Alcohol & Drug Counselor

On-call, part-time position for our women's recovery home (CASA DE MILAGROS)

Hourly Pay Range: $21.01 - $24.98 DOE/Q

All probationary, full-time, and part-time MAAC Counselors are eligible for reimbursement of registered and certified counseling credentialing. As part of our team, we are here to support your professional growth from day one! 

OUR STORY                                                                                                                                                       

Since 1965, MAAC has been maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities. MAAC employs dedicated staff who provide life-changing services to thousands of individuals annually through programs in five core focus areas: Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellbeing, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. Through a wide variety of programs, MAAC has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit social service organizations in the community. Learn more about the great things happening with MAAC at http://www.maacproject.org/

Definition       
                                                                                                        
If assigned to the DUI program and/or classroom education - Under direct supervision, the incumbent is responsible for the case management of individuals who have been convicted of offenses for “driving under the influence”of alcohol and/or drugs and who have been sentenced by the Courts to receive treatment services provided by MAAC; performs related duties as assigned.
If assigned to a recovery home program  – Under direct supervision, the incumbent is responsible for the daily operations and residents at a residential recovery home; performs case management functions and provides recovery-oriented treatment and support services to residents; facilitates and conducts one-on-one and group counseling sessions and workshops for residents on a variety of subjects; performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities                                                                                   
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
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• Screens program applicants for admission or referral to another treatment facility or program.
• Conducts comprehensive assessments of applicant substance abuse history, family, health, medical needs, employment and educational background.
• Evaluates and determines program options for applicants with the Program Managers.
• Schedules and conducts applicant interviews; intakes and discharges residents; terminates residents from program as necessary.
• Performs case management record keeping tasks; assists in preparing required program performance reports; maintains and updates center waiting lists; prepares and types correspondence; creates resident files and applicant/resident information.
• Develops, revises and updates individual recovery plans (IRPs) with residents that establish specific treatment goals.
• Regularly meets with residents to track progress and prepares resident progress reports.
• Communicates with parole officers, probation officers, advocates, and lawyers in person or by telephone to discuss residents’ status and progress.
• Prepares exit plans, discharge summaries and certificates of completion for residents who have successfully completed the program; contacts discharged residents for follow-up.
• Conducts and facilitates one-on-one and group counseling sessions and workshops for residents on a variety of subjects, including drug and alcohol education, domestic violence, psychological and physiological effects of substance use and addiction, health education, self-esteem, anger management, relapse prevention, eating disorders and AA/NA step studies.
• Transports residents to appointments, health screenings, and meetings or for emergency purposes; ensures residents go to all required appointments and meetings.
• Logs, dispenses and disposes of prescribed medications for residents.
• Conducts urinalysis drug testing on program participants.
• Collects resident fees and rent.
• Plans, schedules and supervises residents’ daily activities, including classes, appointments, outings, special events and community involvement.
• Prepares weekly chore lists for residents and ensures chores are complete.
• Conducts searches of resident rooms as needed in accordance with MAAC policies and applicable legal requirements.
• Assist in the coordination of fundraising and community networking activities.
• Assists with in menu planning; takes residents shopping for groceries and personal needs; buys groceries and places orders for food and household supplies as needed.
• May be assigned to conduct group and or education classes in the DUI Program.
• Maintain compliance with the requirements for continuing education hours and/or units (CEH or CEU) as determined by the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and/or other regulatory agencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Skills/Education/Experience                                                                            
Knowledge of:

• Alcoholism and a general understanding of the Twelve Step programs including Al-anon, Narcotics Anonymous (AA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).Counseling skills which includes the methodology to conduct individual interviews and group discussions.
• Methodology to assess individual alcohol/drug dependency problems and develop treatment goals/objectives.
• Case management skills particularly in the area of recording participant progress in case records or other documents as may be required by state, county, or the judicial system. Principles of case management in a social model, inpatient treatment setting if assigned to a recovery home.
• Effective communication skills to communicate with program participants, program staff, diverse government agency representatives and community groups.
• Community and social service needs of low-income people and relevant community resources.
• General office administration practices and procedures; principles and practices of sound business communication.
• Standard business software, including Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, databases, and use of the internet.
• Recordkeeping and filing practices and procedures.
• State/County codes, rules and regulations and MAAC policies and procedures pertaining to the DUI and/or the residential recovery program.
• Principles of case management.
• Demonstrated written and verbal proficiency in English and Spanish language a plus.

Ability to:

• Assess individual alcohol/drug dependency problems and develop treatment goals and objectives.
• Maintain professional behavior and act as a role model at the work site and in the community.
• Respond to crisis and emergencies which may be alcohol or drug related.
• Understand, interpret and respond to client needs and expectations; explain and enforce applicable laws, codes, policies and procedures.
• Assess the participants’ immediate needs and ensure participants’ receipt of needed services through personal service or making appropriate referrals.
• Coordinate activities with outside jurisdictions and community agencies.
• Interpret, apply and reach sound decisions in accordance with rules, regulations and MAAC policies and procedures.
• Organize and maintain confidential participant records and files.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds; understand and follow written and oral instructions; maintain confidentiality of agency documents and records.
• Work effectively independently without close supervision; organize, set priorities, take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility; perform duties that require high attention to detail and application of rules and specific procedural requirements.
• Demonstrate patience, flexibility, dependability, and creative problem-solving.
• Operate modern office equipment including photocopier, calculator, computer and payroll administration and processing related software.
• Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations.
• Use tact, discretion, courtesy and patience in dealing with sensitive and difficult individuals and situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff and others encountered in the course of work.
• Travel is required and may include attending meetings and/or conferences outside of the County.

 

VALUE-BASED BEHAVIORS

Listens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other person’s views and underlying assumptions
Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers
Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development
Attends work consistently and punctually. Arrives to meetings prepared and on time; honors work commitments; follows through on what was agreed upon; meets deadlines
Honors the private and confidential matters of co-workers. Protects the proprietary information of MAAC systems
Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes
Deals with issues directly, in a respectful and timely manner. Focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person. Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes

HEALTH STATUS

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza*, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls, reach with hands and arms. An employee also is regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use basic math; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children and others encountered in the course of work.

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

All positions are subject to a background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment as required by various funding sources.

Note: California Start law requires background criminal checks on anyone who works in a licensed childcare facility who is not a client. Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.

TRANSPORTATION

Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.