About Job

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, assists in development of counseling/treatment plans and provides counseling/therapy services to groups or individuals with acute and chronic problems related to emotional or mental crisis or substance abuse.

The Intervention Counselor position is used across different programs within Sutter County. Our current opening is in the Homeless Services Unit within the Public Health/Behavioral Health Branches. The Homeless Services Unit provides outreach, intensive case management and housing navigation to adults experiencing homelessness through three programs, Better Way Shelter, HEART outreach and post housing to prevent future instances of homelessness. In this role, the Intervention Counselor works directly with clients to support their self-identified goals and promote long-term self-sufficiency. Through proactive outreach, the intervention counselor engages homeless individuals who have not yet connected with services, including behavioral health and/or substance use treatment. This may include engagement strategies, motivational interviewing, substance use education, psychoeducation, linking clients to treatment and brief/time-limited case management to assist with obtaining long-term support and services.

Intervention Counselor I is the entry working level class in the Intervention Counselor series. Individuals in this classification receive more supervision and handle the less difficult assignments. This class is distinguished from the Intervention Counselor II classification in that the latter is the journey level of the series and requires the knowledge, abilities, skills and experience to exercise independent judgment in the performance of their duties. Employees may carry an ongoing caseload of clients. Employees at this level have some latitude in the development and implementation of client treatment plans, as well as responsibility for the preparation of written assessments on client behavior. Employees have some authority over assignments and decisions required to complete the work. Work may require the development of recommendations consistent with directives, policies and regulations.

Intervention Counselor II is the journey level class in the Intervention Counselor series. Incumbents require the knowledge, abilities, skills and experience to exercise independent judgment in the performance of their duties. Employees may carry an ongoing caseload of clients. Employees at this level have additional latitude in the development and implementation of client treatment plans, as well as additional responsibility for the preparation of written assessments on client behavior. Employees have a great deal of authority over assignments and decisions required to complete the work. Work may require the development of recommendations consistent with directives, policies and regulations.

Vacancies may fill at either level I or level II. Candidates need only to apply once; all applications will be screened for the minimum requirements at the highest level they are qualified for. In the case of higher-level vacancies, names from the eligible list will be referred based on qualifying level. For lower-level vacancies, higher level candidates on the eligible list may not be excluded from being referred.

To view the specific job descriptions for each level, please follow the links below:

Intervention Counselor I Job Description
Salary: $24.85 - $34.17 Hourly; $51,688.00 - $71,073.60 Annually

Intervention Counselor II Job Description
Salary: $27.76 - $38.05 Hourly; $57,740.80 - $79,144.00 Annually

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NOTICES: All correspondences, notices and invitations to test and/or interview will be via e-mail through Governmentjobs.com/NEOGOV. Please be sure to set-up your inbox to receive them or check your junk-mail to make sure you are receiving Sutter County's recruitment communications.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill any future opening(s), including Part-Time and Extra Help, in this class for up to six months.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other related duties may be required and assigned.

Evaluates and assesses individuals with problems related to substance abuse, mental or emotional problems; clients may be potentially suicidal or depressed.
Assists in development and implementation or develops and implements specialized individual or group counseling plans for selected client populations with any of the above problems to assist clients in identifying and resolving problems.
Makes client referrals to community agencies providing relevant services.
Counsels and advises individuals, in person and by telephone, who are experiencing substance abuse, emotional or mental problems resulting from life situations or circumstances.
Provides individual and group counseling with an emphasis on developing independent living and interpersonal skills.
Consults with mental health and other medical professionals, supervisors, and other staff regarding the status of clients and previous counseling histories.
Works with client's family members to assist them in understanding and dealing with the client's problems.
Monitors client behavior and progress to ensure desired goals are attained; reports and documents observations of client behavior and progress.
Develops lines of communication between the County and the community by explaining programs to residents; evaluates the need for community programs in education, prevention and treatment services; assists in initiating such programs; represents the County at various presentations, workshops and seminars; provides information and advice to agencies, community organizations and the general public.
Attends meetings, seminars and training sessions as required.
Maintains various data used in the generation of reports; utilizes a computer to enter, store, and retrieve data; compiles and produces narrative and statistical reports; composes routine correspondence; disseminates information to others; reviews data to ensure accuracy; forwards data to applicable personnel, department, or agencies.

EXAMPLES OF MARGINAL DUTIES

1. Provides transportation for court proceedings or for patients/clients to appointments and outside facilities as needed.

2. Answers the telephone, provides information, takes messages, and/or directs calls as appropriate.

3. Assists in training other staff members as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:
Methods and techniques of individual group and family counseling; crisis counseling principles, methods and techniques; available community resources and sources of referral; substance abuse assessment or treatment and the effects of alcohol and drugs; basic knowledge of psychiatric disorders; laws and regulations affecting the counseling or referral of clients; methods and types of emergency and short term coping skills; principles and practices of supporting individuals in resolution of problems.

Ability to:
Assess and evaluate withdrawn, agitated, upset or threatening individuals; maintain confidentiality of patient/client information; develop and implement specialized individual or group counseling plans; establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations with clients, the general public and personnel at all organizational levels; work as a team member; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain accurate records; occasionally work variable hours including holidays and weekends; maintain accurate records of client activity and progress; and utilize software programs relevant to the position.

Level I:
Education and Experience
Equivalent to completion of core college course work (bachelor's degree) from an accredited college or university in counseling, psychology or a closely related field; or any equivalent combination of training or experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Level II:
Education and Experience:
Meet the qualifications as a Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist as established by DHCS. Specifically, possess a baccalaureate degree AND four years of experience in a mental health setting as a specialist in the field of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment.

Up to two years of graduate professional education may be substituted for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis. Up to two years of post-associate arts clinical experience may to be substituted for the required educational experience (as defined in Title 9) in addition to the requirement of four years of experience in a mental health setting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential Duties require the following physical skills and work requirements:
Ability to maintain mental capacity, which allows the capability to exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under varied circumstances. Requires the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another; ability to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception required for making observations and judgment regarding client behavior; ability to hear and communicate orally; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing, data entry or use of other office equipment or supplies; involves VDT exposure; ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Disaster Service Workers:
All Sutter County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and/or County.

License or Certificate:
This classification may require a valid California driver’s license.

Recruitment Process
The recruitment process for this position includes completing an application and participating in oral interview(s). Please notify the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date for this position if you believe you have a disability, which would make it difficult to participate in any portion of the recruitment process and would require reasonable accommodation. Sutter County reserves the right to require medical documentation concerning the need for accommodation. Offers of employment are contingent upon investigation of employment history, references, drug testing, medical review/exam and fingerprinting in addition to other appropriate requirements of the position.

NOTE: Sutter County utilizes E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the United States.

The County of Sutter is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Sutter County encourages both incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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Full-time employees are eligible for benefits.
Extra-help employees working more than 30 hours per week MAY be eligible for some benefits.