What are the responsibilities and job description for the Substance Abuse Counselor II position at County of Mendocino, CA?
Salary : $53,476.80 - $65,020.80 Annually
Location : Willits, CA
Job Type : Full-time Permanent
Job Number : 24.380
Department : Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Opening Date : 12 / 11 / 2024
Closing Date : 1 / 8 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific
The Position
The current vacancy is in Willits.
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
Under direct or general supervision, in either an adult or adolescent program, performs professional counseling to clients who abuse various substances and / or have emotional problems; manages cases; and performs other related duties as assigned.
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.
- Provide 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.;; conduct assessments; make referrals; develop treatment plans; provide ongoing supportive counseling; document activities and maintain files; Serve as liaison with legal system, schools, organizations, parents, children, etc. on issues concerning clients.
- 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.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Works at the journey level, performing the full-scope of duties.
- May provide training and mentoring to interns.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education and Experience :
Associate's degree or equivalent in coursework from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Mental Health, Counseling, AOD or related field, current enrollment in State Approved AOD Certification program; and two (2) years of experience providing professional substance abuse counseling treatment services; OR, in addition to Associate's degree or qualifying equivalent in experience, one (1) year of full-time experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor I with Mendocino County.
Substitution :
Two (2) years of full-time experience performing professional level AOD counseling in a treatment facility may be substituted for the education requirement.
Special Qualifications :
Within five (5) years of registration MUST obtain Certification from a California Alcohol and Drug Programs (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)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of :
Depending upon assignment :
Skill In :
Mental and Physical Ability to :
Selection Procedure & Other Important Information
Important Application Information :
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 unassembled 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 : If you require special testing arrangements to accommodate a disability or religious conviction you must contact Human Resources at 707.234.6600 prior to the test date to make your requirements known. You must provide enough advance notice to allow Human Resources to properly review and evaluate 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 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 :
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 :
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to :
EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to :
LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to :
In accordance with HSC Section 11833(b)(1), any individual who provides counseling services in a licensed or certified alcohol and other drug (AOD) program, except for licensed professionals, must be registered or certified with a DHCS approved certifying organization prior to providing counseling services.Please check the button below which best describes your current status.If yes, provide your certification number and expiration date in the Certifications and Licenses section of the Application.
Required Question
Salary : $53,477 - $65,021