Job Description

Salary : $78,015.94 - $94,828.85 Annually Location : Contra Costa County, CA Job Type: Permanent Full-Time Job Number: VHVC-2018A Department: Health Services - Only Opening Date: 05/16/2023 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: TC The Position The Board of Supervisors have authorized the following future salary increases for this classification: 5% on July 1, 2025 The Contra Costa County Health Services Department is offering a rewarding 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 candidates selected will play a pivotal role in a variety of counseling and prevention activities targeted at individuals, groups, and families who are currently experiencing or are at high risk of problems related to substance abuse. As a Substance Abuse Counselor, you will have the opportunity to build upon a purpose-driven career, work in diverse programs, and have a direct and tangible impact on the community you serve. We are looking for someone who has: the ability to use provide counseling and related family counseling and education the ability to communicate effectively with people experiencing anxiety, stress and depression knowledge of the current substance abuse methods and techniques of individual and group counseling Characteristics of the ideal candidate: Excellent oral and written communication skills Acknowledge and respect cultural and linguistic differences of the County's diverse population To read the complete job description, please click here. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to 6 months. Typical Tasks Interviews applicants to determine appropriateness for program services Conducts intake assessments to determine client problems and appropriate course of action Orients clients on program requirements Provides substance abuse counseling to individuals, families and groups Conducts group education programs Provides crisis intervention and counseling Develops recovery plans and makes referrals to appropriate service providers Represents the division to the community through outreach activities and educational programs Maintains client case records and does technical client charting Participates in meetings, committees and training Plans, schedules and implements clients daily work, counseling and recreational activities Monitors client files Prepares reports for other agencies as required Monitors ongoing treatment Develops aftercare plans and provides client follow-up Provides and promotes 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 throughout the duration of employment certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor 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 which included 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

1. Application Filing: All applicants must apply on-line 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.
2. 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.
3. 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%).
4. Candidates must receive a score of at least 70, which may be an adjusted score, in order to be ranked on the employment list.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

CONVICTION 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 for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. 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. To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to 01 A completed supplemental questionnaire is required for this position. Your supplemental questionnaire responses will be used to evaluate your education, training and/or experience as it relates to this position and will determine your score and rank of the employment list. You will receive a rating of 70% for meeting the minimum qualifications. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating, "see attached resume." Be concise limiting your response to the information that is relevant to each question. I read and understand the above instructions. Yes No 02 I possess a certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor issued by a certifying agency approved by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Yes No 03 I possess 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university which included at least 12 semester or 15 quarter units in Psychology, sociology, counseling, or chemical dependency. Yes No 04 USE THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS 5 THROUGH 9:For each area, identify: 1) Official Work Title, 2) Employer's Name and Type of Organization, 3) Months of Experience, 4) hardware and software used (equipment/tools), and 5) Specific Duties Performed I read and understand the above instructions. Yes No 05 Describe your experience conducting group sessions with participants in a substance use disorder setting. Please include any evidence-based curriculum you have utilized in a group setting. 06 Describe your experience with maintaining a client file as well as creating and updating treatment plans based on Drug Medi-Cal regulations. 07 Describe your role and experience working in a licensed, residential treatment facility. 08 Describe your experience and the type of tools you utilized to support the needs of clients with co-occurring disorders while helping them to progress in their SUD treatment plan. 09 Describe the benchmarks that you utilize as a counselor to determine when a client is ready to transition to a different ASAM level of care. 10 Yes, I certify that I meet the announced requirements for this examination and understand that I will be eliminated at any stage in such examination if it develops that, in fact I do not meet them. I further certify that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and the application are true and I agree and understand that misstatements or omissions of material fact s will cause forfeiture of my rights to employment with Contra Costa County. Yes No Required Question Contra Costa County, CA

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Traineeship, Local area,

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