Behavioral Health Associate Counselor/ Technician

About the Position

The expected salary range for the position of Technician at hire is: $57,907 - 74,627 (Grade 18) 

The expected salary range for the position of Associate Counselor at hire is: $62,872 - 81,291 (Grade20)

WHO WE ARE 

Montgomery County is located adjacent to Washington, D.C., and with over one million residents, is the most populous County in the State of Maryland. The County is also the most diverse County in the State and ranks among the top ten most diverse Counties in the nation. Montgomery County contains many major U.S. government offices, scientific research and learning centers, and business campuses. 

The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for delivery of the County’s public health and human services that meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable children, adults, and seniors. The Department provides services through more than 120 programs at more than 20 locations. With over 2,000 employees, the Department of Health and Human Services is the largest County Department. 

As a department, we believe health and wellness of the county can only be achieved by ensuring that every resident has fair opportunities to reach their fullest potential. This means access to quality housing, transportation, education, employment, health care, human services, safe neighborhoods, and healthy food. HHS provides critical services for residents who face a variety of obstacles in achieving their full potential. HHS plays an essential role in building a healthy and strong community. 

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR 

If you are interested in being a peer support specialist working for the 24 Hours Crisis Center in Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Behavioral Health Technician/Associate Counselor Position, in Behavioral Health and Crisis Services. 

What You'll Be Doing

This position provides information and referral, screening, psychosocial assessment, brief counseling and case management to individuals who may be in need of public mental health and substance abuse services required by the Welfare Innovation Act.   

Primary duty is conducting substance abuse/behavioral health screenings for clients who are receiving TCA or are referred by CWS, making recommendations for treatment using established criteria, and coordinating access to substance abuse treatment for eligible adults.  

The position works in a team with the referring agency as well as other BHT/ACs, therapists and with community service aides. 

Certification requirement: 

None at time of application. Must have trainee status or certification within 6 months of position start date. Positions identified to practice alcohol and drug counseling as trainees require a letter of authorization from the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. A letter authorizing alcohol and drug counselor trainee status from the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists must be obtained during the probationary period following hire. · Employees in this class who receive certification as CSC-AD or CAC-AD are eligible for non-competitive promotion to Behavioral Health Associate Counselor, Grade 20 

Minimum Qualifications

Behavioral Health Technician (Alcohol/Drug) Grade 18

Experience: Some (one (1) year) experience providing basic crisis intervention or casework services in a public or private social service agency to clients having emotional, behavioral, mental health or substance abuse problems, or who are victims of abuse or sexual assault. 

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in  

Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or a related field. 

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. 

LICENSE:  

• Certification: None at time of application. 

• Positions identified to practice alcohol and drug counseling as trainees require a letter of authorization from the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. A letter authorizing alcohol and drug counselor trainee status from the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists must be obtained during the probationary period following hire. 

• Employees in this class who receive certification as CSC-AD or CAC-AD are eligible for noncompetitive promotion to Behavioral Health Associate Counselor, Grade 20). 

• Possession of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant's state of residence when required for job-related duties. 

Behavioral Health Associate Counselor (Alcohol/Drug) Grade 20 

Experience: None beyond that required to obtain, in the State of Maryland certification as Certified Supervised Counselor, Alcohol/Drug (CSC-AD); or, Certified Associate Counselor, Alcohol/Drug (CAC-AD). 

Education: None beyond that required to obtain, in the State of Maryland, certification as Certified Supervised Counselor, Alcohol/Drug (CSC-AD); or, Certified Associate Counselor, Alcohol/Drug (CAC-AD). 

Equivalency: None. 

LICENSE: 

• Certification, in the State of Maryland as a Certified Supervised Counselor, Alcohol/Drug (CSC-AD); or, Certified Associate Counselor, Alcohol/Drug (CAC-AD). 

Note: There will be no substitutions for this section. 

• Possession of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant's state of residence when required for job-related duties.