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings to develop client-centered service plans and to determine appropriateness for program service.
• Conducts assessments of clients with substance abuse problems and determines an appropriate course of action.
• Develops treatment plans for clients and performs crisis intervention.
• Provides outpatient counseling on an individual and group basis.
• Assists clients in understanding their problems and developing plans to resolve them.
• Advises clients on available community resources and serves as a liaison with organizations and service agencies.
• Makes referrals and other arrangements for client treatment and service, as necessary.
• Prepares and presents progress reports on assigned cases.
• Cooperates with professionals from other disciplines in the development of a team and collaborative diagnoses and counseling programs.
• Develops recommendations to mitigate client problems and follows-up with clients and their families to assess progress.
• Maintains records and prepares reports for state and local agencies.
• Assists with prevention activities and community substance abuse prevention programs for targeted groups, such as children or young adults.
• May work with clients' families to secure their cooperation in programs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques for conducting assessments of an individual's substance abuse problems.
• Approved principles and practices of substance abuse counseling.
• An individual's legal rights in counseling and treatment programs.
• Psychological and social aspects and characteristics of substance abuse.
• Drugs and drug abuse patterns, alcoholism, and the physiological effects of drug abuse and alcoholism.
• Case management principles, practices, and processes related to the assessment, care, treatment, and documentation of individuals with behavioral disorders.
• Requirements and needs of persons with serious substance abuse problems.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to the administration ofalcohol and drug prevention and treatment programs.
• Available community resources for substance abuse services.
• Customer service principles and techniques.
• Written and oral communications skills.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Apply principles and conduct effective individual and group counseling related to substance abuse problems and recovery.
• Assess substance abuse problems and develop services to meet client problems.
• Recognize a potential crisis and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Conduct detailed assessments by obtaining information, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Implement comprehensive case management for all clients, including those referred to other providers.
• Handle stress and unstable client behavior.
• Communicate effectively with people from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Explain complex and technical terminology and concepts in an understandable and non-threatening manner.
• Establish and maintain a variety of administrative records and related materials.
• Effectively represent alcohol and other drug services and the Behavioral Health Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government organizations.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Current certification as an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counselor from the State of California approved certifying organization.

OR

Possession of registration to obtain certification as an AOD counselor by the State of California approved certifying organization, and the completion of the certification as an AOD Counselor within five (5) years from the date of registration.

Education and Experience:

Two (2) years of full-time experience working in substance abuse counseling and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and partially in the field.

As such, incumbents may have occasional exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical conditions.

Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work:

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work:

Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment.

Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers:

As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment.

The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein.

The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice.

Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a "meet and confer" process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.