SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR / EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT HOMELESSNESS

We are seeking qualified and passionate individuals to help us address housing, mental health, and substance use challenges in Los Angeles County. This emergency recruitment is for Substance Abuse Counselor positions related to the homelessness crisis. The County is hiring for an initial period of up to 90 days, with a potential transition to permanent employment. Applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for the initial term under the emergency order. Performance will be assessed before the end of the initial work period; a passing assessment is required for consideration of permanent appointment. Responsibilities Conduct interviews of clients/patients and/or their family members to obtain family, social, medical, work, and substance use, physical health, and mental health histories. Conduct services such as screening, assessment, intake, counseling, education, recovery support, case management, and maintain documentation for delivered services. Participate with the treatment team in developing, implementing, and evaluating treatment or therapy approaches for patients/clients, family members, and significant others in all phases of comprehensive substance use disorder and/or mental health treatment programs. Counsel patients/clients to reduce or cope with their substance use by assisting them in recognizing causal factors of substance use and/or mental health disorder and in developing appropriate coping behaviors. Counsel patients/clients regarding community resources or treatment services available to help reduce or cope with substance use. Assist patients/clients with linkage to appropriate community resources such as health benefits, housing, employment and legal services, as well as other substance use, mental health, and/or physical health services to help reduce or cope with substance use and address other needs critical to recovery. Assist senior-level counselors in complex areas of social and psychological adjustment counseling. Maintain a close system of follow-up for previously discharged persons by means of personal visits, telephone calls, and other means of communication; complete records on follow-up activities. Participate in educational activities in formal academic settings and in treatment or rehabilitation centers to improve knowledge of substance use disorder and mental health related areas. Develop and promote interest in the substance use disorder and/or mental health fields by speaking before community groups or coordinating speakers or resource persons. Monitor and document client/patient progress in substance use disorder /mental health recovery. Assist in the supervision of aids or trainees and in the recruitment, selection, and training of such program staff members as needed. Assist with on-call duties as needed. Minimum Requirements Option I: One (1) year of experience in a substance abuse program with experience providing physical assessment of patients, counseling of individuals, families and groups, and documentation. Option II: One (1) year of training at the level of Substance Abuse Counselor Aid* in a substance abuse counselor training program. Option III: Completion of 60 semester units or equivalent quarter units in an accredited college or university with specialization in substance abuse counseling, social work, psychology, sociology, or human services. Other Requirements A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job‑related essential functions. Physical Class II – Light: Administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort, including occasional light lifting up to a 10‑pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved. Notice: Official transcripts must be submitted with a copy that bears the college seal and states "official and/or copy" issued by the school's Registrar Office. Printouts from a school's website are NOT considered official and will not be accepted. Desirable Qualifications Active and unrestricted certification as a substance abuse counselor by one of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation organizations recognized by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). These include: California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE) California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) We are a Fair Chance employer. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether a conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job and will consider potential mitigating factors, including evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). #J-18808-Ljbffr County of Los Angeles