Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee/I/II - CCRC

Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee/I/II - CCRC

Salary

$20.28 - $26.03 Hourly

Location

Eureka, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-00048

Department

Department of Health and Human Services

Division

425 - Alcohol & Other Drugs

Opening Date

09/03/2026

Closing Date

9/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DEFINITION

Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee/I/II - CCRC

Department of Health and Human Services

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health and Human Services!

Job Highlights:

• Provide ASAM Assessments, treatment, case management, resources/referrals for adults or youth both in the office and the field.
• Strengthening current relationships and building new relationships with community partners to support adults/youth substance use disorder treatment through community outreach.
• Participation in multi-agency staff meetings and committee meetings.
• Maintain awareness and share updates of local resources available for adults/youth, such as recreational activities, educational and cultural activities, and economic resources.

Work Location:

This position is located at 404 H St, Eureka, CA 95501

Work Hours:

A typical work schedule for this position is Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm.

Under general supervision, provides substance abuse counseling to individuals, groups and families in an out-patient setting; facilitates support groups; participates in substance abuse prevention and education programs; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee is the trainee level in this class series. Incumbents initially work under immediate supervision and learn about the departments treatment programs and counseling and treatment methods. This class is alternately staffed with Substance Abuse Counselor I and II.

Substance Abuse Counselor I is the entry level class in this class. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn departmental and treatment policies and procedures. This class is alternately staffed with Substance Abuse Counselor II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher-level class.

Substance Abuse Counselor II is an experienced class responsible for providing substance abuse services to clients in an out-patient setting. Responsibilities include group facilitation, individual and family counseling, and community education and outreach. This class is distinguished from Mental Health Clinician and Psychiatric Technician classes in that the latter are licensed classes providing professional clinical patient support.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Provides individual, group and family counseling focused on rehabilitating drug and alcohol abusers; facilitates support groups.
• Performs intake interviews, assessments, information and referral, treatment planning, and develops counseling programs for clients designed to aid in social adjustment.
• Assists clients in solving problems of housing, unemployment, education and other conditions which may be retarding clients rehabilitation progress.
• Develops curriculum and facilitates educational groups for identified groups and the community, relating to substance abuse and early intervention.
• Participates in community groups and stimulates community interest in identifying and eliminating conditions which contribute to substance abuse problems.
• Participates in evaluation and staff meetings for cooperative planning and treatment.
• Maintains appropriate records and prepares written reports.
• May serve as case coordinator for assigned patients or clients.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of individual, group and family counseling.
• Psychological, physiological and sociological aspects of drug or alcohol abuse.
• Needs, problems, attitudes and behavior patterns of individuals involved in drug or alcohol abuse.
• Cultural issues which may impact effective treatment.
• Applicable County, state, and federal guidelines and laws affecting substance abuse prevention programs, including drug Medi-Cal regulations.
• Community service agencies and resources.

Skill in:

• Providing substance abuse counseling.
• Leading and facilitating group counseling and activities.
• Listening and communicating effectively.
• Performing crisis intervention and responding promptly to patient emergency situations.
• Developing educational materials and curriculum.
• Observing and accurately describing client behavior and activities.
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

• Specified positions may require the possession of a valid California drivers license.
• Substance Abuse Counselor Trainees must be registered to obtain certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
• At the Substance Abuse Counselor I and Substance Abuse Counselor II level, two years of experience providing drug and alcohol counseling and education services and certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor with an organization approved by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs are required.

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

• Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee: One year of experience in a mental health or human services field and some college coursework relating to chemical dependency or completion of a four year degree in a related field.
• Substance Abuse Counselor I: College or university level coursework in health services, education, social services or a related field.
• Substance Abuse Counselor II: In addition to the above, two years of experience providing counseling in a substance abuse program in a position comparable to Substance Abuse Counselor I.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you dont miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your applications progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

RETIREMENT

The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program:

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.

COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

Our generous benefits package includes:

• Health Insurance

• Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS

• County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage

• Additional Insurance Coverage

• Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents

• Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents

• County-Provided Benefits

• Life Insurance

• Longevity Pay

• Educational Reimbursement

• Deferred Compensation

• Employee Assistance Program

• Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits

Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:

• Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire
• Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION

1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)

4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)

11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)

16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)

21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)

HOLIDAYS

Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.

SICK LEAVE

Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.

INCENTIVE PAY

County employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.

Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at Human Resources | Humboldt County, CA - Official Website for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.

01

This position requires driving on behalf of the County of Humboldt. Do you possess, or can you obtain, a valid California drivers license, prior to your date of hire per California Department of Motor Vehicle regulations?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate whether you are currently registered or certified as an alcohol and other drug counselor. Include the certifying organization, credential or registration type, credential number, and expiration date, if applicable.

03

Describe your experience providing alcohol and other drug counseling and education services. Include the employer, dates of employment, average hours worked per week, and the duties you performed.

04

Describe your education or training related to substance use disorders, chemical dependency, counseling, behavioral health, or human services. Include any relevant degrees, coursework, certificates, or specialized training.

05

Describe your experience conducting client intake interviews and assessments and developing or implementing substance use disorder treatment plans.

06

Describe your experience providing individual, group, or family counseling or facilitating support or educational groups for individuals affected by substance use disorders.

07

Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position.

Required Question

Employer County of Humboldt

Address 825 5th Street, Room 100

Eureka, California, 95501

Phone 707-476-2349