Alcohol and Drug Counselor I/II

County of Shasta•Redding, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is within the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Behavioral Health and Social Services Branch. The agency partners with the community to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of Shasta County residents. The Behavioral Health & Social Services Branch is dedicated to improving the well-being of our community through comprehensive mental health services and essential social services to adults, children, and families. By integrating both behavioral health and social support services, we strive to build a healthier community by ensuring individuals have the resources they need to achieve stability and wholeness. Alcohol and Drug Counselor I: Under general supervision, provides alcohol and drug counseling, case management services, advocacy, education, and support to groups, families, couples, and individuals. Alcohol and Drug Counselor II: Under direction, provides alcohol and drug counseling, case management services, advocacy, education, and support to groups, families, couples, and individuals.

Requirements

Knowledge of policies, rules, laws and regulations of the Health and Human Services Agency and federal, state and local governments regarding alcohol/drug abuse and treatment.
Knowledge of theories and causes of alcohol and drug dependence.
Knowledge of techniques and methods used in alcohol/drug abuse and mental health counseling, treatment, education and prevention including group and individual work.
Knowledge of theories of normal and abnormal psychology.
Knowledge of casework and interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of parenting skills.
Knowledge of available community resources.
Knowledge of modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
Knowledge of record keeping principles and procedures.
Knowledge of computer applications related to the work.
Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Knowledge of techniques for dealing effectively with and providing a high level of customer service to all individuals contacted in the course of work.
Knowledge of issues of diverse cultures and how they influence agency practices.
Ability to analyze alcohol/drug abuse and mental health related emotional/behavior disorders and carry out effective treatment plans.
Ability to perform individual and group counseling.
Ability to develop and implement effective alcohol/drug education and prevention programs.
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in implementing various programs.
Ability to maintain significant flexibility in daily operations and decision making.
Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
Ability to speak effectively in public.
Ability to react calmly and professionally in emergency, emotional and/or stressful situations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Ability to assemble and analyze information and prepare written reports and records in a clear, concise manner.
Ability to work independently and as a team member.
Ability to use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner.
Ability to organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
Ability to enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
Alcohol and Drug Counselor I: EITHER Completion of an alcohol and drug addiction studies program as part of two (2) years of formal education beyond high school in psychology, sociology, or related field, and two (2) years of experience as a substance abuse counselor; OR A four (4) year degree in psychology, sociology, or related field from an accredited college or university; OR Four (4) years of experience as a substance abuse counselor; OR Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Alcohol and Drug Counselor II: EITHER Completion of an alcohol and drug addiction studies program as part of two (2) years of formal education beyond high school in psychology, sociology, or related field AND four (4) years of experience as a counselor/case manager; OR A four-year degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, sociology, or related field AND two (2) years as a substance abuse counselor; OR Six (6) years of experience as a substance abuse counselor; OR Possession of a valid California Alcohol/Drug Counselor certification; OR Other combinations of education and experience may be considered AND two (2) years of experience equivalent to an Alcohol and Drug Counselor I with Shasta County.
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Must be a certified substance abuse counselor or register for certification and become certified within five (5) years of being hired.
Must complete periodic continuing education coursework as required to maintain active certification.
Must possess, or be willing to obtain, National Provider Identifier (NPI).
This position requires registration to obtain a State of California certification as an Alcohol/Drug Counselor within six months of date of hire.
After registration, the incumbent is expected to receive certification within five (5) years.
Also requires possession of a valid State of California certification as an Alcohol/Drug Counselor within five (5) years of date of registration.
Failure to obtain certification as outlined will result in the incumbent becoming disqualified for further employment as an Alcohol/Drug Counselor I/II.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of the ASAM movement, Seeking Safety curriculum, MAT and the importance of the integration of whole person care and how strategic and collaborative co-occurring disorder interventions are imperative to the work we do is desired.
Experience working with adults in both a residential and outpatient setting.
Thorough understanding of evidence-based strategies for engagement and treatment.
Thorough understanding of completing Drug and Alcohol assessments.
Skills and experience in working with effective multidisciplinary treatment teams.
Strong understanding of military culture and the unique challenges veterans face as they reintegrate into civilian life.
Ability to excel at building trust through trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to supporting the resilience and recovery of those who have served.
Good communication, multitasking, and organizing skills.
Ability to maintain strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Conducts initial screenings of potential clients; gathers and assesses relevant background information and conducts full assessments of issues.
Evaluates the severity of client problems and determines the appropriate level of care; formulates treatment and discharge plans.
Participates in individual, treatment team, staff, and professional meetings and case consultations to discuss client treatment and progress.
Provides alcohol and drug counseling, motivational interviewing, life skills and counseling to individuals, couples, families, and groups; manages more difficult cases as assigned, including dual and multi-diagnosed disorders (i.e., mental illness, HIV, or other acute/chronic medical conditions).
Makes home visits as appropriate.
Conducts group sessions dealing with alcohol/drug education and communication, parenting, life skills, relapse prevention, coping and relaxation skills.
Provides casework services to substance abuse clients; provides case management services to clients, families, and significant others.
Conducts and submits assessment for possible admission to detoxification and residential programs.
Provides information and referrals for appropriate services provided through other Health and Human Services Agency divisions and other community agencies as needed.
Provides pre-sentence evaluations, treatment recommendations and progress reports for criminal justice agencies and Children and Family Services.
Observes and records client behavior; maintains complete case files, ensuring the accurate completion of various required documents, records, and reports within established timelines.
Reports documented or suspected abuse and neglect as mandated by law.
Provides follow-up and after-care services.
Attends and participates as requested in meetings of community groups dealing with alcohol/drug related problems.
Distributes information and gives formal and informal presentations and training sessions to schools, various agencies, and community groups.
Coordinates special programs and services as assigned.
Refers for Medi-Cal application assistance when needed.
Attends training sessions, workshops, and meetings to enhance job knowledge and skills as assigned by supervisor.
Completes assigned Target Safety training.
Serves on various committees, task forces, etc., as assigned.
Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings with valid written consent from clients to review client caseload, treatment outcomes and recommendations as assigned.
Will meet department standards for productivity and related documentation requirements for third party reimbursement.
Compliance with all provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) if assigned to the Health and Human Services Agency.
Compliance with all rules and regulations of Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42.
Compliance with all other relevant laws and regulations regarding confidentiality.
Performs related work as required.