Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I/II

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule, County Website

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I:  $21.66 - $27.68

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II:  $24.18 - $30.87

DEFINITION

Under clinical supervision, to provide paraprofessional and treatment support services for county Behavioral Health clients in the alcohol and Drug program; to provide counseling and educational services under appropriate guidance; to develop and facilitate client services and case management plans; and to do related work as required.  This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I - 

This is the entry level in the Certified Alcohol and Drug class series.  Incumbents have responsibility for providing direct and support services working with individuals, couples, families, or groups, as appropriate.  Incumbents provide case management, and alcohol and drug recovery services, life skills education group facilitation, and other specialty services.    This classification is distinguished the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II in that incumbents are not certified and are providing services under the supervision of al Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Additionally, the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II  provides a broader array of client support services and may be responsible for an assigned specialty area.  

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II - 

This is the fully experienced certified working level in the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor  class series.  Incumbents have responsibility for providing direct and support services working with individuals, couples, families, or groups, as appropriate.  Incumbents are required have expertise in the provision of alcohol and drug recovery services, case management, life skills education, group facilitation, and other specialized services related to substance abuse treatment.  This classification is distinguished from the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I in that incumbents must be licensed or certified as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor by an agency recognized by the State of California and are expected to provide a broader array of client support services and be responsible for an assigned specialty area.  

REPORTS TO

Behavioral Health Site Supervisor

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

None.

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I - 

Meets with individuals, families, and groups to provide a variety of case management and support services related to ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS; provides support in clinic and community settings; assists with the development of program services and functions; provides comprehensive counseling services under appropriate guidance; communicates with, listens to, and observes clients in individual/group counseling sessions; obtains information to assess clients' needs; formulates treatment plans, evaluates client progress; prepares and maintains case records and documentation; facilitates client services by providing assistance in securing housing, employment, child care, transportation; may assist with development and implementation of specialized prevention and recovery support activities,  including support groups, parenting education, life experience activities, and supported independent living, recreation, and work experience; provides support services including office support and receptionist services at Behavioral Health program sites; works with individuals to facilitate access and use of community resources; maintains records of services provided as required State and Federal regulations and Department policies; provides in-service training and technical assistance for other agencies and community organizations; may develop treatment plans and provide services in collaborative team efforts; assists other staff with support, office, transportation, and other program related activities.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, procedures, techniques and trends related to counseling, therapy, and guidance of individuals, groups, and families in alcohol and drug treatment and prevention programs.
• Biological, behavioral and environmental aspects of behavioral health and behavioral problems.
• State, federal, and local laws, regulations, and requirements for the provision of counseling services.      
• Alcohol and drug treatment and detoxification methods and issues, as necessitated by area of assignment.
• Scope and activities of public and private health and welfare agencies and other community resources.
• Crisis intervention methods and techniques.

Desired skills:

• Perform a variety of behavioral health services, for alcohol and drug abuse recovery support services with individual clients and groups, as assigned.
• Apply and explain federal and state laws, rules, and regulations governing behavioral health and alcohol and drug programs and services.
• Develop and maintain cooperative, constructive relationships with families of clients, members of professional disciplines, social agencies and other staff.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive case work records and make sound recommendations.
• Develop and implement client case management services.
• Analyze case information, reaching sound diagnostic and treatment decisions.
• Effectively counsel clients, groups, and families.
• Maintain the confidentiality of case information.
• Recognize a potential crisis and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Handle stress and unusual client behavior.
• Effectively represent the Behavioral Health Department with the public, community organizations, other county staff, and other government agencies.

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II -

Meets with individuals, families, and groups to provide a variety of case management and support services related to ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS; provides support in clinic and community settings; assists with the development of program services and functions; provides comprehensive counseling services under appropriate guidance; communicates with, listens to, and observes clients in individual/group counseling sessions; obtains information to assess clients' needs; formulates treatment plans, evaluates client progress; prepares and maintains case records and documentation; facilitates client services by providing assistance in securing housing, employment, child care, and transportation; may assist with development and implementation of specialized prevention and recovery support activities,  including support groups, parenting education, life experience activities, and supported independent living, recreation, and work experience; provides support services including office support and receptionist services at Behavioral Health program sites; works with individuals to facilitate access and use of community resources; maintains records of services provided as required State and Federal regulations and Department policies; provides in-service training and technical assistance for other agencies and community organizations; may develop treatment plans and provide services in collaborative team efforts; assists other staff with support, office, transportation, and other program related activities.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, procedures, techniques and trends related to counseling, therapy, and guidance of individuals, groups, and families in alcohol and drug treatment and prevention programs.
• Biological, behavioral and environmental aspects of behavioral health and behavioral problems.
• State, federal, and local laws, regulations, and requirements for the provision of counseling services.      
• Alcohol and drug treatment and detoxification methods and issues, as necessitated by area of assignment.
• Scope and activities of public and private health and welfare agencies and other community resources.
• Crisis intervention methods and techniques.   

Desired skills:

• Perform a variety of behavioral health services, for alcohol and drug abuse recovery support services with individual clients and groups, as assigned.
• Apply and explain federal and state laws, rules, and regulations governing behavioral health and alcohol and drug programs and services. 
• Develop and maintain cooperative, constructive relationships with families of clients, members of professional disciplines, social agencies and other staff.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive case work records and make sound recommendations.
• Develop and implement client case management services.
• Analyze case information, reaching sound diagnostic and treatment decisions.
• Effectively counsel clients, groups, and families.
• Maintain the confidentiality of case information.
• Recognize a potential crisis and deliver crisis intervention services.
• Handle stress and unusual client behavior.
• Effectively represent the Behavioral Health Department with the public, community organizations, other county staff, and other government agencies. 

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I -

Completion of required prerequisite coursework to become a Registered Alcohol Drug Technician I/II or a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor –Certified Addiction Specialist (CADC-CAS)

Special Requirements:

-Incumbents must be certified at the Registered Alcohol Drug Technician I or II (RADT-I/II), or Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor-Certified Addiction Specialist (CADC CAS) level by the State of California.

-Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid and appropriate driver's license. 

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II -

Completion of coursework and licensing/certification in a behavioral or social science area, including, but not limited to Addiction, Psychology, Sociology, Recreation, Child Care, Social Work, Counseling, and related fields.

Special Requirements:

Certification and/or licensure as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor by the State of California.

 Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid and appropriate driver's license.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk;  normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.
 
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in office, clinic, or community environments; work is performed with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

Salary : $45,053 - $64,210