Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2 - Norristown State Hospital

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2 - Norristown State Hospital

Salary

$60,538.00 - $92,010.00 Annually

Location

Montgomery County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-55420-38430

Department

Department of Human Services

Division

HS Norristown St Hosp

Opening Date

08/03/2026

Closing Date

8/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

38430

Position Number

00307408

Union

SEIU Local 668

Bargaining Unit

F4

Pay Group

ST07

Bureau / Division Code

00210671

Bureau / Division

Norristown State Hospital

Worksite Address

1415 Sterigere Street

City

Norristown, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

19401

Contact Name

Talent Management Section

Contact Email

ra-oahhsintakesec@pa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

Are you ready to help others move forward in their recovery while building a meaningful career? Become a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2 with Norristown State Hospital and contribute to a supportive and healing community. In this role, you help patients build confidence and move forward with the tools they need for recovery. The agency values teamwork, compassion, and steady progress in guiding individuals toward healthier lives. Your work will inspire hope and strengthen the path to recovery-apply today!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role focuses on providing co-occurring treatment services to individuals who need structured support in their recovery process. You deliver therapy, assessments, and teamwork-driven care across multiple units. As a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Group Therapy: Plan and conduct co-occurring group therapy programs using evidence based approaches
• Individual Support: Provide individual therapy in response to identified patient needs or treatment team referrals
• Team Collaboration: Participate in meetings and coordinate care as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team
• Assessment Work: Complete biopsychosocial assessments for patients who need drug or alcohol treatment services
• Record Keeping: Maintain progress notes and assessment records according to hospital and departmental standards

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. This may change based on operational needs.
• Overtime and travel as operationally necessary
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• FREE parking!
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of para-professional and one year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and certification by the PA Chemical Abuse Certification Board as a "Certified Addictions Counselor"; or

• One year of experience as a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or

• Two years of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting; and a bachelors degree that includes 18 credits in the behavioral sciences; or

• One year of professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting and a masters degree with major coursework in addictions science, psychology or social work; or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Older Adult Protective Services Act.
• Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

• You must provide complete and accurate information or:

• your score may be lower than deserved.

• you may be disqualified.

• You may only apply/test once for this posting.

• Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.

01

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist 1 for one or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

03

Have you completed college coursework which includes 18 college credits in the behavioral sciences?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of full-time professional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting do you possess?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

05

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

06

How much graduate coursework have you completed in addictions science, psychology, or social work?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• 30 credits or more
• Less than 30 credits
• None

07

Do you possess one or more years of full-time paraprofessional experience providing drug and alcohol counseling services directly to clients in a social work setting?

• Yes
• No

08

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

09

Do you possess certification by the PA Chemical Abuse Certification Board as a Certified Associate Addiction Counselor (CAAC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), Associate Addiction Counselor (AAC), or a Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional certification, or Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional Certification?

• Yes
• No

10

If you answered Yes to the question above, please provide your certification number and expiration date in the text box below. If you answered No to the question above, please type N/A in the text box below.

11

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.

• Yes

12

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - SCREEN, ASSESS AND INTERVIEW PATIENTS

Screens, assesses, and interviews patients who have documented histories of substance use/dependence and have been referred for co-occurring services. Obtains information from patients concerning their substance use and mental health histories for the purpose of developing and implementing treatment plans.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience screening, assessing, and interviewing patients who have documented histories of substance use/dependence and have been referred for co-occurring services. I have obtained information from patients concerning their substance use and mental health history for the purpose of developing and implementing treatment plans.
• B. I have experience ASSESSING patients who have documented histories of substance use/dependence and have been referred for co-occurring services. I DO NOT have experience screening and interviewing patients.
• C. I have experience SCREENING AND INTERVIEWING patients who have documented histories of substance use/dependence and have been referred for co-occurring services. I have obtained information from patients concerning their substance use and mental health history for the purpose of developing and implementing treatment plans. I DO NOT have experience assessing patients.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to substance abuse prevention and treatment, introduction to substance abuse counseling or clinical psychology.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

13

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
• What specific work activities did you perform related to this work behavior, and what was your level of responsibility (assessing, screening, interviewing)?

14

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University/Training Source
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

15

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - TREATMENT PLANS

Develops, plans, and conducts treatment activities and counseling services for patients on a group and individual basis. Attends treatment team meetings; writes and updates co-occurring treatment plan goals and interventions in collaboration with the patient; maintains records.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing, planning, and conducting treatment activities and counseling services for patients on a group and individual basis. I attend treatment team meetings; write and update co-occurring treatment plan goals and intervene in collaboration with the patient, and maintain records.
• B. I have experience DEVELOPING AND PLANNING treatment activities and counseling services for patients on a group and individual basis. I attend treatment team meetings; write and update co-occurring treatment plan goals and intervene in collaboration with the patient, and maintain records. I have NOT conducted treatment activities and counseling services.
• C. I have experience CONDUCTING treatment activities and counseling services for patients on a group and individual basis. I have NOT developed or planned treatment activities and counseling services for patients.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to substance abuse prevention and treatment or case management.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

16

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
• What type of treatment activities and services were you developing, planning and conducting?

17

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University/Training Source
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

18

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - COUNSEL PATIENTS

Counsels patients in order to obtain their participation in planned rehabilitation programs; facilitates change in thinking and behavior by using motivational interviewing principles as well as other methods; encourages their participation in other facility provided programs and activities; conducts individual and group therapy sessions; explains available services; assists patients in adjusting to their current living environment; and may recommend community supports and programs to maintain recovery.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience counseling patients in order to obtain their participation in planned rehabilitation programs; facilitating change in thinking and behavior by using motivational interviewing principles as well as other methods; encouraging their participation in other facility provided programs and activities; conducting individual and group therapy sessions; explaining available services; assisting patients in adjusting to their current living environment; and recommending community supports and programs to maintain recovery. THIS EXPERIENCE WAS IN SETTINGS SUCH AS HOSPITALS, CRISIS INTERVENTION CENTERS, D/A REHABILITATION CENTERS, OUTPATIENT CENTERS, PARTIAL-HOSPITALIZATION FACILITIES AND CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AND IN PRIVATE PRACTICE.
• B. I have experience counseling patients in order to obtain their participation in planned rehabilitation programs; facilitating change in thinking and behavior by using motivational interviewing principles as well as other methods; encouraging their participation in other facility provided programs and activities; conducting individual and group therapy sessions; explaining available services; assisting patients in adjusting to their current living environment; and recommending community supports and programs to maintain recovery. THIS EXPERIENCE WAS IN SETTINGS SUCH AS HOSPITALS, CRISIS INTERVENTION CENTERS, D/A REHABILITATION CENTERS, OUTPATIENT CENTERS, PARTIAL-HOSPITALIZATION FACILITIES AND CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. THIS WAS NOT IN PRIVATE PRACTICE.
• C. I have experience counseling patients in order to obtain their participation in planned rehabilitation programs; facilitating change in thinking and behavior by using motivational interviewing principles as well as other methods; encouraging their participation in other facility provided programs and activities; conducting individual and group therapy sessions; explaining available services; assisting patients in adjusting to their current living environment; and recommending community supports and programs to maintain recovery. THIS EXPERIENCE WAS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to motivational interviewing, co-occurring disorders, behavioral interventions, or group counseling.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior

19

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
• The setting (hospital vs. private)

20

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University/Training Source
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

21

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - MULTIDISCIPLINARY TREATMENT TEAM MEMBER

Participates as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team (i.e., psychiatry, nursing, social work, therapeutic recreation, etc.) including attendance and contribution to discussions in patient review and treatment team meetings regarding patients participation level in group sessions as well as patients treatment progress.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience participating as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team (i.e., psychiatry, nursing, social work, therapeutic recreation, etc.) including attendance and contribution to discussions in patient review and treatment team meetings regarding patients participation level in group sessions as well as patients treatment progress. THIS EXPERIENCE WAS IN AN ENVIRONMENT WITH PATIENTS WHO HAVE DOCUMENTED HISTORIES OF SUBSTANCE USE/DEPENDENCE AND HAVE BEEN REFERRED FOR CO-OCCURRING SERVICES.
• B. I have experience participating as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team (i.e., psychiatry, nursing, social work, therapeutic recreation, etc.) including attendance and contribution to discussions in patient review and treatment team meetings regarding patients participation level in group sessions as well as patients treatment progress. THIS EXPERIENCE WAS IN AN ENVIRONMENT WITH PATIENTS BEING TREATED FOR CONDITIONS OTHER THAN SUBSTANCE USE/DEPENDENCE.
• C. I have experience MAKING REFERRALS for patients to other service professionals such as psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, recreation therapists, etc., but I have not followed up on that referral.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to introductory to substance abuse counseling.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior

22

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
• Your involvement with or as a multidisciplinary team member

23

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University/Training Source
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Employer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website http://www.employment.pa.gov