Substance Abuse Counselor I/II

The ideal candidate is knowledgeable in the goals and objectives of substance abuse treatment, recovery and case management; behavioral problems, characteristics of mental and emotional disturbances in symptoms of substance abuse and/or dependency. Skilled in understanding factors important to behavior patterns; designing, developing, and facilitating a variety of treatment or special substance abuse project activities; dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds where conditions may be confrontational or strained. The incumbent must have strong communication skills with the ability to listen carefully to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points being made, and ask questions as appropriate for clarification.  Must be empathetic and able to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with clients, co-workers and the general public. This position will work with juvenile and adults. Substance abuse counselors may have evening sessions and must be willing to work evenings when required.

Qualifications

Level I Minimum: Two (2) years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor; OR: Associate’s degree with major course work in substance abuse, social services, behavioral sciences, chemical dependency or a field related to the work and one (1) year of experience.  Must register for certification as an Alcohol & Drug Counselor within six (6) months of hire.

Level II Minimum:  Three (3) years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor, at least one (1) of which is at the level of the county’s class of Substance Abuse Counselor I; OR: Associate’s degree with major course work in substance abuse, social services, behavioral sciences, chemical dependency or a field related to the work  and two (2) years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor, at least one (1) of which is at the level of the County’s class of Substance Abuse Counselor I.  Must possess and maintain certification as an Alcohol & Drug Counselor, pursuant to 9 CCR § 13000 et. al.

Licenses and Certification:

The ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license within ten (10) days of employment; maintain throughout employment and possess or obtain first aid and CPR certifications.

Special Requirements:

Must successfully complete an extensive and thorough background investigation which may include Live Scan fingerprinting prior to hire and DMV printout prior to hire. Will be required to perform disaster service activities pursuant to Government Code 3100-3109. Special Requirement:  Must register for certification as an Alcohol & Drug Counselor within six (6) months of hire and receive Certification within five (5) years of assignment pursuant to 9 CCR § 13000 et al. Tuberculosis (TB) testing conducted no more than 60 calendar days prior to hire or seven (7)calendar days after employment and renewed annually.

Work Environment:

Attend meetings outside of normal working hours. Work may involve stressful situations and include dealing with erratic behavior. Work on-call and respond to emergency situations during weekends, holidays and other off-hours shifts.