Substance Abuse Counselor

Definition

This is a bilingual (English/Spanish) recruitment. Candidates must be proficient in both languages to be considered.

Distinction Characteristics

Incumbents have responsibility for providing a variety of substance abuse counseling services for individuals and groups. Incumbents are required to develop case service plans, identify appropriate treatment methods, and use a variety of counseling techniques.

Reports To

Substance Abuse Program Administrator

Classifications Supervised

This is not a supervisory classification.

Typical Physical Requirements

• Sit for extended periods
• Frequently stand and walk
• Normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination
• Lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Corrected hearing and vision to normal range
• Verbal communication
• Use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX

Example of Duties

• Meets with individuals, families, and groups in clinic, home, schools, jails and community settings to develop client centered service plans
• Conducts assessments of clients with substance abuse concerns
• Develops treatment plans for clients; provides outpatient counseling on an individual/group basis to assist clients in understanding their problems and developing plans to resolve them
• Works with clients' families to secure their cooperation in programs
• Advises clients on available community resources and serves as a liaison with organizations and service agencies
• Makes referrals and other arrangements for client treatment and service, as necessary
• Prepares and presents progress reports on assigned cases
• Cooperates with professionals from other disciplines in the development of team and collaborative diagnoses and counseling programs
• Develops recommendations to mitigate client problems and follows-up with clients and their families to assess progress
• Performs crisis intervention
• Maintains records and prepares reports for State and local agencies
• Conducts community substance abuse prevention programs for targeted groups, such as school children.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experience working in substance abuse counseling and related social services in a public or certified private welfare or health agency.

Special Requirements

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Certificate as a Certified Addiction Specialist.

Benefits

• Pay Day: Bi-weekly payments
• Insurance Deductions: Bi-monthly deductions
• Bank/Credit union and 457 Retirement Deferrals: Bi-weekly deductions
• Vacation: Based on continued years of service
• Sick Leave: 15 days per year
• Health Plan: Comprehensive medical and dental plans available for full-time employees
• Vision Plan: MES Vision Plan offered which offers exams, frames and lenses on a 12-24-24 basis. The County pays for employee coverage and the employee can pay for dependent coverage
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential short-term counseling services to employees and dependents
• Life Insurance/AD&D: County pays for a $20,000 BASIC life insurance policy for each employee. Two other VOLUNTARY life insurance plans available, including AD&D
• Disability Insurance: General, Confidential and Management groups participate in the State Disability Insurance
• Credit Union: Membership to the Santa Clara Federal Credit Union is available to San Benito County employees
• Deferred Compensation: Employees may participate in tax-deferred retirement savings. Three 457 plans are available. Employees may rollover funds from prior 401k or 457 accounts
• Rollover Funds from Prior 401k or 457 Accounts: IRS limits apply
• Retirement: Regular employees will be enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system in accordance with the Public Employees' Retirement Law
• Tuition Reimbursement: Employees may participate in various AFLAC plans such as accident, disability, and cancer insurances. Additionaly, employees can enroll into a pre-tax cafeteria plan and flexible spending accounts including Unreimbursed Medical ($2500) and Dependent Care ($5000)
• Supplemental Insurance: Employees may participate in various AFLAC plans such as accident, disability, and cancer insurances. Additionaly, employees can enroll into a pre-tax cafeteria plan and flexible spending accounts including Unreimbursed Medical ($2500) and Dependent Care ($5000)

Required Question

• I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.