AOD Counselor

Essential Qualifications:

• Experience consisting of two (2) years of providing direct substance abuse counseling services in an intensive setting;
• Certification in drug and alcohol counseling in a State of California approved certifying organization is required.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must have the ability to pass a criminal history background screening;

• Valid drivers license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required;
• As mandated by the State of California those employees who work at Residential, Outpatient, Sober Living, provide Mental Health Services, Administrative Staff or Transitional Living Facilities must be fully vaccinated and have received a booster. Employees that have requested a Medical or Religious Exemption, which has been approved by Human Resources will be required to test for the virus weekly.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Certification in drug and alcohol counseling in a State of California approved certifying organization is required.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or a related field is preferred;
• GED or High School Diploma is required.

Experience and Competencies:

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or a treatment setting; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.

Essential Physical and Mental Demands of the Job

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or

without accommodation:

Physical Demands:

• The normal work routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, BUT exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee engaged in Category II tasks;
• Occasional lifting of more than 10 pounds;
• Transportation of clients in company vehicle;
• Occasional risk of intensive activity with clients; and
• Sitting, standing, walking, reaching are performed in the normal course of the position

Mental Demands:

• Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions.
• Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels in order to exchange ideas, information, instructions and opinions.
• Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings.
• The ability to defend oneself and clients in mentally/verbally abusive situations through the use of approved mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Certification in drug and alcohol counseling in a State of California approved certifying organization is required.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or a related field is preferred;
• GED or High School Diploma is required.