Substance Abuse Counselor II

Introduction This examination is being given to fill multiple vacancies in the Behavioral Services department and to establish an eligible list to fill future vacancies. Pre-Employment Background Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible has successfully completed the background process. Definition Under general supervision, performs casework and counseling in a San Joaquin County Substance Abuse Program; coordinates services or component programs; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules. Class Characteristics This is the second level in the Substance Abuse Counselor series. At this level, incumbents are certified Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselors and skilled in performing a wide variety of functions including case management, special project assignments and program development. Incumbents work independently to provide a wide range of group and individual counseling utilizing a variety of treatment methods. Incumbents may train first level counselors. Typical Duties Conducts intake interviews; administers various assessment tools to collect client data to assist with determining addiction severity and level of care; assigns clients to specific programs or counselors; performs client physical checks, observations, and documents client progress in conformance with Medi-Cal, state, federal and county program requirements. Obtains client background and financial information; collects fees; may assist clients in filing for benefits and State Disability. Plans and conducts individual and group counseling sessions; discusses and evaluates individual and family behavioral, social and psychological issues which affect treatment and progress; determines most effective treatment plans, implements plans and evaluates progress. Selects and monitors volunteer staff; develops and implements comprehensive training and orientation programs; maintains records of work performed; provides evaluations and references for volunteer staff. Maintains client records; documents progress notes, doctor’s appointments, court appearances and other pertinent information; prepares reports and correspondence. Assesses and evaluates clients referred by law enforcement, probation and other agencies and develops plans for treatment; interviews clients, family and others to compile pre-assessment reports; monitors client’s participation in individual and group counseling; reports progress to courts, law enforcement agencies, or other jurisdictions; coordinates treatment and supervision of clients with various correctional agencies, medical staff, court officials and others. Assists clients to establish plans to address social, cultural, familial and personal factors contributing to substance abuse. Identifies community resources to refer clients to appropriate resources. May transport clients to various community resources. Leads group discussions and education classes; works with groups to provide a supportive environment to encourage clients to remain substance free; participates in training programs to maintain group facilitator skills. May conduct field work to identify clients and high-risk individuals; provides information about available community resources and treatment programs; provides follow-up counseling regarding risks associated with substance abuse; may develop programs for high-risk clients including prevention and educational activities with youth in community settings. May verbally explain various written material and instructions for non-English speaking clients and families; assists staff in working with clients of other cultures. May provide financial and money management counseling and assistance to clients; reviews client financial resources; may assist clients with budgeting and managing income; coordinates efforts with various social service agencies to ensure proper receipt and accounting of income and expenses; participates in utilization review functions to ensure proper management of clients’ progress and use of resources. Develops curriculum and resources for specialized training for group educational sessions; obtains specialized training and may develop resources to train other staff; implements and modifies specialized training programs; presents special group training throughout the agency. May perform special project assignments such as assisting in developing, implementing and modifying curricula; performing special assignments related to new programs or changes in existing programs; developing and implementing new procedures; participating on committees and task forces; resolving issues in delivery of services and operations. May provide leadership and training to staff; may provide work guidance to other staff; may coordinate small ad-hoc committees and groups; may review work of other lower-level counselors; may schedule special activities for specific program components; may assume responsibilities of other counselors/ workers in their absence; may direct resident and volunteer workers to include training and evaluation. May be assigned to rotating shifts. Minimum Qualifications Education: Successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university which included 12 semester or 15 quarter units in psychology, sociology, counseling, chemical dependency or a closely related field. Certification: Possession of a current certificate as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor issued by a certifying organization approved by the State of California. Certification must be maintained, as defined by the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Chapter 8, commencing with Section 13000. Failure to maintain certification may result in release from employment. License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license if required by the nature of the assignment. Knowledge Laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to the County’s Substance Abuse Program, including client confidentiality and Counselor’s Code of Conduct; principles and techniques of individual and group counseling; physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of alcohol and other drug abuse and dependency; needs, problems, attitudes and behavior patterns of substance abuse clients; principles of public relations; reporting and record-keeping techniques; basic computer and modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to department operations; community resources and agencies. Ability Understand and apply regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to a substance abuse program; facilitate individual and group counseling sessions; maintain client confidentiality; evaluate client and family needs; analyze and evaluate situations accurately; reason logically and draw valid conclusions; recommend and implement effective treatment plans; counsel clients and families; operate computers and related software; establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, community agencies and the public; maintain records and write reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Physical / Mental Requirements Mobility – frequent sitting for long periods; operate a data entry device; some walking; occasional standing, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, climbing; driving; Lifting – frequent lifting of 5 pounds or less; occasional lifting of 5-30 pounds; Visual – constant need for good, overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent need for color perception and use of hand/eye coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity – frequent holding, reaching, repetitive motion, writing. Hearing/Talking – frequent need to hear normal speech, talk/hear on the telephone and talk in person; Emotional/Psychological – frequent public contact, exposure to emotionally charged situations and distraught clients; deal with emergency situations; constant concentration; occasional exposure to trauma, grief, or death; Special Requirements – may require working weekends/nights; working alone; Environmental – occasional exposure to varied weather conditions. Equal Opportunity Employer San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. For more information go to the Equal Employment Opportunity Division (sjgov.org). Accommodations for those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Benefits Health Insurance – San Joaquin County provides employees with a choice of three health plans: a Kaiser Plan, a Select Plan, and a Premier Plan. Employees pay a portion of the cost of the premium. Dependent coverage is also available. Dental Insurance – The County provides employees with a choice of two dental plans: Delta Dental and United Health Care-Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan. There is no cost for employee-only coverage in either plan; dependent coverage is available at the employee’s expense. Vision Insurance – The County provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). There is no cost for employee-only coverage; dependent coverage is available at the employee’s expense. Life Insurance – The County provides eligible employees with life insurance coverage as follows: 1 but less than 3 years of continuous service: $1,000; 3 but less than 5 years of continuous service: $3,000; 5 but less than 10 years of continuous service: $5,000; 10 years of continuous service or more: $10,000. Employees may purchase additional term life insurance at the group rate. 125 Flexible Benefits Plan – This is a voluntary program that allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses that are not paid by a medical, dental, or vision plan (Health Flexible Spending Account $2,550 annual limit with a $500 carry over); and dependent care costs (Dependent Care Assistance Plan $5,000 annual limit). Retirement Plan – Employees of the County are covered by the County Retirement Law of 1937. Please visit the San Joaquin County Employees’ Retirement Association (SJCERA) at for more information. Deferred Compensation – The County maintains a deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the IRS code. Individuals may annually contribute $22,500 or 100% of includible compensation, whichever is less. Individuals age 50 or older may contribute up to $30,000. The Roth IRA (after tax) is also available. Vacation – Maximum earned vacation is 10 days each year up to 3 years; 15 days after 3 years; 20 days after 10 years; and 23 days after 20 years. Holidays – Effective July 1, 2017, all civil service status employees earn 14 paid holidays each year. Sick Leave – 12 working days of sick leave annually with unlimited accumulation. Sick leave incentive: An employee is eligible to receive eight hours administrative leave if the leave balance equals at least one-half of the cumulative amount that the employee is eligible to accrue. Bereavement Leave – 3 days of paid leave for the death of a qualifying family member, 2 additional days of accrued leave for death of employee’s spouse, domestic partner, parent or child. Merit Salary Increase – New employees will receive the starting salary, which is the first step of the salary range. After employees serve 52 weeks (2,080 hours) on each step of the range, they are eligible for a merit increase to the next step. Job Sharing – Employees may agree to job-share a position, subject to approval by a Department Head and the Director of Human Resources. Educational Reimbursement Program – Eligible employees may be reimbursed for career-related coursework up to a maximum of $850 per fiscal year. Eligible employees enrolled in an approved four (4)-year college or university academic program may be reimbursed up to $800 per semester for a maximum of $1,600 per fiscal year. Parking Supplemental Downtown Stockton – The County contributes up to $20 per pay period for employees who pay for parking and are assigned to work in the Downtown Core Area. School Activities – Employees may take up to 40 hours per year, but not more than eight (8) hours per month, to participate in their children’s school activities. Selection Plan Written Exam – The civil service written exam is a multiple-choice format. If the written exam is administered alone, it will be 100% of the overall score. Candidates must achieve a minimum rating of 70% in order to be placed on the eligible list. Oral Exam – The oral exam is a structured interview process that will assess the candidate’s education, training, and experience and may include a practical exercise. The oral exam selection process is not a hiring interview. A panel of up to four people will determine the candidate’s score and rank for placement on the eligible list. Top candidates from the eligible list are referred for hiring interviews. If the oral exam is administered alone, it will be 100% of the overall score. Candidates must achieve a minimum rating of 70% in order to be placed on the eligible list. Written & Oral Exam – If both a written exam and an oral exam is administered, the written exam is weighted at 60% and the oral exam is weighted at 40% unless otherwise indicated on the announcement. Candidates must achieve a minimum rating of 70% on each examination in order to be placed on the eligible list. Rate-out – A rate-out is an examination that involves a paper rating of the candidate’s application using the following criteria: education, training, and experience. Candidates will not be scheduled for the rate-out process. #J-18808-Ljbffr Careers In Government