Class Code: 6352
SUBSTANCE ABUSE SPECIALIST I
NATURE OF WORK
This is an entry level
position within a County substance abuse treatment program.
Work involves screening,
assessment, and intervention with program participants and families or other
care givers. Work also involves related responsibilities. Depending upon area
of assignment, this may include maintaining program participant records, conducting
evaluations, conducting individual and group counseling, conducting orientation
and educational groups, and/or meeting with community groups to inform them of
treatment programs and services. Employees in this class apply a good
understanding of the dynamics and problems of substance abuse and/or addiction treatment
and exercise good judgment, establish rapport, and demonstrate skill in their
interaction and communication with program participants, their families and
other care givers, and colleagues. Work is reviewed through general and
clinical supervision as well as evaluation of work results.
ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS
Attends staff meetings and trainings as assigned.
Conducts activities and
monitors the environment of care to maximize participant and staff safety.
Coordinates treatment with
other community, governmental, and service providers.
Counsels program
participants, their families or other care givers, and groups concerning
addiction, co-occuring disorders, and/or health issues, and recovery.
Develops treatment plans
with program participants and/or their family members.
May assist in monitoring program
participants and visitors.
May assist in the
management of program participant treatment.
May assist in the training
of subordinate personnel.
May conduct admission
processing including admission and risk screenings and notifying a clinical
superior of results.
May conduct home and
community visits.
May conduct screening and
assesses the needs of at-risk program participants. May conduct psycho-social
assessments.
May conduct substance abuse
and/or addiction awareness and educational programs for local community groups
such as faith based agencies, schools, and business organizations.
May monitor specimen
collection and collect urine and breathalyzer specimens.
May provide outreach and
community education, networking with other governmental and service providers
for resource acquisition, program participant advocacy and linkage to
appropriate services.
Monitors and records
program participant status; maintains associated program participant records
manually and/or electronically using computer based applications.
Performs some case
management functions.
Prepares accurate and
timely written reports on assigned caseload as well as the quality and/or
quantity of work completed, using computer-based software applications.
Provides crisis prevention,
intervention, and brief counseling as needed.
Performs related work as
required.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES
AND SKILLS
Some knowledge of age and
cultural competence theory and practice as applicable to the treatment of
addiction/substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders and as required for the
area of assignment.
Some knowledge of laws,
best practices, and literature in the fields of addiction and/or substance
abuse treatment, co-occurring disorders and mental health.
Some knowledge of local
public and private treatment agencies and other community resources and an
understanding of their role in addiction or substance abuse treatment.
Some knowledge of
psychology and counseling theory and practice with the ability to apply the
knowledge to the treatment of addictions and/or substance abuse and
co-occurring disorders.
Some knowledge of public
health laws, JCAHO standards, federal confidentiality laws (42CFR, 45CFR), and
state regulations (65D-30) as required for the area of assignment.
Some knowledge of the dynamics
and problems of addiction and/or substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders
and current practices of treatment.
Some knowledge of the
family dynamics and family counseling.
Some knowledge of the
methods, procedures and practices of addiction treatment.
Ability to apply clinical
skill in treating program participants in individual and group counseling.
Ability to apply knowledge
and compliance with Division and County policy and procedures.
Ability to apply time
management and organizational skills.
Ability to communicate
effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to counsel
effectively with program participants and families and to lead group sessions.
Ability to identify at-risk
or critical indicators and choose appropriate actions.
Ability to learn and comply
with Division and County policy and procedures.
Ability to maintain program
participant records in accordance with Division’s documentation policy and
procedures.
Ability to multi-task.
Ability to prepare
narrative and statistical reports using computer-based applications.
Ability to react calmly and
quickly in an emergency situation.
Ability to relate goals and
methods of addiction or substance abuse treatment to community groups and
agencies.
Ability to use basic office
computer software and to learn and use the electronic client database system
used by the agency.
Ability to work effectively
on a multi-disciplinary team.
Ability to serve the public
and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter
and spirit of
Ability to establish and
maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers,
elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic
backgrounds, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender,
disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or political affiliation.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
AND TRAINING
Bachelor’s degree from an
accredited college or university with major course work in psychology, social
work, counseling, or other field closely related to this assignment; six (6) months
of professional experience in a substance abuse counseling environment; or any
equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.
NECESSARY SPECIAL
REQUIREMENT
Must obtain certification
as a Certified Associate Addictions Professional or Certified Addictions
Professional within two years of employment.
May be required to possess
a valid
GENERAL INFORMATION
Bargaining Unit: Government Supervisors Association (Professional Unit)
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Code
of Ethics Certification: No
Work Locations: Elderly and Veterans Services, Substance Abuse and Health
Care
Services
Class Spec. Estab./Revised:
E 5/84 R12/04