Job Description

Posting number: 262700119

Department: Health and Human Services

Division: Behavioral Health

Job classification: Addiction Counselor I-III

Posting type: Open

Categories: Human Services

Summary

**Bi-lingual preferred **

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director of Behavioral Health and specific supervision of a program manager, depending upon level of position, may provide assessment, counseling, education, relapse prevention, and case management to persons with alcohol or drug addictions and/or with dual diagnoses, and related problems.

Addictions Counselor Trainee:

This is the entry-level trainee classification in the Addiction Counselor series. Incumbents are expected to develop skills and knowledge over time and shall receive direct supervision in carrying out duties. Work is generally client-focused and includes both direct service with an Addiction Counselor and administrative functions.

Examples of duties

Addictions Counselor Trainee:

This is the entry-level position.

• Provides intakes of clients referred by the Courts and Probation for appropriate level of service.
• Monitors clients in collection of urine or saliva specimens.
• Provides individual and group counseling with an Addiction Counselor around chemical dependency and related issues, including co-occurring Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and mental health issues.
• Coordinates with collaborative partners and coworkers in the delivery of services.
• Manages confidentiality appropriately.
• Participates in staff meetings and trainings.
• Prepares reports, chart notes, and completes data collection forms in a timely, accurate manner.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Addictions Counselor I:

This is the entry-level position.

• Provides assessment of clients referred by the Courts and Probation for appropriate level of service
• Monitors clients in collection of urine specimens
• Develops treatment plans and educational curricula
• Provides individual and group counseling around chemical dependency and related issues, including co-occurring Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and mental health issues
• Coordinates with collaborative partners and coworkers in the delivery of services
• Manages confidentiality appropriately
• Participates in staff meetings and trainings
• Prepares reports, chart notes, and completes data collection forms in a timely, accurate manner
• Communicates effectively both orally and in writing with the Courts and Probation and/or other collaborative partners
• Participates as part of the Behavioral Health on-call rotation
• Performs related duties as assigned

Addictions Counselor II:

In addition to the essential job duties noted above for Addictions Counselor I, also may

• Assist in training and certification sign-off for interns accruing hours to become a certified alcohol/drug counselor

Addictions Counselor III:

This position is expected to perform all the essential job duties noted above for Addictions Counselor I and II. This position functions at the highest level of autonomy in the Addictions Counselor series, and functions in a lead role in the absence of the supervisor.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

Addictions Counselor Trainee:

• Completion of 30+ semester units of approved Alcohol & Drug (AOD) coursework; AND
• Proof of registration as an intern with a CA Certification Board (CCAPP, CAADE, or CADTP)

Candidates are expected to complete at least 255 hours of practicum field work and pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam within 2 years of hire date. Candidates who achieve certification as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor will be promoted to Addictions Counselor I. Incumbents who fail to achieve certification within the required timeframe will be terminated from the Addiction Counselor Trainee position.

Addictions Counselor I:

• Requires a minimum of one year of experience (one year defined as a minimum of 1,776 total hours of full- or part-time compensated or uncompensated work experience, in accordance with Title IX) providing alcohol and/or other drug treatment and recovery services, including both counseling and educational services
• Certification as a drug and alcohol counselor is preferred, although current intern candidates working on certification will be considered.
• Interns must be registered with one of the State of California approved certifying agencies and must provide proof of registration at the time of application.

Addictions Counselor II:

• Certification as a drug and alcohol counselor is required AND
• A minimum of two years of experience (one year defined in accordance with Title IX above) providing alcohol and/or other drug treatment and recovery services, including both counseling and educational services.

Addictions Counselor III:

• Certification as a drug and alcohol counselor is required AND
• A minimum of three years of experience (one year as defined in accordance with Title IX above) providing alcohol and/or other drug treatment and recovery services, including both counseling and educational services.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Current best practices in the assessment and treatment of chemical dependency and persons with co-occurring disorders in a system of care and in public sector
• Laws pertaining to confidentiality and care of persons with addictions
• Culturally responsive approaches in working with individuals and families of diverse backgrounds.

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with the Courts, Probation, and other collaborative partners
• Participate in and benefit from supervision, collaborative staff meetings, and trainings
• Sit for prolonged periods of time
• Produce written documentation by hand or computer
• Stand, walk, twist, and lift
• Carry up to 25 pounds
• Climb and descend stairs
• Use a telephone
• Drive a motor vehicle
• Consistent attendance is an essential function of the position

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants at all levels of the Addiction Counselor series (I, II and III) must:

• Successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation
• Submit to yearly tuberculosis test
• Possess or obtain within six months of employment a valid First Aid and CPR certification and maintain during term of employment
• Possess a valid operator’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles

AND

Addictions Counselor I:

• Applicants may be hired prior to obtaining certification as a drug and alcohol counselor, but must be registered with one of the State of California approved certifying agencies and must provide proof of registration at the time of application
• Incumbents must become certified as a drug and alcohol counselor within five years of being registered as an intern, as required by the State of California, and may not advance to the Addictions Counselor II level prior to obtaining certification

Addictions Counselor II or III:

• Incumbents must possess and maintain certification as a drug and alcohol counselor during the term of employment

Supplemental information

APPLICATION:

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Beginning with your present or most recent job, show a complete record of your employment. Describe in detail any aspects of your experience or activities that are particularly appropriate for the position for which you are applying. You may not submit resume in lieu of completing the Employment Record fields. We will evaluate your qualifications based solely on the information entered into the Employment Record form.

It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements like “See/Refer to resume” or “See attached”.

IMPORTANT: If requesting Veteran's preference, you must attach a copy of your DD214 with your application

SELECTION:

Selection procedures will be determined by the number and qualifications of applicants and may include a qualification screening, written examination, and oral interview.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH QUALIFYING DISABILITIES:

Inyo County will make reasonable efforts in the examination process on a case-by-case basis to accommodate persons with disabilities. If you have special needs, please contact (760) 878-0377 prior to the examination process.

CITIZENSHIP/IMMIGRATION STATUS:

Inyo County hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-citizens in accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

WORK LOCATION:

The County of Inyo has work sites located throughout the Owens Valley (Independence, Bishop, Lone Pine, Big Pine, and Olancha) and the Death Valley area (Death Valley, Tecopa, and Shoshone). All Inyo County positions are considered Countywide. Positions are assigned to a work site based upon the needs of the County. Positions may be temporarily or permanently reassigned to another work site as deemed necessary by the Department Head and/or County Administration.