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.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 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.