Substance Use Disorder Counselor II - (Open Until Filled)

Salary : $51,613.97 - $63,478.67 Annually
Location : Madera County, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Behavioral Health Services
Division: Behavioral Health Administration
Opening Date: 07/18/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PROFS
County of Madera is establishing a list of qualified applicants for this position. Applications will be accepted continuously until otherwise noted and the list will be used to fill current vacancies in this classification.
Under general direction provides assessments, treatment planning, and comprehensive counseling for clients with substance use disorders to address use and dependency; provides community-based education and prevention services; as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team provides case management consultation and input related to substance use and dependency; encourages client engagement in treatment and recovery services, or harm reduction, based on client goals; provides referrals and linkage to resources to address basic needs or higher level of care including residential and outpatient treatment programs; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
Examples of Duties
The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Types of work performed shall be within the scope and licensure (if required) for the classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.
Some duties may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Provides assessments, treatment planning, and comprehensive counseling services and psychoeducation for an assigned caseload of clients to address substance use and dependency.
• Provides individual/group, and outpatient drug and alcohol counseling and crisis intervention services to individuals, families, and groups, with a focus on rehabilitating substance use disorders; monitors treatment and evaluates progress; advocates for clients with outside agencies.
• Conducts initial screenings of potential clients; gathers and assesses relevant background information; evaluates the severity of client substance use and determines the appropriate level of care; formulate/develop treatment and discharge plans designed to aid in social adjustment.
• Provides support and assistance in problem resolution; coordinates or arranges for the provision of other needed services.
• Serves as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to provide optimal client assessment and treatment options; participates in diagnostic and evaluative staff meetings for cooperative planning and treatment, and to discuss client progress; performs case management services.
• Participates in the development, implementation, and administration of specialized substance use disorder programs; ensures program activities and services align with department goals and client needs.
• Observes and records client behavior; maintains complete case files, ensuring the accurate completion of various required documents, records, and reports within established procedures.
• Reports documented or suspected abuse and neglect as mandated by law.
• Assists clients in solving problems of housing, unemployment, education, and other conditions which serve as a barrier for clients' rehabilitation progress.
• Follows and develops curriculum and facilitates educational sessions for groups and the community relating to substance use and early intervention including schools and other agencies.
• Participates in community groups and stimulates community interest in identifying and eliminating conditions which contribute to substance use problems.
• Keeps current on prevention literature, statistical information, legislative activities and community resources and activities relevant to clients.
• Attends training sessions, workshops, and meetings to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain required certifications.
• Serves on various committees, task forces, as appropriate and/or assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications
Some knowledge and abilities may be performed by positions at the entry (I) level in a learning capacity.
Knowledge of:

• Psychological, physiological, sociological, and behavioral aspects indicative of substance use disorders.
• Substance abuse life cycle symptoms and behaviors.
• Recognized methods of treatment in dealing with individuals with behavioral, emotional, alcohol and/or drug related problems.
• Medications associated with medical alcohol and drug treatment and their effects.
• Alcohol and drug diagnoses and admission criteria for persons served in a specific program.
• Principles and practices of crisis intervention, group and individual therapy, and case management.
• Methods and techniques of interviewing clients to assess and evaluate service needs.
• Methods and techniques of observing and accurately describing/documenting client behaviors.
• Community demographics including socioeconomic and cultural factors.
• Community resources available which assist clients in recovery including housing, employment, education, medical and behavioral health sources.
• Principles and practices of case documentation and maintenance of complex and comprehensive records.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Assess and evaluate client's program eligibility and treatment option needs.
• Conduct effective individual and group counseling.
• Recognize potential crisis situations and intervene accordingly.
• Work effectively with staff in carrying out the work of the team.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Work independently in the establishment of individual/group treatment interventions.
• Assess situations involving clients and respond in a timely and effective manner utilizing a variety of appropriate techniques.
• Carry out a variety of treatment or special project activities under the direction of senior or clinical staff.
• Prepare thorough documentation and maintain accurate, systematic records.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical and administrative reports.
• Develop educational and information materials for community meetings and workshops.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to the work performed.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to a level of education and course of study, which would qualify as an accredited program for incumbents to obtain certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of California.
Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience providing substance use counseling and treatment services at a level equivalent to the County's classification of Substance Use Disorder Counselor I.
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate California driver's license.
• Possession of a valid Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification issued by a California Department of Health Care Services approved certification program, to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, vermin and pests, hazardous substances, infectious diseases, and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Application Process
The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training and experience relative to the required knowledge and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.
Only qualified applicants, who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the examination process which may be administered either by a written examination, oral examination, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application. The process will include an oral examination (100% weight). Passing score is 70% out of 100%.
THE ASSESSMENT (100%) WILL BE SCHEDULED ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS.
To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website . All job postings are also included via the TDD phone at 559-675-8970 and the 24-hour job line at 559-675-8685. Please attach to your application a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded), licenses, certificates or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.
Those applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 form along with the application. Candidates who attain ranking on an eligible list and are involuntarily called to active duty may be considered for eligibility reinstatement upon their return.
Placement on Eligible List: The Civil Service Commission may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the examination process. If two or more candidates have the same total final grade on an examination, they shall be ranked in order of their scores in that portion of the examination which has the greatest weight. In case this fails to break the tie, they shall be ranked in the order of filing applications.
Candidates who are successful in all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligible list, in rank order based on a calculation of their total score from the examination process. Eligible lists are generally active for a minimum of six (6) months up to a maximum of two (2) years. The duration of the eligible list is determined by Civil Service Commission Rules.
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT: You will be required to submit verification of your identity and citizenship or legal right to work in the United States at the time of and as a condition of an offer of employment.
As a condition of employment, all prospective employees shall be required to be fingerprinted.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Madera County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by Federal or State law.
Benefits of employment with the County of Madera include:

• 13 paid holidays per year;
• 1 sick leave day per month (unlimited accrual);
• 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year, vacation accrual increasing thereafter with years of service (45 days maximum accrual);
• Membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), with an enhanced 2.7% @ 55 retirement benefit formula (based on the highest 12 months with the employee paying 8% toward the retirement cost) for those individuals with current or prior qualifying public sector service that establishes eligibility as a "classic member" pursuant to the provisions of California's 2013 Pension Reform Act (Act) and CalPERS Regulations. Individuals with no current or prior qualifying public sector service, and who are defined as new members or new employees under the Act, will be eligible for the 2% @ 62 retirement benefit formula (based on the highest 36-months with the employee paying 7.75% toward the retirement cost);
• County participates in the Public Employees' Retirement System Health Benefit Program and for certain selected health plans, the County pays 95% of health insurance premium for employee and 50% for either two-party or dependent coverage;
• Additional salary increases after 10, 15, and 20 years of service.

01
Do you have two (2) years of progressively responsible experience providing substance use counseling and treatment services at a level equivalent to the County's classification of Substance Use Disorder Counselor I?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess a level of education and course of study, which would qualify as an accredited program for incumbents to obtain certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of California?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess a current, a valid Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification issued by a California Department of Health Care Services approved certification program? Applicants must attach verification of current certification.

• Yes
• No

Required Question