Job Description

The County of Yuba is currently recruiting for the position of  Substance Abuse Counselor I/II  within the Yuba County Probation Department. Substance Abuse Counselors perform initial assessments, assist in developing counseling/treatment plans and provides counseling/therapy services and group facilitation to individuals or groups with potential and chronic substance abuse problems; depending upon level to which qualified and assigned, perform case work of varying scope and complexity and may provide program leadership and consultative services at the higher level; and perform related work as assigned.

This class is flexibly staffed with the Substance Abuse Counselor II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after demonstrating proficiency which meet the requirements for the higher level class and gaining the required certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor pursuant to 9 CCR § 13000 et al.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES :

• Interview, counsel, and assess individuals from a diverse population with problems related to substance abuse; clients may be potentially suicidal or depressed.


• Perform case studies to assess problems and develop appropriate types and methods of meeting client needs; participate in a multi-disciplinary team to develop appropriate case treatment plans.


• Assist in developing and maintaining effective communications between substance abuse services, service providers, other county departments, and other community agencies.


• Participant in informational and educational activities at agency and community levels.


• Provide information to staff responsible for patient diagnosis, treatment and counseling.


• Conduct support groups for individuals prior to entry into treatment.


• Organize and direct special substance abuse projects with the advice of medical and professional staff.


• Conduct individual and group life skill and educational sessions around addiction and healthy and recovery-oriented life issues.


• Facilitate provision of appropriate childcare and other services to enable participation in full range of client recovery-oriented and activities.


• Facilitate treatment programs for people under the County’s supervision for optimum outcome.


• Investigate routine to complex situations and provides individual or group counseling for both use of and availability of community services; if appropriately licensed and experienced, counsels clients regarding interpersonal relationships involving parents and children and marital and family difficulties.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is knowledgeable in the goals and objectives of substance abuse treatment, recovery and case management; behavioral problems, characteristics of mental and emotional disturbances in symptoms of substance abuse and/or dependency. Skilled in understanding factors important to behavior patterns; designing, developing, and facilitating a variety of treatment or special substance abuse project activities; dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds where conditions may be confrontational or strained. The incumbent must have strong communication skills with the ability to listen carefully to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points being made, and ask questions as appropriate for clarification. Must be empathetic and able to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with clients, co-workers and the general public. This position will work with juvenile and adults. Substance abuse counselors may have evening sessions and must be willing to work evenings when required.

Qualifications

Level I Minimum: Two (2) years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor; OR: Associate’s degree with major course work in substance abuse, social services, behavioral sciences, chemical dependency or a field related to the work and one (1) year of experience. Must register for certification as an Alcohol & Drug Counselor within six (6) months of hire.

Level II Minimum: Three (3) years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor, at least one (1) of which is at the level of the county’s class of Substance Abuse Counselor I; OR: Associate’s degree with major course work in substance abuse, social services, behavioral sciences, chemical dependency or a field related to the work and two (2) years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor, at least one (1) of which is at the level of the County’s class of Substance Abuse Counselor I. Must possess and maintain certification as an Alcohol & Drug Counselor, pursuant to 9 CCR § 13000 et. al.

Licenses and Certification:

The ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license within ten (10) days of employment; maintain throughout employment and possess or obtain first aid and CPR certifications.

Special Requirements:

Must successfully complete an extensive and thorough background investigation which may include Live Scan fingerprinting prior to hire and DMV printout prior to hire. Will be required to perform disaster service activities pursuant to Government Code 3100-3109. Special Requirement: Must register for certification as an Alcohol & Drug Counselor within six (6) months of hire and receive Certification within five (5) years of assignment pursuant to 9 CCR § 13000 et al. Tuberculosis (TB) testing conducted no more than 60 calendar days prior to hire or seven (7)calendar days after employment and renewed annually. 

Work Environment:

Attend meetings outside of normal working hours. Work may involve stressful situations and include dealing with erratic behavior. Work on-call and respond to emergency situations during weekends, holidays and other off-hours shifts.

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