Extra Help Substance Abuse Counselor I

Job Details

Minimum Qualifications

General Recruitment Information

This is not exhaustive of all job responsibilities. For more details, please refer to the link provided below.

To view the complete job description, you have two options: Either visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakecountyca/classspecsor simply click on this link.

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations

Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

Veteran's Preference

• Meets with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings to develop client centered service plans and learns to determine appropriateness for program service.
• Learns to conduct assessments of clients with substance abuse problems and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Learns to develop treatment plans for clients.
• Learns to provide outpatient counseling on an individual and group basis.
• Assists clients in understanding their problems and developing plans to resolve them.
• Advises clients on available community resources and serves as a liaison with organizations and service agencies.
• Makes referrals and other arrangements for client treatment and service, as necessary.
• Prepares and presents progress reports on assigned cases.
• Cooperates with professionals from other disciplines in the development of a team and collaborative diagnoses and counseling programs.
• Develops recommendations to mitigate client problems and follows-up with clients and their families to assess progress.
• Learns to perform crisis intervention.
• Maintains records and prepares reports for state and local agencies.
• Assists with prevention activities and community substance abuse prevention programs for targeted groups, such as children or young adults.
• Travel to various work locations to provide services may be necessary, as well as travel for participation in meetings, conferences, planning sessions, or events, both locally and outside the county.
• May work with clients’ families to secure their cooperation in programs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Basic methods and techniques for conducting assessments of an individual’s substance abuse problems.
• Approved principles and practices of substance abuse counseling.
• Basic knowledge of an individual’s legal rights in counseling and treatment programs.
• Psychological and social aspects and characteristics of substance abuse.
• Drugs and drug abuse patterns, alcoholism, and the physiological effects of drug abuse and alcoholism.
• Case management principles, practices, and processes related to the assessment, care, treatment, and documentation of individuals with behavioral disorders.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to State and local laws, policies, and procedures governing the administration of alcohol and drug prevention and treatment programs.
• Requirements and needs of persons with serious substance abuse problems.
• Available community resources for substance abuse services.
• Customer service principles and techniques.

• Written and oral communications skills.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

• Learn principles and conduct effective individual and group counseling related to substance abuse problems and recovery.
• Learn to assess substance abuse problems and develop services to meet client problems.
• Recognize a potential crisis and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Handle stress and unstable client behavior.
• Communicate effectively with people from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Learn to explain complex and technical terminology and concepts in an understandable and non-threatening manner.
• Learn to establish and maintain a variety of administrative records and related materials.
• Learn to understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

• Learn to conduct detailed assessments by obtaining information, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Implement comprehensive case management for all clients, including those referred to other providers.

• Effectively represent alcohol and other drug services and the Behavioral Health Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government organizations.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

RETIREMENT - County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS). CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees. The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS - Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL may be adjusted for current city or county government employees.

VACATION – 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SICK LEAVE - Accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

HOLIDAYS- An average of twelve paid 8-hour holidays per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SALARY - Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.

SOCIAL SECURITY - County employees participate in Social Security.

CALIFORNIA STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE – SDI is available to some County employees.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS and CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIPS are available to County employees.