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Form of workThis recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Health and Human Services Agency. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.
Current vacancy is with the Health and Human Services Agency located in Visalia.
Provide professional-level counseling and education services to clients under close supervision, including screenings and assessments, preparation of court and client reports, and case management; Facilitation of groups and individual counseling sessions; Perform assessment interviews using prescribed methodology, evaluate potential clients, including criminal justice referrals in various locations, and recommend appropriate placement for clients; Initiate and maintain a variety of progress notes in client tracking and management systems, service records, and other required documentation in standard form and language and in compliance with state, federal, and programmatic guidelines; Respond to emergencies and calls in the office and community, including on-call after-hours duties when necessary; Assess client recovery needs, goals, and general condition to develop the treatment/service plan; Under close supervision and guidance, provide consultation, information, and education, including public presentations and support services to law enforcement, community groups, other public agencies, other service providers, and individuals on alcohol and other drug abuse and dependence; Attend professional in-service training and other staff development activities to increase knowledge of the counseling processes and achieve program and technical competence; Manage caseload and monitor the progress of clients during the term of treatment; Maintain accurate charts, and records in accordance with all state, federal, and programmatic guidelines; Prepare client progress reports for courts and the probation department; Transport clients to appointments and treatment facilities; May testify in court concerning an individual's amenability or acceptability for treatment; Oversee and conduct alcohol/drug testing; Attends professional and staff meetings to stay abreast of current trends or methods of effective alcohol and other drug assessment, case management, and treatment; Participate in diagnostic and evaluation staff meetings for cooperative planning and treatment; Make appointments, gather data, keep records, write reports, and maintain all appropriate case documentation; Participate in community organization activities; Establish and maintain contact with community agencies; May serve on committees regarding the community's needs or individual clients; Assist crisis workers in psychiatric hold evaluations of persons with co-occurring disorder (COD); Provide crisis counseling to families of clients with COD; Assist in organizing county-wide workshops on COD and co-facilitate COD groups with Mental Health staff; Respond to inquiries regarding program services and client activity records when appropriate; Assist in the preparation and review of materials for use in assigned programs; Serves as a resource to volunteer staff to provide basic guidance and support; Certified Counselors will perform the duties listed above and select and monitor volunteer staff; develop and implement comprehensive training and orientation programs and maintain records of volunteer work performed.
Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)
Education:Registered: Proof of enrollment in, and within 6 months of completing a Substance Use Disorder Counseling Education Program. Certified: Certificate of completion of a valid Substance Use Disorder Counseling Education Program.
Experience:Registered: One (1) year of experience with responsibilities involving alcohol and drug treatment and education programs. Certified: Two (2) years of work experience equivalent to a Tulare County Substance Use Disorder Counselor-Registered.
Knowledge of: The needs, problems, attitudes, and behavior problems of the alcohol and drug-abusing person; Basic principles of individual and group behavior; Socio-economic, environmental, and cultural factors affecting the behavior of alcohol and drug-abusing persons; Principles and techniques of group, family, and individual counseling; Counseling techniques related to the treatment of alcohol and other drug-abusing clients; Services and resources provided through other governmental agencies and community-based organizations; Modern methods of diagnosing and treating persons who abuse alcohol and drugs. In addition to the knowledge above, the certified counselor includes, program policies and procedures; Court procedures and etiquette; Local, State, and Federal laws governing public alcohol and drug abuse programs; Principles of integrated treatment for clients with co-occurring disorders.
Skill/Ability to:Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers; Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment; Understand and apply alcohol and other drug program policies and procedures; Coordinate the delivery of alcohol and other drug abuse services; Analyze situations accurately and adopt and effective course of actions; Recognize problems which call for the use of public and private community resources; Effectively listen, mediate, and resolve complaints; Read, interpret, apply, and explain complex regulations and reports; Develop rapport and maintain cooperative relationships with clients and service providers; Read, understand, apply, and explain regulations and procedures governing job training programs; Work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team; Complete multiple priority projects with strict deadlines; Maintain confidentiality of patient/client information. In addition to the skill/ability above, the certified counselor includes, Provide consultative services in complex situations involving behavioral and physiological conditions of the alcohol/drug client and clients with a co-occurring disorder; Evaluate the behavioral and physiological conditions of the alcohol/drug client and clients with a co-occurring disorder.
License or Certificate:
- Registered and Certified Counselors require: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
- Registered Counselors require: Registered from a California State Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Services approved certifying agency. Failure to maintain active Registration will result in a release from employment; Employees will have 6 months from date of hire into the entry-level Substance Use Disorder Registered classification to submit proof of completion of a valid Substance Use Disorder Counselor Education Program issued by an accredited educational institution. Failure to obtain and present a Substance Use Disorder Counselor Education Program certificate of completion within the 6 month timeframe will result in a release from employment; Employees will have three (3) years from the hire date into the entry-level Substance Use Disorder Counselor- Registered classification to obtain a valid Substance Use Disorder Counselor Certification issued by a certifying organization approved by the State of California. Failure to obtain the required professional certification within the three (3) year timeframe will result in a release from employment.
- Certified Counselors require: Proof of completion of a valid Substance Use Disorder Counselor Education Program; Possess a valid Substance Use Disorder Counselor Certification issued by a certifying organization approved by the State of California. Substance Use Disorder Counselor Certification must be maintained as defined by the California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Division 4, Chapter 8; Failure to maintain a valid active Substance Use Disorder Counselor certification will result in a release from employment.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERED COUNSELORS
- Applications will be accepted for students who can prove they are within 6 months of completing a Substance Use Disorder Counselor Education program.
- Within 6 months of hire into the Substance Use Disorder Counselor Registered position, must provide a copy of valid Substance Use Disorder Counselor Education Program completion. Failure to satisfy this requirement will result in separation from County employment.
Conditions of Employment
Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.
College Cost Reduction Access Act
This is a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Employment Type: Full-Time
