Substance Abuse Worker

Under immediate supervision, performs routine, non-counseling work in a San Joaquin County Alcohol or Drug Program; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This classification performs support tasks in a San Joaquin County Drug or Alcohol Program. Employees in this class may also be trained in counseling functions. Incumbents learn the components of intake, observation, and related services. Incumbents may be provided on-the-job training in methods and techniques of counseling. Incumbents perform supervision, care and evaluation of substance abuse clients in various programs. Positions that do not require incumbents to provide counseling, such as those assigned to detoxification units, are allocated as Substance Abuse Workers.

• Completes non-clinical intake forms; logs in all personal property; assigns clients to beds. 
• Obtains information from clients on drug or alcohol use; provides clients with referral information; may confer with client case managers on information obtained during discussions with clients; may transport clients to other alcohol programs, appointments and community referrals. 
• Observes and monitors individuals withdrawing from alcohol; may administer first aid or send clients to the hospital for further treatment as required. 
• Observes and learns to co-facilitate individual or group substance abuse counseling sessions and activities; may assist in maintaining client caseloads under guidance of the primary counselor. 
• Participates in in-service training; attends staff meetings. 
• Maintains security and discipline over assigned unit or program; enforces rules and regulations of the facility and programs; conducts counts of residential clients; ensures compliance with program rules and regulations. 
• Observes and evaluates behavior and needs of groups and individuals; communicates the information to appropriate individuals. 
• Schedules a variety of ancillary services to accommodate the unique needs of the client and program; facilitates and monitors activities related to physical, social, occupational, vocational, and health programs; develops and assigns client work assignments. 
• May be required to perform basic housekeeping and maintenance tasks; may be required to pick up and deliver supplies, food or other program-related materials. 
• Prepares and maintains records and reports related to clients.

License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license if required by nature of assignment.

Needs, problems, attitudes and behavior patterns of persons suffering from alcohol or chemical dependency; first aid; basic principles of human behavior; community resources.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions; maintain routine records; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; empathize with clients; understand and accept differences in human behavior; read and understand job related material; learn to conduct individual or group substance abuse counseling and case management; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; administer routine first aid; respond to emergency situations.

Mobility- Frequent sitting and standing for long periods. Occasional walking/climbing stairs, bending and stooping. Visual Requirements- Constant overall vision, eye/hand coordination, depth perception. Frequent color perception, reading close-up, field of vision/peripheral. Dexterity- Frequent holding, reaching, repetitive motion, writing. Hearing/Talking- Constant hearing normal speech, hearing on the telephone. Frequent talking in person, talking on the telephone. Emotional/Psychological Factors- Constant concentration. Frequent public contact working weekends and nights. Environmental Conditions- Frequent exposure to noise.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Adopted: 6/8/1988
Amended: 3/8/2000
Amended: 12/12/01
Amended: 10/13/21

San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.  For more information go to Equal Employment Opportunity Division (sjgov.org).

Accommodations for those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Part-Time Employee Benefits: Part-time employees who meet the appropriate eligibility criteria may receive health insurance benefits and step increases.

Applicants for part-time and temporary recruitments who meet the minimum qualifications are either referred to the hiring department for further selection or they may be required to take a written examination.  If a written examination is given, the top candidates may be referred to the hiring department for further selection.

Testing Accommodation:  Candidates who require testing accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must call Human Resources Division at (209) 468-3370 prior to the examination date. 

Physical Exam:  Some classifications require physical examinations.  Final appointment cannot be made until the eligible has passed the physical examination.  The County pays for physical examinations administered in its medical facilities.

Pre-employment Drug Screening Exam:  Some classifications require a new employee successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.  Final appointment cannot be made until the eligible has passed the drug screen.  The County pays for the initial drug screen.

 

Employment of Relatives: Applicants who are relatives of employees in a department within the 3rd degree of relationship, (parent, child, grandparent, grandchild or sibling) either by blood or marriage, may not be appointed, promoted, transferred into or within the department when:

• They are related to the Appointing Authority, or

• The employment would result in one of them supervising the work of the other

Department Heads may establish additional limitations on the hiring of relatives by departmental rule.

Proof of Eligibility:  If you are offered a job, you will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or other documents that establish your eligibility to be employed in the U.S.

Apply Online:       

www.sjgov.org/department/hr

By mail or in person:  

San Joaquin County Human Resources

44 N. San Joaquin Street Suite 330

Stockton, CA 95202                                  

 

Office hours:               
Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; excluding holidays.

Phone:  (209) 468-3370 

 

Job Line:

For current employment opportunities please call our 24-hour job line at (209) 468-3377. 

When a final filing date is indicated, applications must be filed with the Human Resources Division before 5:00 p.m. or postmarked by the final filing date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Applications sent through county inter-office mail, which are not received by the final filing date, will not be accepted. (The County assumes no responsibility for mailed applications which are not received by the Human Resources Division).  

San Joaquin County Substance Abuse Policy: San Joaquin County has adopted a Substance Abuse Policy in compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. This policy is enforced by all San Joaquin County Departments and applies to all San Joaquin County employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.  For more information go to www.sjgov.org/department/hr/eeo.