County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision of a physician, to work in concert with clinical staff to provide acupuncture services for patients receiving substance abuse treatment; and to perform other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a specialized journey-level professional classification that performs under the direction of a licensed physician. Employees are licensed by the Acupuncture Committee of the State of California Medical Board and are responsible for administering acupuncture treatment and providing assessment of results.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Conducts intake interviews with substance abuse clients referred for acupuncture treatment.

2. Takes medical histories and prepares acupuncture treatment plans.

3. Checks vital signs and makes emergency referrals as indicated.

4. Administers acupuncture treatments in accordance with program protocols.

5. Observes and records progress on clients' participation, response, and progress in acupuncture treatment.

6. Collaborates with substance abuse counseling/case management staff on individual client recovery plans.

7. Conducts individual and/or group sessions on health, nutrition, relaxation and stress reduction techniques.

8. Follows established protocols and provides staff and client training in needle awareness and safety, including the disposal of used needles in accordance with prescribed standards.

9. Orders and maintains acupuncture supplies and equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of a training program which leads to licensure in acupuncture by the State of California.

And

The equivalent of two years’ full-time experience in working with substance abusing clients in a detoxification/recovery program.

License:

Possession of a current Acupuncture License issued by the State of California.

Special Requirement:

Possession of a certificate in Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation

Certification from an association or training program for counselors and/or acupuncturists in detoxification from chemical dependency is highly desirable.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above minimum qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Social and psychological needs, problems, behavior patterns and acupuncture treatment of persons with a history of substance abuse.
• Availability of community and governmental services and resources.
• Methods and techniques of interviewing.
• California laws and regulations relative to the practice of acupuncture.
• Basic psychotropic and psychoactive drugs.
• Anatomy and physiology relative to the practice of acupuncture.
• Sterile techniques.
• Use of herbs, nutrition, diet, massage and breathing exercises.

Ability to:

• Follow prescribed procedures and develop client treatment plans with minimal supervision.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and their families and with professional, para-professional and support staff in the department, in outside agencies and with the general public.
• Perform effectively in stressful, emotional, and confrontational situations.
• Respect the clients' rights to confidentiality.
• Recognize factors causing reaction or changes in clients' condition or behavior.
• Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team.
• Obtain, maintain, and present accurate client data.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Correctly perform acupuncture techniques, such as:
1. Patient positioning.
2. Preparation of skin and needle insertion, manipulation and removal.
3. Moxibustion and electroacupuncture.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

VMS:pb
4/13/93
Old document: Y:\1200H.WPF
New document: Jobspecs/5887
ys/7/01
CSC Date: 5/5/93

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.