Substance Abuse Counselor

The Position The Contra Costa County Health Services Department is offering an opportunity for qualified, compassionate, and dedicated Substance Abuse Counselors who are committed to helping those impacted by addiction. Substance Abuse Counselors work at the Alcohol and Other Drugs Unit within the Behavioral Health Division, which includes programs such as A3 Crisis Response, Forensic Mental Health, residential/outpatient services and detention facilities. The selected candidates will play a pivotal role in counseling and prevention activities targeted at individuals, groups, and families who are experiencing or are at high risk of problems related to substance abuse. We Are Looking For Someone Who Has The ability to provide counseling and related family counseling and education. The ability to communicate effectively with people experiencing anxiety, stress and depression. Knowledge of current substance abuse methods and techniques of individual and group counseling. Characteristics Of The Ideal Candidate Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Acknowledge and respect cultural and linguistic differences of the County's diverse population. Typical Tasks Interview applicants to determine appropriateness for program services. Conduct intake assessments to determine client problems and appropriate course of action. Orient clients on program requirements. Provide substance abuse counseling to individuals, families and groups. Conduct group education programs. Provide crisis intervention and counseling. Develop recovery plans and make referrals to appropriate service providers. Represent the division to the community through outreach activities and educational programs. Maintain client case records and perform technical client charting. Participate in meetings, committees and training. Plan, schedule and implement client daily work, counseling and recreational activities. Monitor client files. Prepare reports for other agencies as required. Monitor ongoing treatment. Develop aftercare plans and provide client follow-up. Provide and promote excellent customer service for all internal and external customers. Minimum Qualifications License Required: Candidates must possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process. Certification Required: Candidates must possess and maintain an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor certification issued by a certifying agency approved by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Education: Successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university including at least 12 semester or 15 quarter units in psychology, sociology, counseling, or chemical dependency. Experience: One (1) year of full-time experience, or its equivalent, counseling persons in a substance abuse program or one (1) year of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee in Contra Costa County. Substitution for Education: Additional qualifying experience of the type noted above may be substituted for the required completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units of education on a year-for-year basis. No substitution is allowed for the required 12 semester or 15 quarter units of specialized coursework. Other Requirements: A background investigation/fingerprint and/or physical exam may be required prior to the start of employment. Selection Process Application Filing: All applicants must apply online at and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date. A completed supplemental questionnaire is required at the time of applying. Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination. Training and Experience Evaluation: Consists of an evaluation of each candidate's relevant education, training and/or experience as presented on the application and supplemental questionnaire. (Weighted 100%). Candidates must receive a score of at least 70, which may be an adjusted score, in order to be ranked on the employment list. Convection History After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. Disaster Service Worker All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers under state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. Equal Employment Opportunity It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law. Benefits To find more information on benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to #J-18808-Ljbffr Contra Costa County