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 $52.94/hour ($110,492/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*

Note: California Health and Safety Code Section 11833(b)(1) requires that any individual who provides counseling services in a licensed or certified Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AODS) program, except for licensed professionals (see Minimum Qualifications below)*, must be registered or certified with an organization approved by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Individuals must be currently registered, certified, or licensed to be eligible for employment.

For more information on registration and a list of approved certification agencies recognized by the DHCS, please visit DHCS's website: Counselor Certification Organizations.

The Department of Health Services is currently recruiting to fill an Alcohol and Other Drug Services Counselor position at either the I or II level. If you are interested in being considered at the different levels of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for each level.

About the Position

The Department of Health Services is looking for an Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AODS) Counselor to work in their Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Program. The Driving Under the Influence Program works with the Court to provide services to first-time and repeat offenders. The DUI Program is a state-mandated service governed by Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, which requires ongoing compliance monitoring. The AODS Counselors in the DUI program provide case management, counseling, education, and evaluations to individuals, groups, and families participating in the program. This work involves screening and assessing clients, maintaining excellent documentation, preparing court and client program reports, and providing diversion services. In addition, AODS Counselors will work with the DMV to ensure clients meet program requirements, provide referrals as needed, and regularly audit files, documentation, and caseloads.

Please note: In the state of California, staff assigned to a DUI program who conduct educational sessions shall have at least two years of experience in providing alcohol and/or drug education and information to persons with alcohol and/or other drug problems in a classroom setting. This California requirement must be met to move forward in the process for this currently open DUI position.

As the ideal candidate for this position, you will have a passion for this field of work and a genuine dedication to being an AODS Counselor, which enhances empathy and understanding when working with your clients. In addition, you will possess many of the following:

The ability to use ethical and professional judgment when working with DUI cases and client needs

A general understanding of relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations

Excellent active listening skills, along with strong professional communication skills

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

English/Spanish bilingual fluency (highly desired but not required)

What We Offer

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:

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

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

Bilingual Premium Pay* - An additional $1.15/1.50/hour on top of the hourly pay rate for basic/fluent bilingual positions

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

Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more

Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Engineers and Scientists of California Memorandum of Understanding (ESC MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

The Department of Health Services is currently recruiting to fill an Alcohol and Other Drug Services Counselor position at either the I or II levels. This Alcohol and Other Drug Services Counselor II 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.