Dual Diagnosis Specialist

Full Job Description

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists in the planning, organizing and implementing of specialized mental health, drug and alcohol services for the dually diagnosed.
  
• Conducts individual, group, and family counseling sessions with program clients and their families.
  
• Facilitates alcohol and drug treatment groups for mentally ill clients.
  
• Prepares and administers individual recovery plans with program clients with the support and assistance of other professional staff.
  
• Collects and records pertinent social data on program clients.
  
• Performs client intake and discharge procedures. Also performs crisis intervention services.
  
• Develops and maintains communications between the department and community agencies.
  
• Refers clients to other programs and community agencies which provide assistance.
  
• May assist with training or act as a mentor to new employees and/or interns.
  
• Performs a variety of dual diagnosis program support activities.

Requirements

Experience:
Two (2) years of experience related to alcohol and drug abuse treatment or prevention, and at least one (1) year of experience providing service to mentally ill individuals. One (1) year of which must have included providing counseling or presentations equivalent to that of an Alcohol and Drug Services Intern or Mental Health Worker II with Merced County.

Certification:
A valid Certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling or Addiction Services. Employees who do not maintain a valid certificate pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Chapter 8 of the Health and Safety Code, Section will be terminated.

Education:
Two (2) years of advanced education (60 units of college credit) in psychology, sociology, or a closely related field may be substituted for the two (2) years of the required experience. Certification as a CAS (Certified Addiction Specialist) CADAC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) or MICA (Mentally Ill and Chemical Abuser) may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Special Requirement:
Applicants with a personal history of alcohol and drug abuse must present evidence of their successful recovery.

SOME POSITIONS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS PURSUANT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 2, B

Qualifications

• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
  
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
  
• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate responses, and prepare reports.
  
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
  
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
  
• Make presentations.
  
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
  
• Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
  
• Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
  
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
  
• Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
  
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
  
• Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
  
• Sit, stand or walk for long periods of time.
  
  
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

• Philosophy and goals of Alcohol and Drug and Mental Health Programs.
  
• Theories and causes of alcohol and drug problems.
  
• Common practices and procedures used in therapeutic interaction with alcohol and drug abusers and chronically mentally ill persons.
  
• Various therapeutic, treatment and recovery approaches, including individual, group, and family counseling.
  
• Characteristics of alcohol and drug abusers and interviewing techniques.
  
• Community resources, including other mental health and social service agencies.
  
• Principles, procedures, techniques, and trends of providing therapeutic and counseling services for mental health clients with co-occurring alcohol and/or drug problem.
  
• Social aspects and characteristics of mental/emotional disturbances and alcohol or drug dependence.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of alcohol and drug counseling, presentation, and program support assignments with minimal supervision.
  
• Develop and maintain the confidence and cooperation of mentally/emotionally disturbed clients.
  
• Maintain flexibility in treatment programs and therapeutic interventions
  
• Think clearly and act calmly in a variety of situations.
  
• Perform intake and termination procedures and individual, group, and family counseling for dually diagnosed clients.
  
• Interact with clients in a therapeutic way and maintain records and prepare reports.
  
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public co-workers and those contacted during the course of work.