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Class Code: 6353

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SPECIALIST II

NATURE OF WORK

This is an advanced clinical position within a County substance abuse treatment program which may also involve lead worker responsibilities.

Work involves assessing and diagnosing program participants with substance abuse and related behavioral disorders, developing treatment plans, providing individual and group counseling, and maintaining program participant documentation and records. Employees in this class apply advanced knowledge of the dynamics of substance abuse treatment and co-occurring disorder theory and practices and perform with some autonomy exercising independent judgment and decision making within established program guidelines. Work is reviewed through general supervision and clinical supervision by a clinical superior.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is distinguished from Substance Abuse Specialist I by the complexity of the case assignments and lead worker responsibilities.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Assists in developing programs of a clinical, educational, and/or rehabilitative nature.

Assumes role and responsibilities of lead worker, as assigned. May assist in supervising and training of subordinate personnel.

Attends staff meetings and trainings as assigned.

Conducts activities and monitors the environment of care to maximize participant and staff safety.

Conducts clinical interviews and bio-psycho-social evaluations.

Conducts home and community visits as needed.

Conducts substance abuse and/or addiction awareness and educational programs for local community groups such as faith based agencies, schools, and business organizations.

Confers with program participants, their families and/or other care-givers regarding issues of treatment.

Coordinates treatment with other community, governmental, and service providers.

Counsels program participants, including those with complex issues. Facilitates intermediate and advanced group sessions concerning substance abuse and co-occurring related issues.

Develops treatment plans with program participants and/or their family members.

May provide treatment and assessment, and prepare associated reports for program participants in the judicial system, hospital districts, DCF, and other community agencies.

Observes, evaluates, monitors, reports and records program participant status and progress. Maintains associated clinical records manually and/or electronically using computer based applications.

Participates in staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.

Performs case management functions.

Prepares accurate and timely written reports on assigned caseload as well as the quality and/or quality of work completed, using computer-based software applications.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

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.

Knowledge of laws, best practices, and literature in the fields of addiction and/or substance abuse treatment, co-occurring disorders and mental health.

Knowledge of local public and private treatment agencies and other community resources and an understanding of their role in addiction or substance abuse treatment.

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.

Knowledge of the dynamics and problems of addiction and/or substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders and current practices of treatment.

Knowledge of the methods, procedures and practices of addiction and/or substance abuse treatment.

Knowledge of public health laws, JCAHO standards, federal confidentiality laws (42CFR, 45CFR), and state regulations (65D-30) as required for the area of assignment.

Knowledge of the family dynamics and family counseling.

Ability to apply clinical skill in treating program participants in individual and group counseling.

Ability to apply time management and organizational skills.

Ability to communicate effectively, 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 to choose appropriate actions.

Ability to learn and comply with Division and County policy and procedures.

Ability to maintain program participant records in accordance with the agency’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 treatment to community groups and agencies as required for the area of assignment.

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 Broward County's Ethics and Conflict of Interest policies.

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

Master'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; two years of experience in substance abuse treatment including six (6) months of experience in the administrative aspects of the work; or any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Must obtain certification as a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) within two years of employment.

May be required to possess a valid Florida driver’s license and to be able to drive and to obtain and maintain authority to drive on County business, as required for the area of assignment.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Bargaining Unit: Government Supervisors Association (Professional Unit)

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Code of Ethics Certification: No

Work Locations: Elderly & Veterans Services, Substance Abuse and Health Care Services

Class Spec. Estab./Revised: E5/84 R12/04

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