About Us:
At Encompass Community Services we provide our community with a wide range of services related to family & social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more. Every day through these services we work to make health, education and housing more equitable for all people in Santa Cruz County. For more than 40 years our work has touched generations by helping people have access to education, rebuild relationships, restore their health and regain dignity.

Summary:

We are currently recruiting for a Counselor II in Alto’s Drinking Driver Program in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. The Drinking Driver Program is a great place to develop psychoeducational and group facilitation skills while working a flexible schedule. This permanent position is benefits eligible working 32 hours per week. We currently provide group counseling sessions and educational sessions for Wet Reckless, First Offense and Multiple Offense DUI programs. Clients participate in our classes to work towards regaining their driver’s license. We provide services in English and Spanish and staff work across both North and South County offices. Additionally, most staff shifts occur M-Fri from 12 or later due to accommodating client schedules. If you are an applicant that needs to be available for other needs during the day but need to work late afternoons or evenings, this position may be a good fit for you!

Currently we are providing telehealth services to clients and prior to the pandemic all services were in person. Applicants will be expected to provide in person services as they come available and may access the COVID-19 vaccine as a Phase 1a Encompass healthcare employee.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct 1-2 hour psychoeducational counseling or education groups using the Drinking Driver Program curriculum and other evidenced based approaches.
• Conduct individual 15-minute counseling sessions as a check in regarding progress on the client’s program goals.
• Follow all documentation procedures including attendance, absences, chart notes, group notes, etc. in a timely manner
• Prepare for Group Sessions and Education Classes 15 minutes prior to start,
  • Review communiques to be handed out,
  • Ensure sign-in rosters are prepared, extra LOA and Progress Note forms on hand,
  • Prepare group room (seating arrangements, lighting, heating, A/C, etc.)
• Monitor clients to ensure they are complying to program conduct codes (loitering, smoking, bicycles in building, no food/drink, etc.)
• Support the administrative tasks of the program and documentation follow up as needed.

Qualifications

• Active registration number as a drug and alcohol counselor with a DHCS approved counseling organization (CCAPP, CADTP) (proof of registration will be required upon hire)
• Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor preferred
• High school diploma or GED, some college in health and human services or addiction studies preferred (proof of education will be required upon hire)
• A minimum of 1 year of full-time experience (or 2080 hours) in Drug and Alcohol Counseling, preferably working in a counseling or treatment setting with clients struggling with substance use, mental health, and criminal justice system involvement
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Applicant must have active driver’s license and the ability to drive to and from the offices in Watsonville and Santa Cruz.
• Candidate must be able to work in a telehealth setting (have a confidential space) and in an office setting during COVID-19
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Strong writing skills
• Proof of covid-19 vaccination and booster required

Women, candidates of color, LGBTQIA identifying, and/or individuals with lived experience of behavioral health systems are highly encouraged to apply.

Wages & Benefits:
Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan for full time employees, 403(b) retirement plan, paid holiday, sick time, and 17 days of paid vacation, pro-rated for positions less than 40 hours a week.

Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees.

If you require assistance applying on-line, we have computer terminals available at our 380 Encinal Street Suite 200 office in Santa Cruz, Tel: 831-469-1700, and at our 225 Westridge Drive location in Watsonville, Tel: 831-724-3885. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.