Substance Use Disorder Counselor I/II

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule, County Website

Substance Use Disorder Counselor I - $22.31 - $28.51

Substance Use Disorder Counselor II - $24.91 - 31.80

Under clinical supervision, to provide paraprofessional and treatment support services for county Behavioral Health clients in the Substance Use Disorder program; to provide counseling and educational services under appropriate guidance; to develop and facilitate client services and case management plans; performs after-hours crisis and mobile crisis interventions and evaluations; and to do related work as required. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry level in the Substance Use Disorder class series. Incumbents have responsibility for providing direct and support services working with individuals, couples, families, or groups, as appropriate. Incumbents provide case management, and substance use disorder prevention and treatment recovery services, life skills education group facilitation, and other specialty services. This classification is distinguished the Substance Use Disorder Counselor II in that incumbents are not certified and are providing services under the supervision of a Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor. Additionally, the Substance Use Disorder Counselor II provides a broader array of client support services and may be responsible for an assigned specialty area.

Under clinical supervision, to provide paraprofessional and treatment support services for county Behavioral Health clients in the Substance Use Disorder program; to provide counseling and educational services under appropriate guidance; to develop and facilitate client services and case management plans; perform after-hours crisis and mobile crisis interventions and evaluations; and to do related work as required. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the fully experienced certified working level in the Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor class series. Incumbents have responsibility for providing direct and support services working with individuals, couples, families, or groups, as appropriate. Incumbents are required to have expertise in the provision of substance use disorder recovery services, case management, life skills education, group facilitation, and other specialized services related to substance abuse treatment. This classification is distinguished from the Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor I in that incumbents must be licensed or certified as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor by an agency recognized by the State of California and are expected to provide a broader array of client support services and be responsible for an assigned specialty area.

Alcohol & Drug Administrator, Behavioral Health Site Supervisor, or Behavioral Health System Administrator

Classifications Supervised

None.

Examples of Duties

Meets with individuals, families, and groups to provide a variety of case management and support services related to alcohol and other drugs; provides support in clinic and community settings; assists with the development of program services and functions; provides comprehensive counseling services under appropriate guidance; communicates with, listens to, and observes clients in individual/group counseling sessions; obtains information to assess clients' needs; formulates treatment plans, evaluates client progress; prepares and maintains case records and documentation; facilitates client services by providing assistance in securing housing, employment, child care, transportation; may assist with development and implementation of specialized prevention and recovery support activities, including support groups, parenting education, life experience activities, and supported independent living, recreation, and work experience; provides support services including office support and receptionist services at Behavioral Health program sites; works with individuals to facilitate access and use of community resources; maintains records of services provided as required State and Federal regulations and Department policies; provides in-service training and technical assistance for other agencies and community organizations; may develop treatment plans and provide services in collaborative team efforts; may provide school based prevention services based on assignment; performs after-hours crisis and mobile crisis interventions and conduct W & I Code 5150 evaluations in the community, at the jail, or at the hospital; respond professionally and responsibly in crisis and emergency situations; assists with the placement in appropriate psychiatric facilities; provides comprehensive counseling services as well as crisis safety planning under appropriate guidance; completes related crisis intervention trainings (as to not interfere with primary AOD duties/assignments); assists other staff with support, office, transportation, and other program related activities.

Knowledge of

Principles, procedures, techniques and trends related to counseling, therapy, and guidance of individuals, groups, and families in alcohol and drug treatment and prevention programs.

• Biological, behavioral and environmental aspects of behavioral health and behavioral problems.
• State, federal, and local laws, regulations, and requirements for the provision of counseling services.
• Substance use disorder treatment and detoxification methods and issues, as necessitated by area of assignment.
• Scope and activities of public and private health and welfare agencies and other community resources.
• Crisis and mobile crisis intervention methods and techniques.
• Legislative and administrative rules and regulations pertaining to Lanterman-Petris-Short and Short-Doyle services.
• Principles, procedures, techniques and trends related to counseling, therapy, and guidance of individuals, groups, and families in alcohol and drug treatment and prevention programs.

Desired skills

• Perform a variety of behavioral health services, for substance abuse recovery support services with individual clients and groups, as assigned.
• Apply and explain federal and state laws, rules, and regulations governing behavioral health and alcohol and drug programs and services.
• Develop and maintain cooperative, constructive relationships with families of clients, members of professional disciplines, social agencies and other staff.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive case work records and make sound recommendations.
• Develop and implement client case management services.
• Analyze case information, reaching sound diagnostic and treatment decisions.
• Effectively counsel clients, groups, and families.
• Maintain the confidentiality of case information.
• Recognize a potential crisis and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Handle stress and unusual client behavior.
• Ability to conduct mental health and other related needs assessments related to crisis intervention and services and to work with individuals who are experiencing suicidal and homicidal ideation and who are gravely disabled due to a mental health disorder.
• Ability to determine and implement the appropriate course of action in emergencies or stressful situations.
• Ability to provide a broad array of crisis support services as a crisis and/or mobile crisis worker, which requires after-hours, day, night, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Effectively represents the Behavioral Health Department with the public, community organizations, other county staff, and other government agencies.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor I -

Training and Experience

Completion of required prerequisite coursework to become a Registered Alcohol Drug Technician I/II or a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor – Certified Addiction Specialist (CADC-CAS)

Special Requirements:

Incumbents must obtain certification as a Registered Alcohol Drug Technician I or II (RADT-I/II), or Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor-Certified Addiction Specialist (CADC CAS) level by the State of California within 30 days of hire.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid and appropriate driver's license.

Completion of coursework and licensing/certification in a behavioral or social science area, including, but not limited to Addiction, Psychology, Sociology, Recreation, Child Care, Social Work, Counseling, and related fields.

Certification and/or licensure as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor by the State of California.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid and appropriate driver's license.

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 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

Typical Working Conditions
Work is performed in office, clinic, jail, hospital, or community environments; work is performed with individuals who are chronically and persistently mentally ill, substance-abusing individuals, homeless, children and adolescents, and the elderly and who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public.