Substance Use Disorder Counselor I/II

Butte County; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 71,000; Part time

Job summary

Butte County is seeking a Substance Use Disorder Counselor I/II to perform assessments, treatment planning, and counseling for clients with substance use disorders. The role works within a multidisciplinary team to deliver education, referral services, and recovery-focused care.

Responsibilities include conducting screenings, formulating discharge plans, providing individual and group counseling, and participating in community education and outreach to reduce substance abuse and improve outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience with assessments, treatment planning and counseling for substance use disorders.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and provide education and training for staff and community.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, privacy regulations, and confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial screenings and assessments by phone, in person, or via video; determine level of care and formulate treatment plans.
• Facilitate housing and residential referrals and link clients to levels of care.
• Provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and case management to support recovery.
• Develop curricula and educational sessions for groups and the community on substance use and early intervention.

Skills

Assessment

Counseling

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.

This recruitment will be limited to the first 25 applicants. The recruitment will close upon receiving 25 applications.

This is for an Extra Help Position. Extra Help means this may be a Part-Time or Non-Permanent position. The number of hours worked per week may vary and depend on the needs of the department. For terms and conditions concerning Extra Help with Butte County, see Section 6.12c of the Butte County Personnel Rules.

The eligibility list created from this recruitment can be used to fill extra help vacancies, as well as regular help.

This recruitment is for level I and level II.

The salary range for level I is $1,847.20 - $2,474.40 biweekly ($23.09 - $30.93 per hour).

The salary range for level II is $2,040.00 - $2,733.60 biweekly ($25.50 - $34.17 per hour).

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. The "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general supervision (Substance Use Disorder Counselor I), or direction (Substance Use Disorder Counselor II), provides assessments, treatment planning, and counseling for clients acute and chronic problems related to substance abuse; works as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to provide optimal client assessment and treatment options; provides education, consultation services, and training for other staff, community agencies, and the public; specializes in performing actions designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse in the County; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision (Substance Use Disorder Counselor I), or direction (Substance Use Disorder Counselor II) from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Substance Use Disorder Counselor I: This is the entry-level class in the Substance Use Disorder Counselor series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Substance Use Disorder Counselor II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor II: This is the journey-level class in the Substance Use Disorder Counselor series responsible for performing the full range of duties required of the classification. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Substance Use Disorder Counselor class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Conducts initial screenings and assessments of potential clients by phone, in person or video platform; gathers and assesses relevant background information; evaluates the severity of client problems and determines the appropriate level of care; formulates treatment and discharge plans designed to aid in social adjustment.
• Facilitates and completes required housing and residential referrals and is responsible for appropriate linkage to necessary levels of care not provided by the department.
• Provides individual and group, counseling, crisis intervention, collateral services, case management services, and other services as identified in the treatment plan with a focus on rehabilitating substance use disorders; monitors treatment and evaluates progress; advocates for clients with outside agencies.
• Develops and utilizes curriculum and facilitates educational sessions for groups and the community relating to substance use and early intervention including schools and other agencies.
• May participate in community groups and stimulates community interest in identifying and eliminating conditions which contribute to substance use problems.
• Conducts outreach and engagement in the community to pre-consumers, community members, or other identified stakeholders to assist with individuals accessing substance use disorder services.
• Keeps current on prevention literature, statistical information, legislative activities and community resources and activities relevant to substance use disorder services and clients.
• Attends training sessions, workshops, and meetings to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain required certifications.
• Adheres to the standards of the Privacy Act of 1974, {U.S.C. § 552A} as amended; the Health InsurancePortability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 (Public Law 104-191); 42 CFR Part 2 Confidentiality and Privacy for Substance Use Disorder Treatment; maintains and enforces all aspects of confidentiality of client information.
• Serves on various committees, task forces, as appropriate and/or assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Psychological, physiological, sociological and behavioral aspects indicative of substance use disorders.
• Substance abuse life cycle symptoms and behaviors.
• California mental health system and county system, current psychiatric theories/evidence based practices, Butte County policies and procedures, laws and regulations (5150 welfare institution codes), ethical standards (California Consortium of Addiction Providers and Professionals, California Association of DUI Treatment Programs, California Association of Drug and Alcohol Educators, Butte County Behavioral Health Mission).
• Recognized methods of treatment in dealing with individuals with behavioral, emotional, alcohol and/or drug related problems.
• Evidence Based Programs, curriculum, or psychoeducational materials related to