Job Abstract

Definition:
Under limited supervision, provides professional counseling services to individuals with a variety of problems related to substance abuse, school, family, and peers; conducts small group counseling, parenting and/or specialized court-mandated classes; maintains case files; and performs related work as assigned.

The Counselor II classification is divided into two areas: the Youth and Teen Programs which corresponds to higher level counseling duties performed by individuals who possess a bachelor's degree and are working toward a master's degree, and the Counselor II Group Facilitator. The Group Facilitator must possess specific advanced level training and qualifications as set by the program standards.

Essential Functions:

• Receive referrals from schools, law enforcement, courts and other agencies on prospective clients requiring counseling services; provide appropriate information and feedback to referring sources.
• Conduct individual, group, and/or family counseling sessions, and court-mandated classes; assist clients and their family members in understanding the nature of family dysfunctions; assist clients and family members in understanding and accepting need for treatment.
• Perform crisis intervention counseling; refer clients and prospective clients to appropriate treatment sources.
• Respond with members of the Police Department to assist in cases of pre-delinquent behavior, gang activity, child abuse, unfit homes, etc.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with governmental and community agencies regarding programs and services.
• Maintain case files and statistical information on client and unit activities; prepare and maintain records, correspondences, and reports.
• According to established procedure, obtain equipment, materials, and supplies necessary for program services.
• May assist in the training and supervision of volunteers and Counselors working in less advanced classifications.
• Establish and update required curriculum topics as dictated by the program.
• Establish and maintain group rules including confidentiality.
• Interact with co-workers at all levels in the organization in a collaborative and customer service-oriented manner.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Perform all duties within the context of the City's Mission Statement and Organizational Values.

Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. A typical example includes:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, clinical psychology, or a related field (required if assigned to Youth and Teen Counseling Programs).
• Current enrollment in graduate level course work in counseling, social work, clinical psychology, or a related field (required).

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current registration as an intern with the Board of Behavioral Services (desirable).

Experience:

• PC 1000 Program (Deferred Entry of Judgment) Group Facilitator: Must conform to the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health Drug and Alcohol Services Deferred Entry of Judgment program standards.
• Choices Program Group Facilitator: Must conform to the San Bernardino County Probation Department’s Batterer Intervention program standards.

• Principles, methods, and techniques of marriage, family, and child counseling.
• Characteristics of family relationships and family and group dynamics.
• Community resources available for mental health services.
• Pertinent laws and regulations.
• Ethnic and economic groups and cultural differences.
• Deviant behavior and gang subcultures.

• Provide liaison to other agencies and the community.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Supervise and train interns.
• Plan and implement program activities.
• Present education and information to the various media.
• Apply basic counseling techniques.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with internal and external customers.
• Understand and follow verbal and written directions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Operate a computer using a variety of software programs.

Training/Safety Requirements:

• Job specific training will be provided according to class specification during work hours.

• Depending upon assignment, possess a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.
• Fluency in Spanish (including reading and writing) may be required depending upon assignment.
• Receive satisfactory results from a background investigation, a physical examination, which includes a drug screen, and an administrative review.

Characteristics: Work assignments for this category are normally located in a work environment which has no unusual physical requirements or environmental conditions, unless separately identified. Positions in this category require only light physical effort while performing such functions as typing, writing, filing, computing, operating light office equipment, interviewing, counseling, researching, planning, analyzing, and supervising. Positions allocated to this category are distinguished by lack of duties involving strenuous activities. These positions seldom lift more than 20 pounds.

Details:

Department/Division: Community Services, Parks and Recreation/Human Services

Reports To: Clinical Specialist

Part-time/Temporary/Seasonal

Revised 04/27/21.