Drug/Alcohol Counselor I/II/III

Drug/Alcohol Counselor I/II/III

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Ada County Courthouse, 200 W. Front St., Boise, ID

Job Type

Full-Time with Benefits

Job Number

02855

Department

Trial Court Administration - District & Specialty Courts

Division

Mental Health Court/Drug Court

Opening Date

05/11/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits

General Summary

Candidates will be hired at either level depending on qualifications

$24.90 - $29.58/hr. DOE

Please Note: This is a continuous job posting and will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. The posting may close at any time without notice. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Trial Court Administrator, Sandra Barrios, oversees all administrative responsibilities for the Fourth Judicial District. this includes responsibility for facilities management; serving as a liaison between agencies, the media, and the public; and developing and carrying out policies that enhance court system performance.

Our Mission is to support court systems that put people first and ensure access to the court.

Why Join Ada County Trial Court Administration

• Clear career advancement pathway with defined progression
• Ongoing training, certification support, and professional development
• Meaningful work that makes a direct impact on individuals and families
• Collaborative, supportive team environment
• Commitment to high standards of clinical excellence

Drug & Alcohol Counselor (Levels I-III)

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to changing lives and strengthening our community. As a Drug & Alcohol Counselor, you will provide compassionate, evidence-based substance use treatment services while building meaningful connections with clients on their path to recovery.

This role offers a structured career pathway with multiple levels based on your experience, certifications, and clinical expertise. Whether you are just beginning your counseling career or are an experienced professional, you'll find opportunities for growth, mentorship, and advancement.

What You'll Do

• Deliver substance use disorder and mental health assessment, treatment planning, and individual and group counseling services
• Apply proven, evidence-based practices tailored to individual client needs
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support client success
• Maintain accurate documentation and uphold professional and ethical standards
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality care

Career Progression

Drug & Alcohol Counselor I/Trainee (Entry-Level $24.90/hr.)

This level is ideal for individuals beginning their counseling journey or completing required training hours. You'll receive hands-on experience and close mentorship from a Clinical Supervisor while developing foundational skills in substance use treatment. Upon receipt of required licensure, educational degree and successful completion of training program, career progression opportunity to Drug & Alcohol Counselor II.

Drug & Alcohol Counselor II (Intermediate $26.43/hr.)

Build on your experience by managing a caseload with increasing independence. At this level, you'll assess client needs, make informed clinical decisions, and collaborate regularly with a Clinical Supervisor to ensure alignment with best practices and organizational standards.

Drug & Alcohol Counselor III (Advanced $28.85-$29.58 DOE)

Operate as a highly skilled licensed clinician delivering complex services across a broad range of cases. You'll work independently under general supervision, applying advanced clinical judgment while contributing to program excellence and mentoring less experienced staff.

We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that increases your base salary by approximately 40%, including:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the nation's best state retirement systems, with 11.96% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave, life insurance, and robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing

Learn more about the Ada County Trial Court Administration by visiting their website: Ada County Trial Court Administration.

POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Ada County Drug Court Program is a court-supervised, comprehensive diversion program designed to emphasize treatment and rehabilitation instead of incarceration. Drug and Alcohol Counselors conduct screenings and assessments; provide education, counseling, and therapy sessions; and create and implement treatment plans.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Drug and Alcohol Counselor performs varied work using methods and techniques generally recognized as appropriate within the profession for substance abuse treatment services. Multiple levels of this position exist and are based on training, certification, direct experience, level of competency, and complexity of the work performed. Unless an individual has prior experience and appropriate certification, they will start in the entry level, advancing through evaluations and certification. All levels must be performed to promote the highest standards of practice.

The Drug and Alcohol Counselor I/Trainee is considered an entry-level position and is to be utilized for employees who have little or no counseling experience or certification/licensure. Generally, this level will be used for unlicensed trainees that are completing a qualified educational program or successful completion of training period as determined by immediate supervisory personnel. Incumbents will be closely overseen by a Clinical Supervisor at all times.

The Drug and Alcohol Counselor II performs assignments that are made in broad terms. Complex or unusual situations are discussed with a Clinical Supervisor before proceeding. Incumbent independently obtains and evaluates information necessary to perform their own duties and reach their own decisions; however, the decisions are reviewed regularly with the Clinical Supervisor for conformance with policy and procedure.

The Drug and Alcohol Counselor III performs more advanced work within a broad array of clinical services. Works independently to complete assignments under general direction of a Clinical Supervisor.

Essential Functions

Drug and Alcohol Counselor I - Trainee

• Develops appropriate treatment plans and keeps on-going records of treatment;
• Conducts education, counseling, and therapy sessions;
• Ensures each participant is compliant with treatment protocols, plans and expectations;
• Prepares participant for discharge by completing necessary paperwork, recommending resources and developing a discharge plan;
• Ensures documentation is timely and meets quality standards;
• Prepares progress reports documenting participant program compliance to be reviewed by District Drug Court Judge;
• Identifies local resources for participants to assist with obtaining education, skills assessments, and referrals for vocational training, education, and/or job placement services;
• Assists with record keeping, billing, and scheduling.

Drug and Alcohol Counselor II

• In addition to the above functions;
• Assists in building curriculum as requested.

Drug and Alcohol Counselor III

• In addition to the above functions;
• Practices independently without the level of supervision required for the Drug & Alcohol Counselor I and II;
• Conducts comprehensive diagnostic assessments;
• Provides mental health and family counseling to program participants;
• May provide oversight and guidance to Drug & Alcohol Counselor I and II.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• The incumbent will receive a supervision plan and is responsible for maintaining the documentation of the plan;
• Attends regular staff meetings;
• Performs related functions as assigned.

Job Requirements

Drug and Alcohol Counselor I

• Meet Idaho Title 39-305B, Qualified Substance Use Disorders Professional Disorders Professional Trainees. A qualified substance use disorders professional trainee practicing in the provision of substance use disorders services shall possess either:

• A substance use disorder associate certification or hold a Idaho Student of Addition Studies licensure; OR;

• Formal documentation of current enrollment in a program for any licensed professional consistent with section 39-305A, Idaho Code. An individual who has completed a certification program described in section 39-305A, Idaho Code, and is awaiting licensure may continue as a qualified substance use disorders professional trainee at the same agency for a period of six (6) months from the date of program completion;

• Knowledge of best practice treatment of chemical dependency, modern treatment services, and cognitive-behavioral programs;

• Knowledge of performing client assessments and case management;

• Knowledge of the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (as it applies to chemical dependency);

• Knowledge of ASAM patient placement criteria (PPC);

• Knowledge of collaborative case planning;

• Knowledge of developing and implementing treatment plans and monitoring client behaviors;

• Skill in operating computers, with proficiency for data entry, electronic mail, composing reports and letters, and storing and retrieving documents;

• Skill in communicating with others, through speech and in writing, using a variety of communication tools;

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect clients' rights;

• Ability to conduct evaluations with verified evaluation tools;

• Ability to plan, organize and accomplish work assignments;

• Ability to facilitate therapy groups and individual counseling sessions;

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Drug and Alcohol Counselor II

In addition to the above requirements:

• In addition to the above requirements:

Meet Idaho Title 39-305A, Qualified Substance Use Disorders Personnel , who holds one of the following:

• IBADCC-certified alcohol/drug counselor

• IBADCC-certified advanced alcohol/drug counselor

• A masters additions counselor certified by the national board for certified counselors or the NCCAP

• Licensed professional

• Essential functions will be adjusted to ensure workload matches certification;

• Skill in working with resistant and manipulative treatment populations;

• Skill in concise documentation and organization of facts and present findings, conclusions, and recommendations in a clear, concise, logical manner.

Drug and Alcohol Counselor III

In addition to the above requirements:

• Master's Degree from an accredited university in Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy and maintenance of current LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC, or LMFT licensure within the state of Idaho;
• Knowledge of the treatment of chemical dependency, modern treatment services and programs, and literature on current substance abuse treatment studies;
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior;
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and County policies related to substance abuse and mental health;
• Knowledge of agencies, providers, and organizations in the community which provide services for treatment of substance abuse and mental health care;
• Ability to act independently.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• This position will require employees to work flexible hours including mornings, evenings, and weekends;
• The incumbent is subject to a background check;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and classroom setting; the employee in this class is subject to inside environmental conditions;
• Position frequently requires a combination of sitting and standing to accomplish tasks and the ability to lift up to 15lbs;
• Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment and in a classroom setting to accomplish tasks.

DISCLAIMER:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.

Visit Employee Benefits to view details regarding our benefits package, including: paid leave, healthcare benefits, retirement benefits, and more!

Use our Compensation Estimator Tool to get a personalized look at what your total compensation could be including estimated salary, retirement contributions, health benefits and paid time off. This tool is designed to help prospective employees better understand the full value of working at Ada County.

Ada County recognizes that employees are our most valuable asset. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to benefit-eligible employees designed to support the health, wellness and long-term financial stability of our employees and their families.

Healthcare:

• Low-cost medical, dental, vision premiums and deductibles
• Post-employment health savings account

Retirement and Investments Plans:

• PERSI retirement benefits
• 457(b) post or pre-tax investments options with up to 3% employer match
• 401(k)

Wellbeing Program:

• Employee Assistance Program for short-term counseling on work, family, finances, and personal concerns.
• Free ACHD Commuter ride vanpool program
• Free bus pass

Paid-leave:

• 11 paid holidays per year
• 8 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Approximately 96 hours of vacation accrual for full-time employee
• Approximately 96 hours of sick accrual for full-time employee
• 5 days paid bereavement leave

Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance

• Basic Life Insurance employer paid if benefit eligible
• Short Term Disability employer paid if benefit eligible

Optional Benefits:

• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account
• NCPERS Decreasing Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental Employee, Spouse, Child Life Insurance
• Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance
• AFLAC

Employer Ada County

Department Trial Court Administration - District & Specialty Courts Address 200 W. Front St.

Boise, Idaho, 83702

Website www.adacounty.id.gov