Substance Use Disorders Counselor I

Under direction, provides group and individual counseling, education, and assessments for clients within the Department of Behavioral Health Alcohol and Drug Programs; assures maximum client services through liaison with other agencies. 

Substance Use Disorders Counselor I is the entry-level of the Substance Use Disorders Counselor series, working under training conditions while learning a wide range of alcohol and drug counseling methods and techniques. The class is distinguished from the next higher class of Substance Use Disorders Counselor II by the latter’s responsibility to independently manage a large client caseload.

An Associate’s Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Social Science, or Criminal Justice plus one (1) year of training and/or experience in providing counseling and intervention services in an alcohol or drug recovery program. 

Current certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor from an accredited organization may substitute for the above experience. 

Current and valid registration as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor from an accredited organization approved by California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs. A valid Alcohol and Drug Certificate approved by California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and maintained by the State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology must be obtained within five (5) years from the date of registration. The registration and certification requirements set forth in this job description are essential requirements of the position. 

A physician licensed by the Medical Board of California; or a psychologist licensed by the Board of Psychology; or a clinical social worker or marriage and family therapist licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, or an intern registered with the California Board of Psychology or the California Board of Behavioral Sciences may substitute for the required Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification.

A valid California Driver’s License 

A valid driver’s license may be required at the time of appointment and employees may also be required to drive their own vehicle and provide proof of liability insurance as per Vehicle Code VC § 160020. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
 
This position may require pre-employment drug test, physical examination, and fingerprinting for a background investigation.
 
The County of Imperial does not unlawfully discriminate on any prohibited basis under state or federal law including prohibitions listed in title VII, the Age and Discrimination and Employment Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
 
If you feel you have a need for special arrangements due to a disability in order to participate in the recruitment process, call (442) 265-1148 or TTY (442) 265-1169.
 
*NOTE: IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS IN EMPLOYMENT MATTERS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT, CONTACT THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY OFFICE, 940 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE 101, EL CENTRO, CA 92243, PHONE: (442) 265-1017 (DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER FOR GENERAL EMPLOYMENT OF JOB APPLICATION INFORMATION).
 
About Imperial County: Imperial County is located in the Imperial Valley in the southeast of California, bordering Arizona and Mexico, with the Colorado River forming the County’s eastern boundary. Imperial County is a major agricultural center, producing half of the nation's winter vegetables, as well as extensive renewable resources, such as geothermal, wind, and solar. Off-road enthusiasts are drawn to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation area, and the Colorado River is a popular destination for watersports, including fishing, boating, and water skiing. Fans of the popular movie, The Return of the Jedi, will recognize the Algodones Sand Dunes, where the movie was filmed.