Job Details

Alcohol And Other Drug Services Counselor II

Grow your career and make a difference in your community as an Alcohol and Other Drug Services Counselor II with the County of Sonoma! Starting salary up to $51.39/hour ($107,257/year), a competitive total compensation package, an additional $1.50 per hour for fluent bilingual positions, and a $15,000 Signing Bonus!

The Department of Health Services is currently recruiting to fill two full-time monolingual (English), one part-time monolingual (English), and one part-time fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AODS) Counselor positions at either the I or II levels. If you are interested in being considered at the I level of this opportunity, you will need to apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for that level. As an AODS Counselor, you will provide essential services to individuals, be responsible for case management, provide crisis assessment and counseling, and educate others in the community.

As an ideal candidate for these positions, you will possess many of the following:

• Experience in the drug and alcohol counseling field
• Proven experience facilitating group and/or individual counseling sessions
• A general understanding of State and/or Federal laws and regulations related to addiction counseling
• Cultural competence and the ability to engage with diverse populations
• Experience with motivational interviewing, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and crisis intervention
• The proven ability to maintain healthy boundaries and adhere to high ethical standards
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to ongoing professional development, including staying informed on current trends and treatment methodologies
• A passion for the field, with the ability to adapt quickly and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is desired, not required

AODS Counselors will bring professional experience in the alcohol and other drug services spaces and a deep commitment to supporting individuals in recovery. AODS Counselors may work in a variety of programs, including:

Crisis Assessment, Prevention, and Education (CAPE):

The Crisis Assessment, Prevention, and Education (CAPE) Team brings substance use services right onto Sonoma County high school campuses, and we're looking for a passionate AODS Counselor to make a difference. In this role, you'll be on the front lines providing screenings and assessments, counseling, and crisis response, all while connecting students and families to the care they need. You'll also have the chance to lead engaging trainings for students, caregivers, and school staff, while offering vital post-crisis support in partnership with the Sonoma County Office of Education. Plus, you'll work hand-in-hand with other CAPE AODS Counselors and Behavioral Health Clinicians to deliver truly integrated care that addresses both mental health and substance use needs.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Program:

The Driving Under the Influence Program works with the Court to provide services to first-time and multiple offenders. The DUI Program is a state-mandated service that is governed by Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, which requires ongoing monitoring for compliance. Positions assigned to the DUI program provide case management, counseling, consultation, education, and evaluations to individuals, groups, and families participating in the program. AODS Counselors also screen and assess clients, prepare court and client program reports, provide diversion services, and assist in planning and coordinating services.

Treatment Alternatives for a Safer Community (TASC) Program:

TASC is a case management program that allows individuals in custody with a substance use disorder the opportunity to participate in treatment in place of jail time. We provide the initial assessment in custody and make a recommendation to the court based on the ASAM screening tool. If the individual is sentenced to TASC, they are released to their assigned case manager for transportation to the recommended treatment program. We provide supportive services throughout their sentence as well as aftercare services for 6 months. We work in collaboration with the Sonoma County Superior Court, the Public Defender's office, and Adult Probation.

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits including:

• Hiring Incentive*** - (Prorated based on FTE) The Department of Health Services is currently offering a $15,000 signing bonus paid over three installments during the first two years of service
• Bilingual Premium Pay** - An additional $1.50/hour on top of the hourly pay rate for fluent bilingual positions
• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment (available for DUI Program positions only)
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals and 12 paid holidays
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $850 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

Bilingual positions require English and Spanish skills at the fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) level. Applicants who wish to be considered for a bilingual position must indicate their level of skill in the required supplemental questionnaire. An examination will be conducted prior to employment in a bilingual position to confirm the level of skill in this area.

This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.