DEFINITION

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health & Human Services! This is an opportunity to work in a supportive atmosphere as part of multidisciplinary team and have access to ongoing training.

What You'll Do:
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including;

• Provide ASAM Assessments, treatment, case management, resources/ referrals for youth both in the office and the field.
• Strengthening current relationships and building new relationships with community partners to support youth SUD treatment through community outreach, participation in multi-agency staff meetings, and involvement in committee meetings.
• Maintain awareness and share updates of local resources available for youth. Examples include, recreational activities, educational and cultural activities, economic resources which may be available to youth, such as Calfresh.

Where You'll Do It:
This position is located in Eureka, California.
A typical work schedule for this position is M-F; 8-5

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, provides substance abuse counseling to individuals, groups and families in an out-patient setting; facilitates support groups; participates in substance abuse prevention and education programs; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee is the trainee level in this class series. Incumbents initially work under immediate supervision and learn about the department's treatment programs and counseling and treatment methods. This class is alternately staffed with Substance Abuse Counselor I and II.

Substance Abuse Counselor I is the entry level class in this class. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn departmental and treatment policies and procedures. This class is alternately staffed with Substance Abuse Counselor II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level class.

Substance Abuse Counselor II is an experienced class responsible for providing substance abuse services to clients in an out-patient setting. Responsibilities include group facilitation, individual and family counseling, and community education and outreach. This class is distinguished from Mental Health Clinician and Psychiatric Technician classes in that the latter are licensed classes providing professional clinical patient support.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Provides individual, group and family counseling focused on rehabilitating drug and alcohol abusers; facilitates support groups.
• Performs intake interviews, assessments, information and referral, treatment planning, and develops counseling programs for clients designed to aid in social adjustment.
• Assists clients in solving problems of housing, unemployment, education and other conditions which may be retarding clients' rehabilitation progress.
• Develops curriculum and facilitates educational groups for identified groups and the community, relating to substance abuse and early intervention.
• Participates in community groups and stimulates community interest in identifying and eliminating conditions which contribute to substance abuse problems.
• Participates in evaluation and staff meetings for cooperative planning and treatment.
• Maintains appropriate records and prepares written reports.
• May serve as case coordinator for assigned patients or clients.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of individual, group and family counseling.
• Psychological, physiological and sociological aspects of drug or alcohol abuse.
• Needs, problems, attitudes and behavior patterns of individuals involved in drug or alcohol abuse.
• Cultural issues which may impact effective treatment.
• Applicable County, state, and federal guidelines and laws affecting substance abuse prevention programs, including drug Medi-Cal regulations.
• Community service agencies and resources.

Skill in:

• Providing substance abuse counseling.
• Leading and facilitating group counseling and activities.
• Listening and communicating effectively.
• Performing crisis intervention and responding promptly to patient emergency situations.
• Developing educational materials and curriculum.
• Observing and accurately describing client behavior and activities.
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements :
Specified positions may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license. Substance Abuse Counselor Trainees must be registered to obtain certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. At the Substance Abuse Counselor I and Substance Abuse Counselor II level, two years of experience providing drug and alcohol counseling and education services and certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor with an organization approved by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs are required.

Desirable Education and Experience :

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

• Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee: One year of experience in a mental health or human services field and some college coursework relating to chemical dependency or completion of a four year degree in a related field.
• Substance Abuse Counselor I: College or university level coursework in health services, education, social services or a related field.
• Substance Abuse Counselor II: In addition to the above, two years of experience providing counseling in a substance abuse program in a position comparable to Substance Abuse Counselor I.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All the Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to fill out the application?

You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.

• Can I change my application after submitting it?

You may only submit one application per day. You may submit an edited application after waiting at least one day from your initial submission.

• How long until I hear back from you?

You can expect to hear back from Humboldt County Human Resources about 3-4 weeks after the closing date listed on the job posting.

• Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview?

Yes, you will be informed if you are not selected for an interview.

County of Humboldt’s Commitment to DEI
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, and LGBTQIA+ community members,) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach to in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. So, if you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

How to Apply
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications may only be submitted online through the County’s automated application system at http://www.humboldtgov.org/hr no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.
It is important that your application, not just your resume, show all the relevant experience and education you possess.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in this examination will be compared with the performance of others who take the test. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. Scores will be provided in writing only.
Yay! You’ve made it down to the fine print…. that means you are interested in this job, and THAT makes us happy! The lawyers tell us we need to include this stuff…. but we’ll help you get through it.
This is about the retirement benefits we offer. You’ve probably heard that we have a great retirement plan. Basically, you fall into a Tier based on the date you first start working for the County or any other governmental employer that uses CalPERS for retirement. If this is your first job in government, then you’ll be in Tier III. 2.0 means that for every year you work for the County, you will receive 2% of your final annual pay rate for every year that you work for us if you work the required minimum number of years (that’s called vesting) and retire after the age following the @. So, if you work 20 years and retire at 64 years of age, you will receive 20 x 2% or 40% of your final annual pay rate every year in retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program
The County participates in the CalPERS retirement system, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee’s retirement.

• Tier I: Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7 @ 55
• Tier II: Post 7/6/2012: 2.0 @ 55
• Tier III: Post 1/1/2013: 2.0 @ 62

This next section says that the County runs its hiring on a set of rules to ensure that it is fair. Hiring and promotion are based on performance and having the best qualifications for the job. “Examination” doesn’t always mean taking a test…..sometimes it just means how we compare your application to others who have applied and an “oral examination” can just mean an interview for lower level positions.

Selection Procedure
The County’s Human Resources system operates by a set of rules and procedures which ensure that employees are hired and promoted on the basis of merit and fitness for the job. Jobs are filled through competitive examinations. A complete online application is required for this position. All application materials will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts. Those candidates considered to be the most qualified, based on the application materials submitted, will be invited to a written and/or oral examination, or an evaluation of education and experience.

Policy of Nondiscrimination
The County of Humboldt does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Human Resources is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance to the Courthouse is the 4th Street entrance. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact Human Resources at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination for assistance.
The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Reasonable accommodation may be made in the testing procedure as well as the work site. If you need accommodation for an exam due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources office as soon as possible.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION: A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS: Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES: Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six months, but may be up to one year. All designated safety employees serve a one year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY: It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.