SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR / EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS HOMELESSNESS

Position Overview The Department of Mental Health seeks qualified candidates for emergency Substance Abuse Counselor vacancies arising from the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles County. Positions are for an initial period of up to 90 days with the opportunity for permanent County employment. Successful completion of the performance assessment will lead to consideration for a permanent appointment. Responsibilities Conduct interviews of clients and/or their family members to obtain family, social, medical, work, and mental health histories. Participate with the treatment team in developing, implementing, and evaluating treatment or therapy approaches for patients/clients, family members, and significant others in substance abuse and/or mental health programs. Provide counseling to prevent relapses, assisting clients in recognizing causes of substance abuse/mental illness and developing coping behaviors. Offer guidance on community resources and treatment services available to help prevent or cope with relapses. Assist senior‑level counselors with complex areas of social and psychological adjustment counseling. Maintain follow‑up with previously discharged persons through personal visits, telephone calls, and other communication methods; complete records of follow‑up activities. Participate in educational activities in formal academic settings and in treatment or rehabilitation centers to improve knowledge of substance abuse and mental health related areas. Develop and promote interest in the substance abuse and/or mental health fields by speaking before community groups or coordinating speakers or resource persons. Monitor and document client/patient progress in substance abuse and mental health recovery. Assist in the supervision of aids or trainees; participate in recruitment, selection, and training of program staff members as needed. Serve on call duties as needed. Qualifications One year of experience in a substance abuse program with experience providing physical assessment of patients, counseling of individuals, families and groups, and documentation; OR One year of training at the level of Substance Abuse Counselor Aid in a substance abuse counselor training program; OR 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. Applicants must meet one of the above requirements within three (3) months of filing to be appointed to fill the vacancies. Additional Requirements Valid California Class C Driver License or ability to use an alternative method of transportation as needed to carry out job‑related essential functions. Physical Class II – Light: light administrative and clerical duties, occasional light lifting up to 10 pounds, and occasional bending, stooping or squatting. Successful completion of the performance assessment during the initial work period (100% weighted). EEO Statement The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Applicants will not be required to provide information about conviction history unless a contingent offer of employment is received, and individual assessment will be made regarding any potential impact on job duties. Expired Status This posting is currently open and has not been marked as closed or filled. #J-18808-Ljbffr County-of-Los-Angeles