SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR - CORRECTIONAL HEALTH

Full Job Description

We welcome applications from everyone.

Why work for us?

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) is the second largest municipal health system in the nation.

Through its unified system of 23 health centers and four hospitals - and expanded network of community partner clinics – DHS annually provides direct care for over 500,000 outstanding patients, employs over 23,000 staff, and has an annual budget of over $8.4 billion.

For additional information regarding DHS please visit www.dhs.lacounty.gov.

Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits!

Los Angeles County offers one of the strongest public sector benefits packages in the nation.

• Flexible Benefit Plans - Benefits may be purchased using tax-free County contribution of an additional 14.5%-17% of the employee's monthly salary.
• Robust Retirement Packages - Contributory-defined benefit plan; optional tax-deferred income plans that may include a County matching contribution up to 4% of employee's salary.
• Generous Parental and Family Leave Benefits
• Ridesharing, Parking, and Transit Benefits
• 13 paid holidays per year

Click here for more details on employee benefits.

MISSION:To advance the health of our patients and our communities by providing extraordinary care.

What does this position do?

Participates as a counselor in a substance abuse or mental health services program designed to prevent substance abuse and provide for the treatment of rehabilitation patients and mental health clients with substance abuse problems.

Requirements

• Facilitates in educational activities in informal group settings and in treatment or correctional centers to improve knowledge of substance abuse and mental health related areas.
• Monitors and documents client/patient progress in substance abuse/mental health recovery.
• Counsels patients/clients regarding community resources such as housing and/or employment or treatment services available to help prevent or cope with relapses.
• Counsels patients/clients to prevent relapses by assisting them in recognizing causal factors of substance abuse/mental illness and in developing appropriate coping behaviors.
• Participates with the treatment team of clinicians and release planners in developing, implementing, and evaluating treatment or therapy approaches for patients/clients, family members, and significant others in all phases of comprehensive substance abuse and/or mental health treatment programs.
• Conducts interviews of clients/patients and assessments to obtain family, social, medical, work, and mental health histories.
• Assists in the supervision of trainees and in the recruitment, selection, and training of such program staff members, as needed.

Qualifications

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS:
One year of experience in a substance abuse program, including conducting physical assessments, providing counseling to individuals, families, and groups, and completing documentation.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Additional points will be awarded to applicants who possess the following:

• Experience beyond the Selection Requirements.

Registration or certification as an alcohol and drug counselor in California by either The California Association of DUI Treatment Program (CADTP) or The California Consortium of Addiction Program and Professionals (CCAPP)*.

* In-order-to receive credit, applicant may attach a copy of their certificate with their application at the time of filing online.


If you are unable to attach the required documents to your application, you must email them to the Exam Analyst,
Brenda Aguila at baguila@dhs.lacounty.gov within seven (7) calendar days of filing online. Please include the exam number and exam title.

We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst.

LICENSE:
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

PHYSICAL CLASS II - Light:
This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

Additional Information

Examination content:

This assessment type, weighted 100%, will evaluate the training and experience you list on your application, including responses to desirable qualifications the supplemental questionnaire and assign a score based on a standardized scoring system.

Applicants will need to achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the assessment to be placed on the list.

Eligibility information:

Applications will be processed as they are received and added to the list accordingly for 12 months.

Special information:

Vacancy information:

We will use this list to fill vacancies in the Department of Health Services.

Available shift:

Appointees may work any shift, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Application and filing information

We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.

Please fill out the application completely. We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment.

• Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, include yours when applying.
• For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or the internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout the County. Please visit https://lacountylibrary.org.
• All applicants must file their application online using their own login information. Using a family member's or friend's user ID and password may erase a candidate's original application record.

Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI)

The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States.

We are committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race.

We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.


DEPARTMENT CONTACT:
Brenda Aguila, Exam Analyst
(213) 288-7000
baguila@dhs.lacounty.gov