Alcohol and Other Drug Services Counselor I

Job Description:

Alcohol and Other Drug Services Counselor I

Description

Position Information

Make a positive difference in our community as an Alcohol and Other Drug Services Counselor I with the County of Sonoma!

Starting salary up to $46.95/hour ($97,990/year), a competitive total compensation package*, an additional $1.50 per hour for fluent bilingual positions**, AND a $15,000 Signing Bonus!***

Note : California Health and Safety Code Section 11833(b)(1) requires that any individual who provides counseling services in a licensed or certified Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AODS) program, except for licensed professionals (see Minimum Qualifications below)*, must be registered or certified with an organization approved by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Individuals must be currently registered, certified, or licensed to be eligible for employment.

For more information on registration and a list of approved certification agencies recognized by the DHCS, please visit DHCS's website: Counselor Certification Organizations.

About the Position
The Department of Health Services is currently recruiting to fill two full-time monolingual (English), one part-time monolingual (English), and one part-time fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AODS) Counselor positions at either the I or II levels. If you are interested in being considered at the II level of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for that level. As an AODS Counselor, you will provide essential services to individuals, be responsible for case management, provide crisis assessment and counseling, and educate others in the community. In this role, your responsibilities may include:

• Delivering case management, counseling, and evaluations for program participants
• Screening and assessing clients to determine appropriate treatment needs
• Facilitating individual and group counseling sessions and providing referrals for any additional services needed
• Preparing accurate and timely documentation, including court reports, client records, and program evaluations
• Fostering positive relationships with community partners, including schools, to provide ongoing education and support to youth and adults
• Conducting diversion services, regular audits, and quality assurance checks on files and caseloads
• Administering alcohol testing using breathalyzer equipment when necessary
• Upholding ethical and professional standards in all aspects of client interaction and case management

As an ideal candidate for these positions, you will possess many of the following:

• Experience in the drug and alcohol counseling field
• Proven experience facilitating group and/or individual counseling sessions
• A general understanding of State and/or Federal laws and regulations related to addiction counseling
• Cultural competence and the ability to engage with diverse populations
• An understanding of motivational interviewing, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and crisis intervention
• The ability to maintain healthy boundaries and adhere to high ethical standards
• Intellectual curiosity and a commitment to ongoing professional development, including staying informed on current trends and treatment methodologies
• A passion for the field, with the ability to adapt quickly and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Bilingual in English/Spanish desired, but not required for all positions

AODS Counselors will bring professional experience in the alcohol and other drug services spaces and a deep commitment to supporting individuals in recovery. AODS Counselors may work in a variety of programs, including:

Crisis Assessment, Prevention, and Education (CAPE):

The Crisis Assessment, Prevention, and Education (CAPE) Team brings substance use services right onto Sonoma County high school campuses, and we’re looking for a passionate AODS Counselor to make a difference. In this role, you’ll be on the front lines providing screenings and assessments, counseling, and crisis response, all while connecting students and families to the care they need. You’ll also have the chance to lead engaging trainings for students, caregivers, and school staff, while offering vital post-crisis support in partnership with the Sonoma County Office of Education. Plus, you’ll work hand-in-hand with other CAPE AODS Counselors and Behavioral Health Clinicians to deliver truly integrated care that addresses both mental health and substance use needs. Together, we’re creating safer, healthier schools where students can succeed. (This position is full-time monolingual (English), and a Driver's License is required.)

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Program:

The Driving Under the Influence Program works with the Court to provide services to first-time and multiple offenders. The DUI Program is a state-mandated service that is governed by Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, which requires ongoing monitoring for compliance. Positions assigned to the DUI program provide case management, counseling, consultation, education, and evaluations to individuals, groups, and families participating in the program. AODS Counselors also screen and assess clients, prepare court and client program reports, provide diversion services, and assist in planning and coordinating services. (There is a full-time and part-time monolingual (English) position and extra-help positions available. A Driver's License is not required for these positions.)

Treatment Alternatives for a Safer Community (TASC) Program:

TASC is a case management program that allows individuals in custody with a substance use disorder the opportunity to participate in treatment in place of jail time. We provide the initial assessment in custody and make a recommendation to the court based on the ASAM screening tool. If the individual is sentenced to TASC, they are released to their assigned case manager for transportation to the recommended treatment program. We provide supportive services throughout their sentence as well as aftercare services for 6 months. We work in collaboration with the Sonoma County Superior Court, the Public Defender's office, and Adult Probation. (This position is part-time fluent bilingual (English/Spanish), and a Driver's License is required.)

Learn more about what the County of Sonoma is doing in the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention spaces:

$67.7 million to build multiple mental health and drug recovery facilities

Behavioral Health - CAPE & SUD

Opioid Settlement Funds

SUD - Overdose Awareness Event

Causes of Opioid Addiction and Addressing the Epidemic

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Hiring Incentive*** - (Prorated based on FTE) The Department of Health Services is currently offering a $15,000 signing bonus paid over three installments during the first two years of service
• Bilingual Premium Pay**- An additional $1.50/hour on top of the hourly pay rate for fluent bilingual positions
• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment (available for DUI Program position only)
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Alcohol and Other Drug Services Counselor II ( $42.28 - $51.39 /hour)
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals and 12 paid holidays
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $850 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Engineers and Scientists of California Memorandum of Understanding (ESC MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

Bilingual positions require English and Spanish skills at the fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) level. Applicants who wish to be considered for a bilingual position must indicate their level of skill in the required supplemental questionnaire. An examination will be conducted prior to employment in a bilingual position to confirm the level of skill in this area. Bilingual premium pay is $1.50/hour for fluent skill sets.

This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Education: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be either:

One year of experience with responsibilities involving alcohol and drug treatment and education programs and academic coursework in sociology, psychology, alcohol and other drug services and other closely related fields.

OR

Some experience with responsibilities involving alcohol and other drug treatment and education programs and possession of a bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, alcohol and other services drug treatment or other closely related fields.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Some of the positions advertised on this announcement require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Special Qualification: All employees of this class must register, obtain, and maintain a Counselor Certification as defined by the California Code of Regulations, Chapter 8: Certification of Alcohol and Other Drug Counselors. Upon appointment to this class, employees will have six months to register and five years to obtain Certification from an ADP approved certifying organization whose curriculum includes a minimum of 240 hours of formal classroom training. Human Resources will waive the Counselor Certification requirement for licensed professionals (or registered interns) who successfully pass a written examination similar to that administered for Certification. This examination will be administered by the Sonoma County Human Resources Department, and will be designed to measure those areas included in the curriculum required for certification.

Due to regulatory changes, California Health and Safety Code Section 11833(b)(1) requires that any individual who provides counseling services in a licensed or certified AODS program, except for licensed professionals*, must be registered or certified with an organization approved by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Individuals must be licensed, registered, or certified to be eligible for employment.

A list of approved certification agencies recognized by the DHCS may be found at the following site:

http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Pages/CounselorCertificationOrganizations.aspx

* Licensed professionals include a physician licensed by the Medical Board of California; or a psychologist licensed by the Board of Psychology; or a clinical social worker or marriage and family therapist licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, or an intern registered with the California Board of Psychology or the California Board of Behavioral Sciences .

Additional Special Qualification: Some positions may require the ability to fluently speak and write a language other than English.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working 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; laws, rules, regulations and department policies related to client confidentiality; 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.

Knowledge of: County program policies and procedures; court procedures and etiquette; County, State and Federal laws governing public alcohol and other drug abuse programs.

Ability to: understand and apply County alcohol and other drug program policies and procedures; provide consultative services in complex situations involving behavioral and physiological conditions of the alcohol/drug client; evaluate the behavioral and physiological conditions of the alcohol/drug client; coordinate the delivery of alcohol and other drug abuse services; analyze situation accurately and adopt an effective course of action; 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; communicate effectively with persons from a variety of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds; establish and maintain effective work relationships with all types of persons encountered in the course of work; 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; use computers and related equipment as necessary for job assignments.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.

Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%). Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.

Additional Information

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

For positions that are required to have access to Sheriff’s Office or Probation Department facilities, a more extensive “Security Clearance” will be performed after hire. Successful completion of the probationary period may be contingent upon passing the security clearance, which may include completion and review of a Personal History Statement packet, Live Scan fingerprint-based criminal history checks, warrant checks, written reference checks, etc.* If you are offered a position which requires a security clearance, the job offer letter will clearly specify this as a condition of the probationary period.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: SZ

HR Technician: KK

Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

County of Sonoma Benefits:*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at Labor Agreements & Salary Resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to Human Resources or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonomacounty.gov or (707) 565-2900.

*Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$80,604.57 - $97,990.28 Annually