ALCOHOLISM COUNSELOR (SPANISH SPEAKING) 2703

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class provides counseling and related services to alcoholics, alcohol abusers and members of their families. The incumbent exercises considerable initiative and professional judgment in screening, counseling and referring alcoholic clients, and in treating relatives who have been affected by the clients' alcoholism. This class is distinguished by the fact that the employee conducts interviews with applicants in Spanish. Supervision is received from a professional or administrative supervisor through conferences and reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Plans, implements and evaluates an individualized treatment plan for each Spanish-speaking client, and makes recommendations for further treatment;

Conducts intake interviews with Spanish-speaking clients and compiles case histories;

Counsels Spanish-speaking clients individually to prepare them for group treatment; develops a rapport with each client and attempts to involve him/her in such self-help groups as Alcoholics Anonymous, Alanon and Alateen;

Organizes and conducts group therapy sessions;

Follows up, monitors and reviews all referrals;

Maintains records and prepares statistical reports;

Visits housing locations of migrant or seasonal farm workers to screen for those who may need alcohol-related counseling;

Participates in and may conduct an educational program for Spanish-speaking clients, their families and interested community members;

Serves as liaison with Spanish-speaking community groups providing services to the alcoholic population.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of treating and controlling alcoholism; thorough knowledge of community resources and programs available to alcoholics and problem drinkers; good knowledge of current literature and sources of information regarding alcoholism; ability to establish and maintain effective therapeutic and working relationships with clients, co-workers and members of the community; ability to remain objective while maintaining an understanding attitude toward alcoholic clients and their families; ability to keep records and prepare reports; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to read and converse fluently in Spanish; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

a) Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree, and one (1) year of experience as an alcohol abuse counselor; or,

b) Registration as a credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

Note: Graduate education in social work or substance abuse counseling will be substituted for experience described in a) on a year-for-year basis.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

a)At the time of appointment and throughout employment in this title, employees are required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State or otherwise demonstrate their ability to meet the transportation needs of the job.

b)There will be a qualifying Spanish language examination.

R03/13/06

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive