Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Description There are currently two (2) Substance Use Disorder Counselor I/II positions available in the Behavioral Health division of the Health and Human Services Agency. Only Online Applications will be Accepted. DEFINITION Under general supervision, provides assessments, level of care evaluations, treatment planning, and services, and comprehensive counseling for clients with substance use disorders (SUD) to address use and dependency; provides community-based educational presentations; provides prevention services; and, as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team provides case management consultation and input related to substance use and dependency in the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Unit.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor I (Registered) is the entry-level in this classification series. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine substance use counseling and case management services. Assignments are limited in scope to well-established procedures, predetermined methodology, and well-defined issues with predictable results.

Incumbents are provided with progressively responsible assignments, allowing them to gain the experience necessary to qualify for the advanced journey level. Substance Use Disorder Counselor II (Certified) is the journey or experienced level in this classification series. This level is distinguished from the Substance Use Disorder Counselor I in that the incumbents may be assigned lead work under limited supervision, with responsibilities for work coordination, and may be asked to plan, organize, and implement specialized treatment programs or prevention and intervention services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from assigned Supervising Behavioral Health Clinician and/or lead direction from a Senior Substance Use Disorder Counselor. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of: Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to substance use disorders. Principles, procedures, techniques, and trends of counseling, treatment, and casework services.

Basic knowledge of psychological and sociological aspects of substance abuse and dependency. Various treatment and recovery approaches, including individual, group, and family counseling and crisis interventions. Substance abuse life cycle symptoms and behaviors.

Alcohol and drug diagnoses and admission criteria for persons served in a specific program. Medications associated with medical alcohol and drug treatment and their effects. Community resources, including community support groups, behavioral health services, and social services agencies.

Interviewing techniques to assess and evaluate service needs. Public relations techniques. Modem office practices and technology, including the use of computers for data processing and records management, report and business letter preparation techniques.

Safe work practices. Substance Use Disorder Counselor II (In addition to the above) Principles and techniques used in developing training materials using a variety of formats and media. Knowledge of psychological and sociological aspects of substance use and dependency.

Most current and effective substance abuse prevention and methods of instruction. Ability to: Evaluate program participant needs and participant level of care needs. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with program participants, community agencies, and co-workers.

Perform a variety of substance use counseling and prevention assignments. Perform counseling on an individual or group basis. Organize data, develop information, and prepare clear, concise, comprehensive records and reports.

Maintain the confidentiality of client information. Determine appropriate action in emergencies or stressful situations. Develop and implement assessment and treatment plans alone or in a collaborative fashion.

Plan, organize, and conduct specialized substance use disorder services. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions within the working conditions. Work is normally performed in an office setting with continuous contact with staff and the public.

Interaction with clients requires adaptability when confronted with emergencies, critical, unusual, or potentially dangerous situations. Potential exposure to infectious diseases and may require travel to other County offices/locations. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requires the ability to work at a desk for multiple hours and intermittently travel to and from locations internal and external to the primary work location. Must be able to move and reposition items up to twenty-five (25) pounds, use tools and controls, and operate office equipment. Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing.

Examples of Duties EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Maintains and manages a caseload of substance use disorder clients. Performs counseling services for substance use disorder clients, which can include planning and conducting individual and group counseling services to address substance use and dependency. Conducts initial screenings of potential clients by gathering and assessing relevant background information, evaluating the severity of client substance use, and determining the appropriate level of care.

Formulates and implements treatment plans, including arranging and coordinating appropriate care for services and discharge plans. Maintains complete case files and prepares related reports, correspondence, documentation, and data as required by local, state, and federal agencies. Coordinates and provides outreach to the community, schools, local youth centers, and throughout the County as assigned.

Assists in the organization and implementation of specialized community and youth substance use disorder prevention programs and services. Advocates for clients and participates as an active member of the treatment team with other professional and technical program staff. Develops and maintains community resources network and close working relationships with participating schools, Superior Court, businesses, and local community organizations that interface with the substance use disorder program.

Attends training sessions, workshops, and meetings to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain required certifications. Serves on various committees and task forces, as appropriate and/or assigned. Performs general office work as required, including copying and filing documents, attending meetings, sending and receiving faxes, entering and retrieving computer data, etc.

Performs related duties as assigned. Substance Use Disorder Counselor II (In addition to the above) Assists in the planning, organization, and implementation of specialized community and youth substance use disorder prevention programs and services. Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Experience: Substance Use Disorder Counselor I One (1) year of experience in human services, substance abuse, and/or behavioral health program that includes ongoing client contact.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor II Two (2) years of increasingly responsible substance abuse and/or behavioral health counseling, education, or prevention experience. Education: Both Substance Use Disorder Counselor I and II High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Substitution: Both Substance Use Disorder Counselor I and II Thirty (30) units of coursework in psychology, sociology, counseling, substance abuse, alcohol and drug abuse, or a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience, on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Requirements: Substance Use Disorder Counselor I: Must possess and maintain a valid Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) certificate obtained through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). In place of the aforementioned certificate, verification of registration of a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) certificate will be accepted. Applicants must provide a valid Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) certificate within 90 days of hire and remain certified while employed.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor II: Must possess and maintain a valid certificate in one of the following Certified Alcohol and Drug/Substance Use Disorder Counselor Programs throughout employment: Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC) obtained through the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP), or; Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC) or higher, obtained through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) or; Certified Addiction Specialist (CADC-CAS) obtained through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) or; Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC) or higher obtained through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) Both Substance Use Disorder Counselor I and II: On a case-by-case basis, alcohol and drug counselor certifications recognized by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) may be accepted. Possession of a valid California driver's license. Under certain circumstances, the Human Resources Director may accept a valid driver's license from another state if the applicant acknowledges his/her intent to acquire a California driver's license within three months by signing an acknowledgment form.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions pertaining to this or other essential functions of this classification. Supplemental Information This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbents may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document.