READVERTISMENTMCKINLEY COUNTY VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
POSITION:DWI Screening & Assessment Counselor MC-2013-09
MCM-037 Vacancy Announcement
SALARY RANGE: PL 9/$17.06 February 28, 2013
Opening Date
LOCATION:DWI Program Until Filled
Gallup, New Mexico Closing Date
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to All Applicants
The County of McKinleyis an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position will be made solely on the basis of merit, fitness and qualifications without regard to race, national origin, political affiliation, religious faith or absence thereof, sex, age, or disability, or any other non-merit factors.
You can contact this office by telephone at 505, 722-3868, Ext. 1088.
HOW TO APPLY: All applications and accompanying documents must be received on the closing date or earlier. All application materials received will remain property of this office and will not be returned, nor will copies be made. Tele-faxed applications will not be accepted. (Office hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm each workday of the week). Applicants must provide the following documents.
- McKinley County Application for Employment form, MCForm-010 (02/99).
- Copies of college transcripts; if you wish to substitute related education for experience. Otherwise, education will not be credited.
Applicants must possess (or become eligible for) a valid Driver’s License and must have a good driving record for insurance purposes.
Application packages may be mailed or hand-carried to the following address:
County of McKinley - PERSONNEL OFFICE
McKinleyCountyCourthouseBuilding
207 West Hill Avenue - Third Floor
P.O. Box 70
Gallup, New Mexico 87305
One application package is required for each announcement. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT A COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKAGE, CONSIDERATION WILL NOT BE GIVEN.
DUTIES: Position is responsible for providing screening and assessment services for the County to clients who have been convicted of Driving While Intoxicated charges by the Magistrate Courts.
B. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Provides screening and assessment services for the Courts to individuals who have been convicted or sentenced for DWI charges. Interviews individual clients, gathering specific background information such as age, date of birth, marital status, education, income, etc. Identifies social factors involved for all clients. Administers written questionnaires, psychological and assessment tests to individuals. Searches court records and jail records for prior appearances and sentences. Obtains driving records from the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. Compiles and analyzes data collected in order to counsel the client, recording responses, and arriving at a recommended course for the Court’s actions. Recommendations include: jail time only; jail time and treatment; jail time and probation; jail time, probation, and treatment; or jail time, education and treatment, etc.
2. Performs liaison duties for the Court with various treatment facilities to which clients are referred. Provides alternatives to prison sentences, as necessary. Monitors progress of clients by securing written reports from facilitators on a monthly basis. For offenders serving probationary sentences, obtains reports from probation officers and inserts into the individual’s record file. Prepares periodic reports for the Courts’ review and action, if necessary, concerning the status of the offender(s). Recommends fees to be assessed Offenders to reimburse the County for cost of treatment, education, etc. Fees recommended are based on consideration of ability to pay.
3. Notifies Court when DWI Offenders fail to appear at treatment facilities or to comply with other Orders of the Court such as attending AA meetings, church sponsored support groups, etc. In such cases, the Court summons the Offender to appear and provide an explanation for the non-compliance.
4. May be required to attend Court sessions in order to assist clients. Works closely with the Court system to assure that adequate services are provided. Assists clients in requesting aid, requesting for referral to other assistance programs, or requesting aid to families of an abuser, etc. Assists other State and Federal agencies by working with persons who have been charged with substance abuse in another State or location. Assures that proper documentation is provided, as required.
5. Performs a high volume of counseling services for clients and/or family members in support of the DWI Program, for substance abuse problems or related or contributing problems. Required to address the various stages of alcoholism or related problem areas. Attempts to refer all connected persons for some type of treatment or assistance. Responds to crisis situations, from a judge, a Court situation, or a client, which may affect scheduled or planned services, or appointments.
6. Performs substance abuse (drugs) assessments for juvenile probation clients and for payroll and social services programs.
7. Performs crisis prevention services. May encounter persons who are extremely stressed, angry, hostile, etc., which may warrant an immediate decision to contact additional assistance for medical, psychiatric, or other types of assistance.
8. Performs follow-up services, as requested by a Court action, or other source, or as mandated by law. Assures timely and properly documented information of each case and properly records close-outs of cases.
9. Maintains records for each offender in a confidential file separate from records of the Court. Utilizes a typewriter or personal computer to prepare narrative reports, correspondence and memoranda involving a variety of subject matter. Also prepares statistical data which requires a variety of tabulations, spacing and arrangements. Is responsible for correct format, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, grammar, and the assembly and arrangement of required supplemental material.
10. Operates computer terminal, calculators, fax machines and other office machines common to administrative offices. Accumulates statistical data as a basis for preparing period reports concerning progress of the program. Completes required paperwork to assure accountability of client assessments and screenings, for inclusion into periodic reports to various entities (State, county, etc.), and in accordance with mandatory DWI Screening Criteria.
11. Provides community or other training or information programs as requested by local organizations, various Tribal entities, or by medical groups/committees. Provides information or training related to alcoholism, new DWI laws and requirements, counseling services, etc.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.
C. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
Works under the general supervision of the DWI Program Coordinator who provides assignments and instructions, determines objectives, priorities and deadlines, and assists the incumbent with guidance and instructions in new, difficult, or unusual situations. The incumbent plans and carries out work on own initiative, handling problems in accordance with precedents and established policies and procedures. Completed work is reviewed for accuracy, adequacy and adherence to instructions.
D. GUIDELINES:
Guidelines include New Mexico State and Federal laws, rules and regulations concerning alcohol abuse assessment and counseling services, local Court decisions and sentences, and core elements of screening and assessment testing and interviewing protocol as outlined in the New Mexico Department of Health Screening and Assessment Standards. Guidelines are numerous and complex, however, they do not apply completely to every case. Other guidelines include County policies and procedures. The incumbent uses judgment and experience in the selection and application of available guidelines relative to the client and the particular problematic areas of concern..
E. WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in an office setting that is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated with level floors that are carpeted and tiled. Occasional travel is required as a driver or passenger in comfortable vehicles such as sedans or station wagons. Travel is usually performed in good weather over city streets or improved highways. Travels to Court locations throughout the County (local Courts in town, Tribal Courts in nearby Tribal Reservations, etc.).
F. OTHER:
Must comply with safety guidelines of the County.
G. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
1. Education/Training/Experience Required:
a. High School Diploma or GED equivalent; PLUS
b. Three years of related post-high school education or training; of which two years must have been specific experience in alcohol assessment testing and screening.
2. Certificates and Licenses Required:
a. Must have a State License or be State Registered to practice under the Counseling and Therapy Practice Act to be able to provide alcohol/drug abuse counseling.
b. Must have or be able to obtain a New Mexico State drivers license, for insurance purposes, a good driving record is required.
2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
a. Knowledge of and ability to conduct alcohol and psychological testing methods.
b. Knowledge of individual or group therapy principles and techniques.
c. Skill in interviewing and screening clients.
d. Knowledge of treatment facilities and resources available.
e. Knowledge of counseling procedures and techniques.
f. Ability to analyze data and provide recommend course of action.
g. Skill in the operation and use of general office equipment or machines.
h. Ability to develop a fee schedule for clients.
i. Ability to fluently speak, read and write the English language.
j. Ability to meet and deal with a variety of people, including co-workers, sales or business representatives, the general public, officials from Federal, State, local and tribal organizations, and skill in the use of a normal degree of diplomacy, courtesy and tact.
k. Ability to research and consolidate records for reports.
l. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information obtained.
m. Skill in typing and computer operation.
n. Skill in conducting training sessions.
3. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is basically sedentary, requiring:
a. Frequent bending.
b. Frequent reaching.
c. Frequent walking and standing.
d. Frequently lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying of light items such as books, paper, and file folders; and occasionally items weighing up to thirty (30) pounds.
e. Sitting for periods of time.
f. Manual dexterity and coordination to operate keyboards;
g. Good vision and hearing.
4. OTHER:
Subject to a post-offer-of-employment physical examination.
Subject to and must complete post-offer employment Background Investigation.
Subject to and must complete a psychological screen examination to determine suitability for the position.
Must not have any felony convictions or convictions involving immoral or unethical
characteristics.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.