Alcohol and Drug Counselor I/II

THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE SHASTA COUNTY

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH

ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MAY 2026

SEE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION REGARDING

POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVERS LICENSE

RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED

FINAL FILING DATE: MAY 06, 2026, AT 05:00 PM

SALARY INFORMATION

Alcohol and Drug Counselor I: $3,667 - $4,681APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $21.16 - $27.00 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

Alcohol and Drug Counselor II: $4,245 - $5,418 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $24.49 - $31.26 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

This position is in the United Public Employees of California – Professional Unit bargaining unit. Please refer to the applicable bargaining unit labor agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) for potential future salary increases: Shasta County Labor Agreements

ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY

Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere.  With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) partners with the community to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of Shasta County residents. HHSA is organized into four branches: Behavioral Health & Social Services, Public Health, Economic Mobility, and a centralized Administration Services. HHSA promotes optimal health for all. The frail, the abused, the mentally ill, and those without resources look to HHSA for services and resources to meet their basic needs, and to protect their health and safety. 

The Behavioral Health & Social Services Branch is dedicated to improving the well-being of our community through comprehensive mental health services and essential social services to adults, children, and families. By integrating both behavioral health and social support services, we strive to build a healthier community by ensuring individuals have the resources they need to achieve stability and wholeness.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Alcohol and Drug Counselor I:

Under the general supervision, provides alcohol and drug counseling, case management services, advocacy, education and support to groups, families, couples, and individuals. 

Alcohol and Drug Counselor II:

Under direction, provides alcohol and drug counseling, case management services, advocacy, education and support to groups, families, couples, and individuals. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Alcohol and Drug Counselor I:

Alcohol and Drug Counselor I is the trainee class in the professional Alcohol and Drug Counselor series. A position in this class is distinguished from that of the next higher class of Alcohol and Drug Counselor II in that the incumbent is given constant and detailed supervision in learning such items as departmental organization, social service programs, basic case study methods and casework services. As experience is gained, employees are assigned selected caseloads where consequence of error is minimal; case recommendations and casework methodology, however, continue to receive close review.

Alcohol and Drug Counselor II:

This is the journey level position in the Alcohol and Drug Counselor series. Incumbents spend a substantial part of their time on the more difficult, sensitive, and specialized services where major case decisions are made independently and where consequence of error may be significant. Advanced casework skills, a high degree of program knowledge, judgment, and creativity are required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Health & Human Services Agency of Shasta County is committed to providing fair and equal access to services. If you share this same commitment, desire a meaningful career serving the public, and want the opportunity to make a difference for your community, consider a career with us. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion and actively seek and encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and characteristics. The ideal candidate will be able to make an immediate positive impact on external and internal customers. With a professional attitude and appearance, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a desire for serving those in need while promoting community health and well-being. This individual will be a positive contributor to the site culture and exemplify the agency values of Collaboration, Adaptability, Respect and Excellence. 

This position is dedicated to serving veterans, the ideal candidate will also bring a strong understanding of military culture and the unique challenges veterans face as they reintegrate into civilian life. They will excel at building trust through trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to supporting the resilience and recovery of those who have served. The ideal Candidate would have a wide variety of experience working with adults in both a residential and outpatient setting. They would have a thorough understanding of evidence-based strategies for engagement and treatment with. They would have a thorough understanding of completing Drug and Alcohol assessments and would have skills and experience in working with effective multidisciplinary treatment teams. Understanding of the ASAM movement, Seeking Safety curriculum, MAT and the importance of the integration of whole person care and how strategic and collaborative co-occurring disorder interventions are imperative to the work we do is desired. They will also have a deep desire for serving those in need while promoting community health and well-being. We welcome a candidate who is interested in a fast-paced, team-oriented, collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will be good with communication, multitasking, organizing and can maintain strong interpersonal skills.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Conducts initial screenings of potential clients; gathers and assesses relevant background information and conducts full assessments of issues. Evaluates the severity of client problems and determines the appropriate level of care; formulates treatment and discharge plans. Participates in individual, treatment team, staff, and professional meetings and case consultations to discuss client treatment and progress. Provides alcohol and drug counseling, motivational interviewing, life skills and counseling to individuals, couples, families, and groups; manages more difficult cases as assigned, including dual and multi-diagnosed disorders (i.e., mental illness, HIV, or other acute/chronic medical conditions). Makes home visits as appropriate. Conducts group sessions dealing with alcohol/drug education and communication, parenting, life skills, relapse prevention, coping and relaxation skills. Provides casework services to substance abuse clients; provides case management services to clients, families, and significant others. Conducts and submits assessment for possible admission to detoxification and residential programs. Provides information and referrals for appropriate services provided through other Health and Human Services Agency divisions and other community agencies as needed. Provides pre-sentence evaluations, treatment recommendations and progress reports for criminal justice agencies and Children and Family Services. Observes and records client behavior; maintains complete case files, ensuring the accurate completion of various required documents, records, and reports within established timelines. Reports documented or suspected abuse and neglect as mandated by law. Provides follow-up and after-care services. Attends and participates as requested in meetings of community groups dealing with alcohol/drug related problems. Distributes information and gives formal and informal presentations and training sessions to schools, various agencies, and community groups. Coordinates special programs and services as assigned. Refers for Medi-Cal application assistance when needed. Attends training sessions, workshops, and meetings to enhance job knowledge and skills as assigned by supervisor. Completes assigned Target Safety training. Serves on various committees, task forces, etc., as assigned. Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings with valid written consent from clients to review client caseload, treatment outcomes and recommendations as assigned. Will meet department standards for productivity and related documentation requirements for third party reimbursement. Compliance with all provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) if assigned to the Health and Human Services Agency. Compliance with all rules and regulations of Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42. Compliance with all other relevant laws and regulations regarding confidentiality. Performs related work as required.

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:

Alcohol and Drug Counselor I/II:

Knowledge of: Policies, rules, laws and regulations of the Health and Human Services Agency and federal, state and local governments regarding alcohol/drug abuse and treatment; theories and causes of alcohol and drug dependence; techniques and methods used in alcohol/drug abuse and mental health counseling, treatment, education and prevention including group and individual work; theories of normal and abnormal psychology; casework and interviewing techniques; parenting skills; available community resources; modern office practices, methods and computer equipment; record keeping principles and procedures; computer applications related to the work; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; techniques for dealing effectively with and providing a high level of customer service to all individuals contacted in the course of work; issues of diverse cultures and how they influence agency practices.

Ability to: Analyze alcohol/drug abuse and mental health related emotional/behavior disorders and carry out effective treatment plans; perform individual and group counseling; develop and implement effective alcohol/drug education and prevention programs; use independent judgment and discretion in implementing various programs; maintain significant flexibility in daily operations and decision making; read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job; speak effectively in public; react calmly and professionally in emergency, emotional and/or stressful situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; assemble and analyze information and prepare written reports and records in a clear, concise manner; work independently and as a team member; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs; enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Alcohol and Drug Counselor I:

EITHER

Completion of an alcohol and drug addiction studies program as part of two (2) years of formal education beyond high school in psychology, sociology, or related field, and two (2) years of experience as a substance abuse counselor; 

OR

A four (4) year degree in psychology, sociology, or related field from an accredited college or university;

OR

Four (4) years of experience as a substance abuse counselor;

OR

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Alcohol and Drug Counselor II:

EITHER

Completion of an alcohol and drug addiction studies program as part of two (2) years of formal education beyond high school in psychology, sociology, or related field AND four (4) years of experience as a counselor/case manager;

OR

A four-year degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, sociology, or related field AND two (2) years as a substance abuse counselor;

OR

Six (6) years of experience as a substance abuse counselor;

OR

Possession of a valid California Alcohol/Drug Counselor certification;

OR

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered AND two (2) years of experience equivalent to an Alcohol and Drug Counselor I with Shasta County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here 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 functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
  
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold, extreme heat, and unsanitary conditions, e.g., spoiled foods, feces, urine, and disease.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
• Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
• As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
• Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing. 

• In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
• Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the United Public Employees of California – Professional Unit.  

Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 05:00 p.m., on May 06, 2026.A resume and/or cover letter will be accepted in addition to the application but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as “Refer to resume and/or cover letter,” or “See attached resume and/or cover letter.” The application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will not be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered. 

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced 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. 

Veterans' Credit: Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran must provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) with the employment application on or before the final filing date. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Shasta County Personnel

1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515