The Contra Costa County Health Services Department has rewarding opportunities for qualified, compassionate and dedicated Substance Abuse Counselors who are committed to helping those impacted by addiction. Substance Abuse Counselors work at the Alcohol and Other Drugs Unit within the Behavioral Health Division, which includes programs such as A3 Crisis Response, Forensic Mental Health, residential/outpatient services and detention facilities.
The candidates selected will play a pivotal role in a variety of counseling and prevention activities targeted at individuals, groups and families who are currently experiencing or are at high risk of problems related to substance abuse.
As a Substance Abuse Counselor, you will have the opportunity to build upon a purpose-driven career, work in diverse programs, and have a direct and tangible impact on the community you serve.
Typical Tasks
Interviews applicants to determine appropriateness for program services
Conducts intake assessments to determine client problems and appropriate course of action
Orients clients on program requirements
Provides substance abuse counseling to individuals, families and groups
Conducts group education programs
Provides crisis intervention and counseling
Develops recovery plans and makes referrals to appropriate service providers
Represents the division to the community through outreach activities and educational programs
Maintains client case records and does technical client charting
Participates in meetings, committees and training
Plans, schedules and implements clients daily work, counseling and recreational activities
Monitors client files
Prepares reports for other agencies as required
Monitors ongoing treatment
Develops aftercare plans and provides client follow-up
Provides and promotes excellent customer service for all internal and external customers
We are looking for someone who has the:
Ability to provide counseling and related family counseling and education
Ability to communicate effectively with people experiencing anxiety, stress and depression
Knowledge of the current substance abuse methods and techniques of individual and group counseling
Characteristics of the ideal candidate:
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Acknowledge and respect cultural and linguistic differences of the County's diverse population
Minimum Qualifications
License Required: Candidates must possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.
Certification Required: Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor issued by a certifying agency approved by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
Education: Successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university which included at least 12 semester or 15 quarter units in psychology, sociology, counseling or chemical dependency.
Experience: One year of full-time experience, or its equivalent, counseling persons in a substance abuse program or one year of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee in Contra Costa County.
Substitution for Education: Additional qualifying experience of the type noted above may be substituted for the required completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units of education on a year-for-year basis. No substitution is allowed for the required 12 semester or 15 quarter units of specialized coursework.
Other Requirements: A background investigation/fingerprint and/or physical exam may be required prior to the start of employment.
The Board of Supervisors has authorized a 5% salary increase on July 1, 2025.
Closing Date: Continuous
To read the complete job description and apply, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta/jobs/2245671/substance-abuse-counselor?keywords=substance%20abuse%20counselor&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs or our Careers page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta.
Equal Opportunity Employer