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SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR / EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS HOMELESSNESS
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What they do
A Substance Abuse Counselor counsels people struggling with addictions to alcohol, drugs or other substances. Assists clients in dealing with personal and professional problems related to substance abuse. Collaborates with other health care and mental health care professionals to coordinate services for clients, and works with families of substance abusers. May work in a clinic, health care facility or community based program, or work with clients referred through the criminal justice system.
$28,351 / year median in California
+24% projected growth
Job Description
TYPE OF RECRUITMENT
OPENCOMPETITIVE
- EMERGENCY
FILING DATES
First Day of Filing:
April 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) This examination will remain open until the needs of the service are met and is subject to closure without prior noticeEXAM NUMBER
b5884J-EA This announcement is a re-bulletin to reopen the filing period. The LA County Board of Supervisors recently declared a local state of emergency for homelessness , and the County is working to revise and expand our response to help all who are affected. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to help us in the mission of addressing issues like housing, mental health, and substance use. If you are looking for a new career that will directly benefit the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you. The Department of Mental Health is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Substance Abuse Counselor vacancies related to the homelessness crisis. Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment. Before the end of your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance. This assessment will be weighted 100%. Those who successfully pass the assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to Substance Abuse Counselor. Essential Job Functions Conducts interviews of clients/patients and/or their family membersto obtain family, social, medical, work,and mental health histories. Participates with the treatment team in developing, implementing , and evaluating treatment or therapy approaches for patients/clients, familymembers, and significant others in all phases of comprehensive substance abuse and/or mental health treatmentprograms. Counsels patients/clients to prevent relapses by assisting them in recognizing causalfactors of substance abuse/mental illness and in developing appropriate coping behaviors. Counsels patients/clients regarding communityresources or treatmentservices available to help prevent or cope withrelapses . Assists senior- level counselors in complex areas of social and psychological adjustment counseling.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
One year ofexperience in a substance abuse program with experience providing physical assessment of patients, counseling of individuals, families and groups, and documentation.- OR•One year oftraining at the level of Substance Abuse Counselor Aid• in a substance abuse counselor training program.
- OR•Completion of 60 semester units or equivalent quarter units in an accredited college or university with specialization in substance abuse counseling, social work, psychology, sociology, or human services.
- Substance Abuse Counselor Aid is defined as p articipates as a trainee in a substance abuse or mental health services program designed for the prevention of substance abuse and the treatment of rehabilitation patients and mental health clients with substance abuse problems.
LICENSE:
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.PHYSICAL CLASS
Physical Class II•Light:
This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10 pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS INFORMATION
ACCREDITATION
Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national or international accrediting agencies which are accepted by the Department of Human Resources. Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references. Also acceptable, if appropriate, are degrees that have been evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from United States accredited institutions by an academic credential evaluation agency recognized by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).Transcript:
- In order to receive credit for any college or university course, or any type of college or university degree, such as Bachelor's or higher, you must include a legible copy of the official diploma or official transcripts from the accredited institution which shows the area of specialization with your application at the time of filing or within 15 calendar days of filing.