Substance Use Disorders Registered/Certified Counselor - (Full-Time & Extra-Help)
Salary
$50,315.20 - $67,516.80 Annually
Location
Merced County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Department 301 E 13th St. Merced, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
2600390
Department
Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
Opening Date
07/07/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Bargaining Unit
08 Public Services
Examples of Duties
This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay is $24.19 - $26.68 per hour.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Performs client intake and discharge procedures.
Conducts individual, group, and family counseling sessions with program clients and their families.
Maintains client records.
Prepares and administers individual recovery plans for program clients with the support and assistance of professional staff.
Collects and records pertinent social data on program clients.
Develops and maintains communications between Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Substance Use Disorders programs and community agencies.
Refers clients to other programs and community agencies which provides assistance with substance use disorders related challenges.
Develops and provides informational presentations on substance use disorders to local schools and community agencies.
Develops, implements, and conducts specialized substance use disorders treatment and education programs.
Provides advice on problems which arise during the course of work; monitors workflow; accumulates data used in State and Federal activity reporting.
Maintains a client caseload and provides individual and group counseling sessions.
Develops and provides informational presentations on substance use disorders to local schools and community agencies.
May provide lead direction, training, and work coordination for other Substance Use Disorders Registered Counselors.
Minimum Qualifications
Substance Use Disorders Registered Counselor
Experience:
One (1) year of experience with direct patient or client contact related to substance use disorders treatment and prevention.
OR
Education:
Two (2) years of advanced education (60 units of college credit) in psychology, sociology, or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience.
Special Requirement:
Applicants with a personal history of substance use disorders must present evidence of their successful recovery.
Must be registered for certification within six (6) months of employment pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Chapter 8
Must be certified within five (5) years of employment from date of registration for certification. Verification of successful application submission to certified organization may be temporarily accepted pending certification.
Substance Use Disorders Certified Counselor
Experience:
One (1) year of experience providing Substance Use Disorders counseling or presentations equivalent to that of a Substance Use Disorders Registered Counselor with Merced County.
Certification:
A valid Certification in Substance Use Disorders Counseling or Addiction Services. Employees who do not maintain a valid certification pursuant to California Code of Regulations Chapter 8 of the Health and Safety Code will be terminated.
Education:
Two (2) years of advanced education (60 units of college credit) in psychology, sociology, or a closely related field is preferred.
Special Requirement:
Applicants with a personal history of substance use disorders must present evidence of their successful recovery.
SOME POSITIONS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS PURSUANT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 2, B
Essential Functions
Operate a personal computer and other modern office equipment.
Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
Perform job duties under stressful conditions.
Respond appropriately to situations.
Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
Make presentations.
Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
Regular attendance is an essential function.
Knowledge of:
Philosophy and goals of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Programs.
Theories and causes of substance use disorders.
Common practices and procedures used in therapeutic interaction with substance use disorders and individuals with mental health or dual diagnosis.
Various therapeutic, treatment and recovery approaches, including individual, group, and family counseling.
Signs and symptoms of substance use disorders.
Motivational interviewing techniques.
Community resources, including other mental health and social service agencies.
Principles of lead direction, training, and work coordination.
Laws and regulations applicable to substance use disorders programs.
Ability to:
Perform a variety of substance use disorders counseling, presentation, and program support assignments with minimal supervision.
Think clearly and act calmly in a variety of situations.
Perform intake and discharge procedures.
Perform individual, group, and family counseling for individuals with substance use disorders.
Maintain the confidentiality of client information.
Interact with clients in a therapeutic way.
Organize data, maintain records and prepare reports.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public co-workers and those contacted during the course of work.
Plan, organize, and conduct specialized substance use disorders programs.
Why Merced County? A message from the CEO
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums.
Dental Insurance - Delta Dental
Vision Insurance - VSP
DISABILITY INSURANCE
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period.
LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pre-tax or post-tax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7356.
01
Do you currently hold a valid registration or certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling or Addiction Services?
02
Please list the accreditation body for the registration or certification you possess
03
This recruitment is being established to fill both full-time and part-time positions. Please indicate below all types of work you would be willing to accept:
Required Question
Employer Merced County
Address 2222 M Street
Merced, California, 95340
Phone (209) 385-7682
(209) 385-7682
Website http://www.countyofmerced.com