Substance Abuse Counselor I

COUNTY OF MENDOCINO; Ukiah (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Mendocino seeks a Substance Use Counselor to support adults and adolescents across multiple units. The role involves screening, assessment, treatment planning, and providing individual and group counseling in field-based and clinic settings.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or GED, active enrollment in an AOD certification program, and at least one year of related experience. A valid driver’s license and CALAD certs are highly desirable.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required for the role.
• Currently enrolled in State Approved AOD certification program.
• At least one year of full-time experience in substance abuse counseling or related setting.

Responsibilities

• Counsel clients one-on-one or in groups to identify problems and goals.
• Assist in case management, schedule appointments, and respond to crises.
• Develop treatment plans and provide ongoing supportive counseling.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in departmental systems.
• Transport clients to sessions and coordinate with partner agencies.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to program improvements.

Skills

Caseload management

Case collaboration

Observation & documentation

Group instruction

Professional discretion

Stress management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Enrollment in AOD certification program

1 year substance abuse internship/counseling experience

Job description

The Position

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions throughout the County, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium. The current vacancies are in Willits, Fort Bragg and Ukiah.

Under immediate supervision, in either an adult or adolescent program, provides support services to clients with substance use disorders. Assists in screening, assessment, and development of treatment plans; facilitates individual and group counseling sessions; and maintains required records.

SUDT – Fort Bragg

This position provides additional support to the SUDT Unit in Fort Bragg, providing individual and group counseling, referral support, adult and adolescent services to individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment and recovery services.

SUDT – Willits

This position provides additional support to the SUDT Unit in Willits, providing individual and group counseling, referral support, adult and adolescent services to individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment and recovery services.

BHSA – Behavioral Health Services Act – Ukiah

This position provides services to the SUDT Adult Services Unit and the BHSA Unit, predominantly a field based position, conducting screening and level of care determinations, linkage and connection to treatment providing services aligned with regulatory mandates and program requirements. The counselor works collaboratively with behavioral health staff to support clients with substance use and behavioral health needs.

CORE – Ukiah

The position serves as the Substance Abuse Counselor for the CORE 2.0 pilot program, a coordinated behavioral health and homeless stabilization model. The program provides field-based outreach and intensive support to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have behavioral health needs, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions.

An ideal candidate is compassionate, culturally responsive, and client centered. Experienced working with individuals with substance uses and disorder. Strong communication skills, documentation, and collaboration. Committed to serving individuals who may face complex behavioral health, substance use, and housing challenges.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply

Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements And Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Counsel clients, one‑on‑one or through group counseling sessions, to identify problems, provide strategies for resolution and/ or intervention in order to assist clients in reaching treatment goals.
• Assists in case management; schedule appointments; screen and provide orientation to clients; respond to crisis calls; provide and/or facilitate therapeutic activities and group counseling sessions, programs, etc.
• Assists in conducting assessments; making referrals; developing treatment plans; providing ongoing supportive counseling; documenting activities and maintaining files.
• Maintain and provide safe environment for clients and staff.
• Write routine and non‑routine reports, including treatment plans, progress notes, charts, closing and/or transfer summaries, using departmental software; sorting and summarizing pertinent material for inclusion in order to maintain records of client treatment progress.
• Attend team meetings to discuss client progress.
• Refer/enroll clients to related programs or services by identifying appropriate resources and assisting clients to accurately complete eligibility or financial applications.
• Administer client urinalysis testing by observing collection first‑hand and accepting custody of specimen; deliver specimen to laboratory for analysis in order to protect the chain of custody and ensure accurate and valid test results.
• Enter and retrieve data into a computer system; use the computer system to create a variety of reports, progress notes, intake forms and other screening tools and documents.
• Transport clients by motor vehicle to and from therapeutic sessions and other treatment‑related activities in order to facilitate the therapeutic process.
• Makes presentations to agencies regarding programs offered.
• Maintain and upgrade knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars, meetings and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications, including maintaining CEU’s for certification purposes.
• Provides substitute coverage when necessary.
• May serve as liaison with legal system, schools, organizations, parents, children, etc. on issues concerning clients.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED equivalent; current enrollment in State Approved alcohol and other drug (AOD) Certification program; and one (1) year of full‑time experience in a substance abuse internship program or providing substance abuse counseling or other peer or group counseling;

Or,

A combination of related education, training, and full‑time experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential function of the job.

Special Qualifications

Within five (5) years of registration, MUST obtain Certification from a California ADP approved certifying organization pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Chapter 8: Certification of Alcohol and Other Drug Counselors.

Licenses And Certifications

Valid Driver’s License

Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate from accredited college or university (highly desirable)

Incumbents must possess and maintain, or obtain and maintain, all licenses, certifications, registrations, and/or other requirements identified in the minimum qualifications, as applicable, and within the timeframes specified. These requirements are conditions of continued employment and minimum qualifications for the position. Failure to possess, obtain, or maintain any required license, certification, registration, or other requirement within the specified timeframe may result in rejection during the probationary period, or disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic principles and practices of substance abuse counseling and recovery.
• Basic human physiology, anatomy, biology and the interactions of controlled substances on these systems.
• Departmental policies and procedures.
• Individual, family and group dynamics.
• Community resources.
• Ethical and legal standards related to client rights and the handling of client information during a treatment regimen.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations and legislative issues, specifically 42 CFR, part 2.
• Methods and techniques of curriculum development and presentation.
• Record keeping and documentation standards.
• Computer applications and hardware used to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Chain of custody requirements for urinalysis testing.
• Basic intervention strategies appropriate to cultural, gender, age group of clients, such as motivational interviewing.
• Unique needs of clients based on age, gender, developmental and cultural differences.

Skill In

• Managing client caseloads.
• Collaboratively discussing and resolving client case management issues.
• Observing and recording behavioral indicators, and recovery behavior.
• Developing and teaching classes on various topics.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Interacting effectively with people in stressful situations.

Mental And Physical Abilities

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers, clients and those encountered in the course of work.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, tailoring the message to the intended audience.
• Write clear and concise narrative reports, correspondence, and other materials.
• Analyze, evaluate and diagnose situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to speak and hear.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to use sound and odor perception and discrimination.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this classification, please submit unofficial transcripts with your application. Applicants who completed their education outside of the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must provide an education evaluation. The education evaluation must state the number of units to which foreign coursework is equal. Foreign education evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org. This education evaluation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be submitted with the application.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process

All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an application appraisal exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing

The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at [phone]. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements

Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre‑employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I‑9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

Learn More

• E-Verify Notice of Participation(Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work(Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY

Compensation is based on a five‑step salary range, with annual merit‑based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT

Covered Under Social Security And The 1937 Act; Both Employees And The County Pay Into The Retirement Fund. For The Most Current Information Regarding County Retirement Please Go To https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE

Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 – 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION

Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE

Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro‑rated for part‑time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part‑time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra‑help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE

The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE

For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM

For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS

For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

01

Are you currently enrolled in State Approved alcohol and other drug (AOD) Certification program? If Yes, you must attach documentation verifying your current enrollment. Acceptable documentation includes an enrollment letter, registration confirmation, or other official documentation issued by the certification program.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question