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

Examples of Duties

• 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.
• Collaborates with community agencies to refer clients to additional services.
• 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.
• May provide lead direction, training, and work coordination for other Substance Use Disorders Registered Counselors.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Essential Functions

• 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.
• 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

• The 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.
• Variety of 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

• 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.

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