Job Description

Substance Abuse Counselor 1

The Substance Abuse Counselor 1 (underfill for the Substance Abuse Counselor 2) will provide direct clinical work for adults incarcerated at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City. Responsibilities for this role may include intake assessments, development of individualized treatment plans, group facilitations, individual counseling, and oversight of therapeutic community activities.

Substance Abuse Counselors perform professional duties in areas of screening, assessment, case management, education, and treatment of clients and perform related administrative duties and recordkeeping in accordance with the standards and requirements of the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of social science approved by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors and eligibility for certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern as established by State law and the Board.

Perform initial screenings and assessments of clients; review personal history files and court documents and conduct personal interviews; gather pertinent information with the use of screening and assessment instruments such as Nevada Risk Assessment System (NRAS), American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) standards; diagnose and/or classify substance abusers, extent of alcohol and drug abuse and personality traits; determine classification, level of care, treatment needs and continuity of care. Prepare written treatment plans; monitor and document client progress in relation to treatment plans, goals and objectives and adjust level of care accordingly; document contacts and services; prepare assessment, discharge, and progress reports and summaries as required. Plan, develop, organize and conduct alcohol and drug abuse cessation and prevention classes; prepare course curriculum based upon the goals and objectives set by the facility; conduct orientation and individual and/or group counseling, intervention, education and referral; facilitate crisis and behavior intervention to include referral for mental health services and/or other resources; consult with and utilize other services, agencies, resources and professionals as needed. Provide in-service training regarding counseling programs, education and services related to alcohol and drug abuse. Prepare statistical documentation and reports on caseload activities and services. Maintain ethics and confidentiality standards according to regulation. Perform related duties as assigned. Under close supervision of a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor, incumbents gain knowledge of, and are trained in, the full range of duties described in the series concept. Incumbents must be certified as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor Intern by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors. This is the entry level in the series. Progression to Substance Abuse Counselor II may only occur upon meeting minimum qualifications and with the recommendation of the appointing authority.

General knowledge of: federal and State alcohol and drug abuse laws, rules and regulations; illegal substances, drug classifications and psychiatric medications used to treat abusers of alcohol and/or drugs; concepts, principles and techniques used in the screening, assessment and evaluation of abusers of alcohol and/or drugs; counseling and treatment of substance abusers in group and individual settings; American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) levels of service and treatment and the current edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM). Ability to: read technical, legal and scientific documents; interact and communicate effectively with persons of various social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others; write concise, logical and grammatically correct reports; explain policies, procedures, theories, and concepts to clients and families; make oral group presentations; follow through on assignments as directed.

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook.

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