Job Details

Alcohol and Other Drug Services Counselor I

Make a positive difference in our community as an Alcohol and Other Drug Services Counselor I with the County of Sonoma!

Starting salary up to $46.95/hour ($97,990/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 II level of this opportunity, you must 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. In this role, your responsibilities may include:

• Delivering case management, counseling, and evaluations for program participants
• Screening and assessing clients to determine appropriate treatment needs
• Facilitating individual and group counseling sessions and providing referrals for any additional services needed
• Preparing accurate and timely documentation, including court reports, client records, and program evaluations
• Fostering positive relationships with community partners, including schools, to provide ongoing education and support to youth and adults
• Conducting diversion services, regular audits, and quality assurance checks on files and caseloads
• Administering alcohol testing using breathalyzer equipment when necessary
• Upholding ethical and professional standards in all aspects of client interaction and case management

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. Together, we're creating safer, healthier schools where students can succeed. (This position is full-time monolingual (English), and a Driver's License is required.)

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. (There is a full-time and part-time monolingual (English) position and extra-help positions available. A Driver's License is not required for these positions.)

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. (This position is part-time fluent bilingual (English/Spanish), and a Driver's License is required.)

Learn more about what the County of Sonoma is doing in the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention spaces:

$67.7 million to build multiple mental health and drug recovery facilities

Behavioral Health - CAPE & SUD

Opioid Settlement Funds

SUD - Overdose Awareness Event

Causes of Opioid Addiction and Addressing the Epidemic

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 position 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
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Alcohol and Other Drug Services Counselor II ($42.28 - $51.39 /hour)
• 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

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.

Experience and Education: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be either:

One year of experience with responsibilities involving alcohol and drug treatment and education programs and academic coursework in sociology, psychology, alcohol and other drug services and other closely related fields.

OR

Some experience with responsibilities involving alcohol and other drug treatment and education programs and possession of a bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, alcohol and other services drug treatment or other closely related fields.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Some of the positions advertised on this announcement require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Special Qualification: All employees of this class must register, obtain, and maintain a Counselor Certification as defined by the California Code of Regulations, Chapter 8: Certification of Alcohol and Other Drug Counselors.

Due to regulatory changes, California Health and Safety Code Section 11833(b)(1) requires that any individual who provides counseling services in a licensed or certified AODS program, except for licensed professionals*, must be registered or certified with an organization approved by the California Department of