Substance Use Disorder Counselor Trainee I / II

Salary : $51,084.80 - $72,716.80 Annually

Location : San Andreas, CA

Job Type : Full Time Regular - Benefited

Job Number : 2025-00016

Department : Health & Human Services Agency

Division : HHSA - Substance Abuse Program

Opening Date : 02 / 06 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

Position Description

Substance Use Disorder Counselor Trainee : $24.56 - $30.19

Substance Use Disorder Counselor I : $25.79 - $31.70

Substance Use Disorder Counselor II : $28.43 - $34.96

Come join our team providing Substance Use Counseling for Youth with Substance Use Disorders. Services provided would be screenings, assessments, individual & group services and other related duties as assigned.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor Trainee

This is the Trainee-level position in the series. Under direct supervision, this position is designed for individuals currently enrolled in an accredited program for Substance Use Disorder Counseling and working toward obtaining the necessary certifications or qualifications for full licensure. This position allows for hands-on training and practical experience in the field of substance use treatment while attending school. The individual in this role will receive supervision and support from experienced staff while developing the skills necessary to become a fully licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor I

Under general direction and close supervision, this is the entry-level position in the series. Provides Substance Use Disorder education, counseling, crisis intervention and case management services. May assist with the planning and implementation of SUD prevention activities and programs. Applicants are expected to possess knowledge about alcohol / substance abuse and addiction issues; best practices and techniques commonly used to treat individuals with substance use disorders; and ethical and professional standards to be followed in the SUD treatment field. Applicants are expected to acquire additional knowledge regarding education, counseling and treatment methodologies as additional experience is gained. Performs related work as assigned.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor II

Under general direction and supervision, this is the journey-level position in the series. Provides Substance Use Disorder education, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention and case management services. May assist with the planning and implementation of SUD prevention programs. Applicants are expected to possess considerable knowledge in alcohol / substance abuse and addiction issues; best practices and treatment methodologies for counseling individuals with substance use disorders; dual diagnosis issues; and ethical and professional standards to be followed in the SUD treatment field. Performs related work as assigned.

Example of Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties listed and / or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor Trainee

• Assists with the intake process, including gathering background information and assessing client needs.
• Conducts initial screenings and assessments to identify substance use and mental health issues.
• Participates in treatment planning meetings and collaborate with other service providers as needed.
• Assist clients in developing treatment plans and recovery goals. Monitors and documents client progress.
• Accurately documents all client interactions, assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes in compliance with county, state, and federal regulations. Making adjustments to treatment plans as necessary.
• Prepares required reports for supervisor review and case management meetings.
• Participates in ongoing training and professional development opportunities as directed by the Substance Use Disorder Program Supervisor.
• Work closely with senior Case Managers and supervisors to receive guidance, feedback, and case supervision.
• Attend regularly scheduled individual and group supervision sessions to review case progress and ensure adherence to treatment protocols.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including case managers, probation officers, mental health professionals, and other community partners to provide comprehensive care for clients.
• Promote healthy coping strategies and life skills development to support long-term recovery.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor I : (In addition to the above)

but not limited to residential treatment facilities or self-help groups as needed.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor II : (In addition to the above)

Minimum Qualifications

All levels :

Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and understanding about the science of addiction, substance use disorders and related problems. Applicants must show a commitment to continuing education and professional development activities.

Knowledge of :

Substance Use Disorder Counselor Trainee

Basic knowledge of substance use disorder treatment modalities and recovery principles.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor I

Methods and techniques of individual and group facilitation, physiological and sociological aspects of alcohol and drug abuse and dependency; substance abuse prevention methods and outreach techniques; youth development, needs, problems, attitudes, and behavior patterns of persons suffering from alcohol and drug addiction; basic principles of human behavior, basic principles of cultural development; community resources and agencies (i.e. public agencies, private enterprise, school districts, social services organizations, etc.); and first aid / CPR.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor II

Laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to the County's Substance Abuse Program, including client confidentiality and Counselor's Code of Conduct; principles and techniques of individual and group counseling; physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of alcohol and other drug abuse and dependency; needs, problems, attitudes and behavior patterns of substance abuse clients; principles of public relations; reporting and record-keeping techniques; basic computer and modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to department operations; community resources and agencies.

Skill and Ability to :

Substance Use Disorder Counselor Trainee

Strong interpersonal and communication skills; work effectively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and with a range of substance use disorders; work independently and as part of a team; maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics and standards.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor I

Understand and follow oral and / or written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with program participants, community agencies, co-workers, and the public; maintain routine records and write reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; benefit from training; understand and accept differences in human behaviors and cultural backgrounds; effectively evaluate program participant needs.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor II

Understand and apply regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to a substance abuse program; facilitate individual and group counseling sessions; maintain client confidentiality; evaluate client and family needs; analyze and evaluate situations accurately; reason logically and draw valid conclusions; recommend and implement effective treatment plans; counsel clients and families; operate computers and related software; establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, community agencies and the public; maintain records and write reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience :

Substance Use Disorder Counselor Trainee

Currently enrolled in an accredited program for Substance Use Disorder Counseling, or a related field. Must maintain enrollment in school while employed in this position. Failure to meet the educational requirements to promote to a SUDC I within 18 months may result in termination of employment.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor I

Completion of education and experience requirements for professional certification as an addiction treatment counselor in California. Status as a Registered Intern in California.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor II

Completion of education and experience requirements for professional certification as an addiction treatment counselor in California. Status as a Certified Counselor in California. Two(2) years of increasingly responsible experience equivalent to a Substance Use Disorder Counselor I.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid California Driver's License issued by the CA State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Applicants in recovery must be clean and sober at least three years.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS :

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS : Mobility to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment and attend off-site meetings; physical ability to sit or otherwise remain stationary at work post for long periods of time; manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (binders, manuals, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate person and by telephone.

WORKING CONDITIONS : Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions; work is performed in a standard, temperature-controlled environment subject to typical office noise and environment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

This class description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Incumbents may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

Service Employees International Union Local 1021

For available Health / Dental / Vision insurance please visit the County Please note that Extra-hire positions that are benefitted, are only offered our CORE medical plan and are not offered dental or vision.

NEW

Program Highlights :

For more information, vists

Boot Allowance : $150 or $175 per year and is distributed once a year, in the first full pay period in the month of December. Qualifying Classifications : Registered EH Specialists, EH Techs, OSS Engineers, Fleet Manager, Junior Engineer, Mechanic series, Sheriff's Mechanic, Public Works Inspector, Road Maintenance Worker series, Integrated Waste Worker series, AG Techs, and AG Biologists, and Recycling Program Coordinator I / II, Permit Tech I / II, Engineering Tech I / II assigned to the Rock Creek Landfill facility, and Air Pollution Control Tech.

Uniform Allowance : $600 per calendar year split into monthly payments. Payments will be made monthly on the second pay check. Qualifying classifications : Custodian series, facility maintenance worker series, facilities maintenance engineer.

Extra-Hire :

Extra-hire employees are not eligible for step advances, vacation, seniority rights, holiday pay or other certain employee benefits. They are entitled to 24 hours of sick leave per year and eligilbe for the county's CORE Medical plan but not eligible for dental or vision insurance.

Vacation days :

0 - 3 complete years = 80 hours per year.

After 6 months you can take your first week.

3 - 10 complete years = 120 hours per year

10 years+ = 160 per year

Holidays : 14 paid holidays per year.

Life Insurance through ReliaStar : $50,000.00 County paid. After 65 years of age, pays out 65%, after 70 years of age ReliaStar pays out 32.5%.

Sick Leave : 12 days annual sick leave accrual with unlimited accumulation.

Sick leave is accrued at 3.69 hours for each full 80 hours of payroll period.

60 hours of sick leave can be used for immediate family, parent spouse, child or sibling.

Merit : After successfully completing twenty-six (26) pay periods, a 3.5% merit increase may be granted. Merit increases may be granted annually thereafter to the top step.

Probation Period : New employees remain in a probationary status for 26 pay periods..

Longevity Incentives @ 2.5% for each of the following :

Bi-Lingual pay : $75 per month for specific approved job classifications.

Flexible Spending : Pre-Tax Medical Reimbursement - Max contribution of $2,500 annually

Flexible Spending : Pre-Tax Dependent Care Account - Max contribution of $5,000 annually

Section 125 Plan : Additional insurance is available through the Section 125 plan and may be purchased from a representative during open enrollment or by appointment when they are on-site.

AFLAC

Heart & Stroke Insurance

Cancer Insurance

Accident Insurance

Universal Life Insurance

Short Term Disability Insurance

CALPERS RETIREMENT INFORMATION :

CalPERS :

CLASSIC MEMBERS : 2% at 55

PEPRA MEMBERS : 2% at 62

Extra-Hire's will be enrolled into Public Agency Retirement System (PARS) unless you are already a member of CalPERS.

Additional Retirement Plan :

The County offers a 457 Government plan. Employees can contribute u to this deferred compensation plan ( Pre or Post Tax options ). The County utilizes VALIC.

Participating employees will receive a County paid match of up to $50 a month.