Social Service Counselor 1, 2, 3 Or 4B (addiction Counselor)

Social Service Counselor (Addiction Counselor)

The Northwest Louisiana Human Services District's mission is to increase public awareness of and to provide access for individuals with behavioral health and developmental disabilities to integrated community based services while promoting wellness, recovery and independence through education and the choice of a broad range of programmatic and community resources. Our vision is the Northwest Louisiana Human Services District exists so that individuals with mental health, addictive disorders, and developmental disabilities residing in the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine and Webster are empowered, and self-determination is valued such that individuals live a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life. We are seeking a Social Service Counselor (Addiction Counselor) to provide recovery, relapse and prevention centered and client focused Specialty Clinic Services. Provides addiction counseling and/or education to a population of adults and adolescents with addictive disorders and/or co-occurring disorders.

An ideal candidate should possess the following competencies:

• Displaying expertise: The ability to exhibit specialized skills or knowledge gained from experience or training.
• Making accurate judgments: The ability to form an opinion objectively and decisively based on relevant information and in accordance with established standards.
• Thinking critically: The ability to generate ideas, manipulate ideas, and make unconventional connections to develop original approaches.
• Communicating effectively: The ability to relay information correctly and appropriately to connect people and ideas.
• Focusing on customers: The ability to serve the needs of those who support and/or rely on the services provided.

Minimum qualifications: Three years of social services experience; OR six years of full-time experience in any field; OR a bachelor's degree. Experience substitution: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field. Necessary special requirement: Positions that provide addictive disorder counseling or prevention services will require certification or eligibility for certification issued by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA), or its successor.

Job duties: Provides addiction counseling to a population of adults with addictive disorders and/or co-occurring disorders. Conducts screening interviews for Children/Youth and Adults seeking access to care through the clinic. Serves as a group leader/facilitator in a peer group made up of persons with addictive disorders in order to educate them on coping with such difficulties. Participates in the decision making process of the treatment team including formulating therapeutic activities and recommending a treatment plan. Coordinates admissions, discharges, and follow-up services within various programs. Serves as liaison between the client, family, and the agency/institution. Makes recommendations to the criminal justice system or to employers concerning a client's progress, including occasional court appearances.

Position-specific details: Appointment type: Probational, Promotional Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Social Service Counselor 1, 2, 3 or 4B Work Schedule: Work hours are 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday -Friday and any evening groups assigned. Location: This position will be with the NW LA Human Services District - Shreveport Behavioral Health Clinic located at 1310 N Hearne Ave, Shreveport, LA. Compensation: Based on level of qualifications and experience. The minimum and maximum pay levels for the position is listed below:

• Social Service Counselor 1 - $16.06/hour minimum - $28.90/hour maximum
• Social Service Counselor 2 - $17.18/hour minimum - $30.92/hour maximum
• Social Service Counselor 3 - $19.67/hour minimum - $35.40/hour maximum
• Social Service Counselor 4B - $21.05/hour minimum - $37.88/hour maximum

Note regarding the advertised pay range: The advertised maximum amount listed is the maximum salary a person can make while in this title/level over their career and not the maximum amount we are allowed to pay a new hire. Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities.

How to apply: No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.

For further information about this vacancy, contact: NW LA Human Services District Human Resources 1310 N Hearne Ave Shreveport, LA 71107 318-676-5111

State employees earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:

• Insurance Coverage
• Parental Leave– Up to six weeks paid parental leave
• Holidays and Leave – State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:
• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
• Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor
• State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use.
• Retirement – State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to): Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org), Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org), Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others