Substance Abuse Counselor I/II/III - Bilingual The Behavioral Health Department is currently seeking qualified Spanish speaking Substance Abuse Counselor I/II/III applicants to work with our Spanish speaking clients. Successful candidates will be required to submit to, and pass a bilingual testing process prior to hire. Full job descriptions, including minimum requirements are below. Please complete a hard copy application, available on the County website, or from the Human Resources Department, and indicate Substance Abuse Counselor - Bilingual as the title of the position on the application. Rate of Pay: $13.78/hour SAC I; $14.46/hour SAC II; $15.57/hour SAC III Work Hours: Up to 25 hours per week which may vary; as assigned from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday Close date: Apply immediately, May close at any time. Applications may be submitted in person to Barbara Rosenthal at the Behavioral Health Department, 6302 Thirteenth Ave. Lucerne, CA, or mailed to the Behavioral Health Department, Attn. Barbara Rosenthal, P.O. Box 1024, Lucerne, CA 95458. ******************************************************************************************** TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Training and Experience for Substance Abuse Counselor I: Meet the necessary educational requirements to register to obtain certification as an AOD Counselor by a State of California approved certifying organization. Possession of registration to obtain certification as an AOD Counselor by a 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. Training and Experience for Substance Abuse Counselor II: Two (2) years of experience working in substance abuse counseling and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency. Current certification as an AOD Counselor from a State of California approved certifying organization. Possession of registration to obtain certification as an AOD Counselor by a 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.
Training and Experience for Substance Abuse Counselor III: Two (2) years of experience working in substance abuse counseling and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency comparable to a Substance Abuse Counselor II with the County of Lake. Current certification as an AOD Counselor from a State approved certifying organization. FULL JOB DESCRIPTION: SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSEL I DEFINITION Under supervision, to learn to provide assessments, treatment planning, and counseling for substance abuse program clients; to learn to provide education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; to perform prevention activities designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in the County; and to do related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry and first working level in the Substance Abuse Counselor class 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 identification of client problems and development of case service plans. This class is distinguished from Substance Abuse Counselor II in that incumbents are performing many assignments in training and learning capacity to acquire their two years of experience necessary for Substance Abuse Counselor II. When a Substance Abuse Counselor Associate has developed the requisite knowledge and working background, demonstrated sound work habits, and acquired two years of experience, they may be promoted to the Substance Abuse Counselor I level. REPTS TO Substance Abuse Treatment Coordinator; Behavioral Health Deputy Director; Behavioral Health Director CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED This is not a supervisory classification EXAMPLES OF IMPTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES (The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.) {Many of the assignments described below are performed in a training and learning capacity with an incumbent expected to continually develop the knowledge and ability to work on an increasingly independent basis.} Meets with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings to develop client centered service plans; learns to conduct assessments of clients with substance abuse problems; learns to develop treatment plans for clients; learns to provide outpatient
counseling on an individual/group basis; assists clients in understanding their problems and developing plans to resolve them; may work with clients families to secure their cooperation in programs; 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 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. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX. TYPICAL WKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in an office, clinic, home, school, or community environment; work is performed with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: 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. Requirements and needs of persons with serious substance abuse problems. Available community resources for substance abuse services. 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. Establish and maintain a variety of administrative records, and related materials. Effectively represent the Substance Abuse Program 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. Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers/clients. Training and Experience: Meet the necessary educational requirements to register to obtain certification as an AOD Counselor by a State of California approved certifying organization. Possession of registration to obtain certification as an AOD Counselor by a 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. FULL JOB DESCRIPTION: SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSEL II DEFINITION Under supervision, to learn to provide assessments, treatment planning, and counseling for substance abuse program clients; to learn to provide education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; to perform prevention activities designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in the County; and to do related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry and first working level in the Substance Abuse Counselor class series for individuals with two (2) years of experience. 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 identification of client problems and development of case service plans. This class is distinguished from Substance Abuse Counselor III in that incumbents are performing many assignments in training and learning capacity, while Substance Abuse Counselor III is the fully experienced journey level with incumbents expected to perform a broader range of assignments on a more independent basis. When a Substance Abuse Counselor II has developed the requisite knowledge and working background, and demonstrated sound work habits, they may be promoted to the Substance Abuse Counselor III level. REPTS TO Substance Abuse Treatment Coordinator; Behavioral Health Deputy Director; Behavioral Health Director CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED This is not a supervisory classification EXAMPLES OF IMPTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES (The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.) {Many of the assignments described below are performed in a training and learning capacity with an incumbent expected to continually develop the knowledge and ability to work on an increasingly independent basis.} Meets with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings to develop client centered service plans; learns to conduct assessments of clients with substance abuse problems; learns to develop treatment plans for clients; learns to provide outpatient counseling on an individual/group basis; assists clients in understanding their problems and developing plans to resolve them; may work with clients families to secure their cooperation in programs; 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 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. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX. TYPICAL WKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in an office, clinic, home, school, or community environment; work is performed with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: 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. Requirements and needs of persons with serious substance abuse problems. Available community resources for substance abuse services. 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. Establish and maintain a variety of administrative records, and related materials. Effectively represent the Substance Abuse Program 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. Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers/clients. Training and Experience: Two (2) years of experience working in substance abuse counseling and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency. Current certification as an AOD Counselor from a State of California approved certifying organization. Possession of registration to obtain certification as an AOD Counselor by a 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.
FULL JOB DESCRIPTION: SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSEL III DEFINITION Under general supervision, to provide assessments, treatment planning, and counseling for substance abuse program clients; to provide education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; to perform prevention activities designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in the County; and to do related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the fully experienced Substance Abuse Counselor level in the Substance Abuse Counselor class series. Incumbents have responsibility for providing a variety of substance abuse counseling services for individuals (adult and youth) and groups. Incumbents are required to develop case service plans, identify appropriate treatment methods, and use a variety of counseling techniques. Incumbents in this class series are also expected to perform substance abuse prevention efforts including information dissemination, education, alternative activities, community based process, and referral services. This class is distinguished from Substance Abuse Counselor I and II in that Substance Abuse Counselor I and II are the entry and training level while Substance Abuse Counselor III is the fully experienced, journey level. 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. REPTS TO Substance Abuse Treatment Coordinator; Behavioral Health Deputy Director; Behavioral Health Director. CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED This is not a supervisory classification EXAMPLES OF IMPTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES (The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.) Meets with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings to develop client centered service plans; conducts assessments of clients with substance abuse problems; develops treatment plans for clients; provides outpatient counseling on an individual/group basis; assists clients with understanding their problems and developing plans to resolve them; may work with clients families to secure their cooperation in programs; 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 team and collaborative diagnoses and counseling programs; develops recommendations to mitigate client problems and follows-up with clients and their families to assess progress; performs 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. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX. TYPICAL WKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office, clinic, home, school, or community environments; work is performed with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Psychological and social aspects and characteristics of substance abuse. Drugs and drug abuse patterns, alcoholism, and the physiological effects of drug abuse and alcoholism. Methods and techniques for conducting assessments of an individual s substance abuse problems. Approved principles and practices of substance abuse counseling. Available community resources for substance abuse services. Requirements and needs of persons with serious substance abuse problems. State and local laws, policies, and procedures governing the administration of alcohol and drug prevention and treatment programs, especially those pertaining to an individual s legal rights. Ability to: Assess substance abuse problems and develop services to meet client problems, consulting with clients and other professional staff. Conduct effective individual and group counseling related to substance abuse problems and recovery. 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. Explain complex and technical terminology and concepts in an understandable and nonthreatening manner. Establish and maintain a variety of administrative records, and related materials. Effectively represent the Substance Abuse Program 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. Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers/clients. Training and Experience: Two (2) years of experience working in substance abuse counseling and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency comparable to a Substance Abuse Counselor II with the County of Lake. Current certification as an AOD Counselor from a State approved certifying organization. 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.