Job Description

Posting number: 26-00550

Department: Health & Human Services

Division: Behavioral Health Branch 129-419

Job classification: Recovery Specialist I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Mental Health

Summary

*Expected Hire Pay Scale:

Level I: $2,096.20 - $2,311.06

Level II: $2,202.33 - $2,428.07

*Current County employees may be eligible for a higher step placement per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The County of Del Norte Health and Human Services Department, Behavioral Health Branch, is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Recovery Specialist I/II. This position is classified as full-time.

Under supervision, performs a variety of routine to complex alcohol and other drug abuse prevention and treatment services and other duties associated with the activities of the Drug and Alcohol Program. Employees in this classification receive direct to limited supervision within a framework of policy and procedures.

Recovery Specialist I is the first working level in this skilled class and are assigned alcohol and other drug abuse prevention and treatment work which may be complex and demanding with a high level of responsibility for client outcome. The entry level is assigned duties, which will increase their experience. With additional experience and/or education incumbents may be eligible for advancement in this series.

Recovery Specialist II is the second working level in this skilled class and is assigned paraprofessional, complex treatment duties under minimal supervision. A complex level of interagency contact and client responsibility is required. Employees advanced to this level in the series have demonstrated the ability to adequately fulfill the responsibilities over an extended period of time increased through experience and education.

Examples of duties

• Performs alcohol and other drug abuse treatment involving children and adults that include rehabilitation counseling on an individual, group or family basis.
• Evaluates clients in a variety of settings including field situations for development of treatment plans.
• Obtains client history, develops service or recovery plans and serves as a primary counselor as needed.
• Participates as a member of the quality improvement multi-disciplinary team providing critical treatment input relating to client diagnosis and recommended service plans.
• Participates in case conference and consult with psychiatric staff to review client cases and medication issues.
• Evaluates clients for voluntary placement in residential treatment programs when twenty-four hour care is indicated.
• Prepares detailed client record documentation and maintains case records including intake and referral plans, progress notes, adolescent and adult assessments.
• Serves as staff to the perinatal treatment program or other divisional related services.
• Provides consultation to a wide variety of local agencies and resources including medical community, schools, social services agencies, jail, juvenile hall, etc., courtroom testimony may be necessary.
• Performs educational services to various community groups and/or individuals regarding the prevention of alcohol and other drug use and abuse in the community population.
• Performs related duties as assigned or required.

In addition to the above duties, the Recovery Specialist II:

• Provides training and support for assigned staff.
• Participates in various peer review functions.
• Provides community wide training for other groups and the public in areas as parenting, alcohol and other drug abuse awareness, etc.

Qualifications

Level I:

• Registration or Certification with a Department of Health Care Services approved certifying organization.

Level II:

• A minimum of four (4) years’ experience as a Substance Abuse Specialist I or equivalent position is required.

OR

• Possession of two years of college education in behavioral science, psychology or related field in addition to two (2) years’ experience as a Substance Abuse Specialist I or equivalent position.

Supplemental information

• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of alcohol and other drug abuse treatment that includes interviewing, assessment, individual, family and group rehabilitation counseling.
• Knowledge of community resources and agencies providing services for alcohol and other drug related problems.
• Knowledge of recordkeeping and documentation of client progress through the course of treatment.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to client rights and confidentiality.
• Ability to assess, evaluate and refer, including medical referrals, relative to client alcohol and drug abuse issues.
• Ability to present client history and behavioral impression to psychiatrists and other professionals for review.
• Ability to prepare and maintain detailed case summaries and documentation in accordance to local, state and federal regulations pertaining to treatment.
• Ability to protect clients rights and provide advocacy for clients.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other therapists, county staff, schools, referral agencies as well as professional mental health staff.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and irregular hours.

In addition, requirements for the Recovery Specialist II include:

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of comprehensive presentations and training.
• Knowledge of conducting education and presentation training.
• Knowledge of peer review of the most current literature pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and other drug abuse.
• Ability to conduct effective alcohol and other drug abuse education and awareness training.

Special Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s license.

All County of Del Norte employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through State law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County of Del Norte requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Work related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Typical Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment and includes continuous contact with staff and the public. Work may involve stressful situations and include dealing with erratic and sometimes threatening behavior.

Typical Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers.

The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and drive.

The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, and to stoop, kneel or crouch.

The ability to operate a keyboard/typewriter, copier, facsimile machine and like equipment is required.