Substance Abuse Counselor - Correctional Health

Exam Number

Y5884E

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) is the second largest municipal health system in the nation. Through its unified system of 23 health centers and four hospitals – and an expanded network of community partner clinics – DHS annually provides direct care for over 500,000 patients, employs over 23,000 staff, and has an annual budget of over $8.4 billion.

Los Angeles County offers one of the strongest public sector benefits packages in the nation.

• Flexible Benefit Plans – benefits may be purchased using tax‑free County contribution of an additional 14.5‑17% of the employee's monthly salary.
• Robust Retirement Packages – contributory‑defined benefit plan; optional tax‑deferred income plans that may include a County matching contribution up to 4% of employee's salary.
• Generous Parental and Family Leave Benefits.
• Ride sharing, Parking, and Transit Benefits.
• 13 paid holidays per year.

for more details on employee benefits.

To advance the health of our patients and our communities by providing extraordinary care.

Participates as a counselor in a substance abuse or mental health services program designed to prevent substance abuse and provide treatment and rehabilitation for patients and mental health clients.

• Facilitates educational activities in informal group settings and in treatment or correctional centers to improve knowledge of substance abuse and mental health related areas.
• Monitors and documents client progress in substance abuse/mental health recovery.
• Counsels patients/clients regarding community resources such as housing and employment or treatment services available to help prevent or cope with relapses.
• Prevents relapses by assisting clients in recognizing causal factors of substance abuse/mental illness and in developing appropriate coping behaviors.
• Participates with the treatment team of clinicians and release planners in developing, implementing, and evaluating treatment or therapy approaches for patients/clients, family members, and significant others in all phases of comprehensive substance abuse and/or mental health treatment programs.
• Conducts interviews of clients/patients and assessments to obtain family, social, medical, work, and mental health histories.
• Assists in the supervision of trainees and in the recruitment, selection, and training of such program staff members, as needed.

One year of experience in a substance abuse program, including conducting physical assessments, providing counseling to individuals, families, and groups, and completing documentation.

• Experience beyond the selection requirements.
• Registration or certification as an alcohol and drug counselor in California by either the California Association of DUI Treatment Program (CADTP) or the California Consortium of Addiction Program and Professionals (CCAPP).

Applicants who cannot attach the required documents to their application must email them to the Exam Analyst, Brenda Aguila  within seven (7) calendar days of filing online. Include the exam number and exam title. We do not accept password‑protected documents; ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application.

A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job‑related essential functions.

This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10‑pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

This assessment type, weighted 100%, will evaluate the training and experience you list on your application, including responses to desirable qualifications from the supplemental questionnaire and assign a score based on a standardized scoring system. Applicants must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the assessment to be placed on the list.

Applications will be processed as…