Job Details

Substance Abuse Specialist V

The current vacancy position is located at the Waiawa Correctional Facility in Waipahu, Oahu. Salary - $6,043 - $7,351 per month (SR-24, Step D to I). Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications, and other relevant factors.

The Substance Abuse Specialist series includes those classes which require the application of the principles and practices of professional substance abuse treatment services in the performance of such assignments as providing alcohol and/or drug treatment services to individuals; performing staff support functions which include program development, monitoring and evaluation and staff development and training; and supervising the provision of substance abuse treatment services.

A position in this class may serve as a member of a multi-disciplinary team comprised of certified or licensed practitioners, social workers, and/or other public or private rehabilitative employees, groups or agencies collaborating on multi-disciplinary assessment, development and implementation, and evaluation of individualized treatment plans aimed at helping users overcome their alcohol and/or substance use; independently conducts a variety of educational, treatment and therapeutic related classes; and participates in the development, evaluation, and modification of program policies and procedures, treatment approaches, and development and modification of substance abuse treatment education and related therapeutic classes and curriculum.

The Substance Abuse Specialist V level reflects responsibility for planning, organizing, supervising, and coordinating all activities of an operational unit concerned with carrying out the day-to-day substance abuse treatment programs' activities. This level provides full technical and administrative supervision over a staff of lower-level Substance Abuse Specialists. Responsibilities include defining unit/section objectives in accordance with branch policies and priorities, developing methods and procedures to achieve those objectives and supervising one or more positions at the Substance Abuse Specialist IV level. The current position, located in the Waiawa Therapeutic Community Section, Therapeutic Community Services Branch, Corrections Program Services Division, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, is responsible for supervising the provision of substance abuse treatment services to inmates in the residential treatment program. In addition, the position supervises at least one intern/practicum student from the Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Program of the Leeward Community College.

To qualify, you must meet ALL of the following requirements: Legal Authorization to Work. The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States. Please review the Prerequisite Knowledge and Abilities Required outlined in the Minimum Qualification Requirements link below, and which includes, in part, Knowledge of fundamental concepts of pharmacological properties and effects of psychoactive substances on users; fundamental concepts of behavioral, psychological, social and health effects of psychoactive substances on users; alcohol and drug use continuum in individuals; varying causes of addiction; the relationship between substance use and infectious diseases; the effects of chronic substance use on individuals and the collateral effect on their families, significant others and communities; Comprehensive and thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of substance abuse treatment counseling, case management, and the concepts and theories which are guides for their use; and effective work organization and staff utilization. Basic Education/Experience. Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university. Specialized Experience. Three and one-half (3-1/2) years of progressively responsible professional work experience which involved assessing individuals and developing individualized treatment plans for alcohol and/or drug use intervention; and providing substance abuse counseling and education to individuals and/or groups in an alcohol and/or drug treatment program. Such experience MUST have demonstrated knowledge of the goals, objectives, principles, methods, standards, and techniques of substance abuse treatment. Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) Certification. In order to effectively perform the duties and responsibilities related to supervising the practical training of at least one substance abuse certification intern/practicum student, applicants must possess the State of Hawaii Substance Abuse Counselor Certification or a reciprocity level alcohol/drug counselor credential from a jurisdiction that is a member of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Inc. (IC&RC/AODA, Inc.). Driver's License. A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment. Supervisory Aptitude. Supervisory aptitude rather than actual supervisory experience may be accepted. This requirement will be considered to have been met when there is strong affirmative evidence of the necessary supervisory abilities and/or potential. Substitutions Allowed. Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements, will apply. Other Requirements. Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Requirement: As required by the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA), Federal law states that an agency shall not hire or promote anyone who may have contact with inmates and who: Has engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institution. Has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse. Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in #2 above. Has been the subject of substantiated allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment or resigned during a pending investigation of alleged sexual abuse or sexual harassment.