Substance Use Disorders Registered/Certified Counselor - (Full-Time & Extra-Help)

Full Job Description

This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay is $23.49 - $25.91 per hour.

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

• Performs client intake and discharge procedures.
  
• Conducts individual, group, and family counseling sessions with program clients and their families.
  
• Maintains client records.
  
• Prepares and administers individual recovery plans for program clients with the support and assistance of professional staff.
  
• Collects and records pertinent social data on program clients.
  
  
• Develops and maintains communications between Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Substance Use Disorders programs and community agencies.
  
  
• Refers clients to other programs and community agencies which provides assistance with substance use disorders related challenges.
  
  
• Develops and provides informational presentations on substance use disorders to local schools and community agencies.
  
  
• Develops, implements, and conducts specialized substance use disorders treatment and education programs.
  
  
• Provides advice on problems which arise during the course of work; monitors workflow; accumulates data used in State and Federal activity reporting.
  
  
• Maintains a client caseload and provides individual and group counseling sessions.
  
  
• Develops and provides informational presentations on substance use disorders to local schools and community agencies.
  
  
• May provide lead direction, training, and work coordination for other Substance Use Disorders Registered Counselors.

Requirements

Substance Use Disorders Registered Counselor

Experience:
One (1) year of experience with direct patient or client contact related to substance use disorders treatment and prevention.

OR

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 required experience.

Special Requirement:
Applicants with a personal history of substance use disorders must present evidence of their successful recovery.

Must be registered for certification within six (6) months of employment pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Chapter 8

Must be certified within five (5) years of employment from date of registration for certification. Verification of successful application submission to certified organization may be temporarily accepted pending certification.

Substance Use Disorders Certified Counselor

Experience:
One (1) year of experience providing Substance Use Disorders counseling or presentations equivalent to that of a Substance Use Disorders Registered Counselor with Merced County.

Certification:
A valid Certification in Substance Use Disorders Counseling or Addiction Services. Employees who do not maintain a valid certification pursuant to California Code of Regulations Chapter 8 of the Health and Safety Code will be terminated.

Education:
Two (2) years of advanced education (60 units of college credit) in psychology, sociology, or a closely related field is preferred.

Special Requirement:
Applicants with a personal history of substance use disorders 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 modern office equipment.
  
• 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, and develop appropriate responses.
  
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions.
  
• 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.
  
  
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

• Philosophy and goals of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Programs.
  
• Theories and causes of substance use disorders.
  
• Common practices and procedures used in therapeutic interaction with substance use disorders and individuals with mental health or dual diagnosis.
  
• Various therapeutic, treatment and recovery approaches, including individual, group, and family counseling.
  
• Signs and symptoms of substance use disorders.
  
• Motivational interviewing techniques.
  
• Community resources, including other mental health and social service agencies.
  
• Principles of lead direction, training, and work coordination.
  
• Laws and regulations applicable to substance use disorders programs.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of substance use disorders counseling, presentation, and program support assignments with minimal supervision.
  
• Think clearly and act calmly in a variety of situations.
  
• Perform intake and discharge procedures.
  
• Perform individual, group, and family counseling for individuals with substance use disorders.
  
• Maintain the confidentiality of client information.
  
• Interact with clients in a therapeutic way.
  
• Organize data, 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.
  
• Plan, organize, and conduct specialized substance use disorders programs.