Substance Abuse Counselor

* Salary listed is effective March 1, 2026. *

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions throughout the County, should they occur.
Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium . The current vacancy is in Ukiah.

Under immediate supervision, in either an adult or adolescent program, provides support services to clients with substance use disorders. Assists in screening, assessment, and development of treatment plans; facilitates individual and group counseling sessions; and maintains required records.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

• Counsel clients, one-on-one or through group counseling sessions, to identify problems, provide strategies for resolution and/ or intervention in order to assist clients in reaching treatment goals.
• Assists in case management; schedule appointments; screen and provide orientation to clients; respond to crisis calls; provide and/or facilitate therapeutic activities and group counseling sessions, programs, etc.
• Assists in conducting assessments; making referrals; developing treatment plans; providing ongoing supportive counseling; documenting activities and maintaining files.
• Maintain and provide safe environment for clients and staff.
• Write routine and non-routine reports, including treatment plans, progress notes, charts, closing and/or transfer summaries, using departmental software; sorting and summarizing pertinent material for inclusion in order to maintain records of client treatment progress.
• Attend team meetings to discuss client progress.
• Refer/enroll clients to related programs or services by identifying appropriate resources and assisting clients to accurately complete eligibility or financial applications.
• Administer client urinalysis testing by observing collection first-hand and accepting custody of specimen; deliver specimen to laboratory for analysis in order to protect the chain of custody and ensure accurate and valid test results.
• Enter and retrieve data into a computer system; use the computer system to create a variety of reports, progress notes, intake forms and other screening tools and documents.
• Transport clients by motor vehicle to and from therapeutic sessions and other treatment-related activities in order to facilitate the therapeutic process.
• Makes presentations to agencies regarding programs offered.
• Maintain and upgrade knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars, meetings and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications, including maintaining CEU’s for certification purposes.
• Provides substitute coverage when necessary.
• May serve as liaison with legal system, schools, organizations, parents, children, etc. on issues concerning clients.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED equivalent; current enrollment in State Approved alcohol and other drug (AOD) Certification program; and one (1) year of full-time experience in a substance abuse internship program or providing substance abuse counseling or other peer or group counseling;

Or,

A combination of related education, training, and full-time experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential function of the job.

Within five (5) years of registration, MUST obtain Certification from a California ADP approved certifying organization pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Chapter 8:
Certification of Alcohol and Other Drug Counselors.

Valid Driver’s License

Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate from accredited college or university (highly desirable)

• Basic principles and practices of substance abuse counseling and recovery.
• Basic human physiology,…