Substance Abuse Counselor II

We are seeking a highly skilled Substance Abuse Counselor II to join our team at Mendocino County. As a key member of our substance abuse treatment team, you will provide professional counseling services to clients who abuse various substances and/or have emotional problems.

• Provide individual and group counseling sessions to clients to identify problems, provide strategies for resolution, and assist clients in reaching treatment goals.
• Manage client caseloads, schedule appointments, screen and provide orientation to clients, and respond to crisis calls.
• Develop and implement treatment plans, provide ongoing supportive counseling, and document activities and maintain files.
• Collaborate with legal system, schools, organizations, parents, and children on issues concerning clients.
• Maintain a safe environment for clients and staff, and provide routine and non-routine reports using departmental software.
• Refer and enroll clients to related programs or services, and administer client urinalysis testing.
• Enter and retrieve data into a computer system, and use the computer system to create reports, progress notes, and other documents.
• Transport clients by motor vehicle to and from therapeutic sessions and other treatment-related activities.
• Makes presentations to agencies regarding programs offered, and maintains and upgrades knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars, meetings, and training programs.

• 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 years of experience providing professional substance abuse counseling treatment services.
• Or, in addition to Associate's degree or qualifying equivalent in experience, one year of full-time experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor I with Mendocino County.
• Two years of full-time experience performing professional level AOD counseling in a treatment facility may be substituted for the education requirement.
• Within five 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.

The employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear. The employee is regularly required to use sound and odor perception and discrimination. The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to operate a motor vehicle.