Senior Substance Abuse Counselor

Salary : $60,944.00 - $74,089.60 Annually
Location : Ukiah, CA
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Job Number: 26.215
Department: Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Opening Date: 07/29/2026
Closing Date: 8/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


The Position
The current vacancy is in Ukiah.
The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions throughout the County, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium
Under direction, as lead worker in either an adult or adolescent program, provides assessments, treatment planning, professional counseling and various therapeutic services to clients who abuse various substances and/or have emotional disorders.
Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Carry out lead worker responsibilities, including training in job skills, assigning and directing work, making recommendations in performance appraisal and reporting problems to the supervisor.
• Provide therapeutic services by managing cases; scheduling appointments; screening and providing orientation to clients; answering crisis calls; providing and/or facilitating therapeutic activities, programs, etc.; visiting work sites; intervening during client crisis; conducting evaluations and assessments, including assessment tests; making referrals; developing treatment plans; providing ongoing supportive counseling; documenting activities and maintaining files; presenting findings; and consulting with other agencies to facilitate the therapeutic process.
• Counsel clients, one-on-one or through group counseling sessions, to identify problems, provide strategies for resolution and/ or intervention in order to assist clients in reaching treatment goals.
• Attend treatment team, staff and professional meetings to discuss client progress, provide recommendations based on findings and conduct program planning.
• Collaborate with and provide an interface for the client with the legal system, other agencies, schools, organizations, parents, etc. to resolve client issues including referrals to receive services and other resources and to disseminate relevant information to various agencies, divisions, or departments in order to facilitate the therapeutic process.
• Refer/enroll clients to related programs or services by identifying appropriate resources and assisting clients to accurately complete eligibility or financial applications.
• Write routine and non-routine reports, including treatment plans, progress notes, charts, closing and/or transfer summaries, using departmental software; sort and summarize pertinent material for inclusion in order to maintain records of client treatment progress.
• Develop curriculum for, coordinate and teach classes/workshops related to substance abuse, drug addiction, emotional wellness, etc. in order to provide clients with skills and techniques necessary to change behaviors, to provide development and training to staff or to make presentations to agencies regarding programs offered.
• Enter data into and retrieve from a computer system; use the computer system to create a variety of reports, progress notes, intake forms and other screening tools and documents.
• Administer client urinalysis testing by observing collection first-hand and accepting custody of specimen; deliver specimen to laboratory for analysis in order to protect the chain of custody and ensure accurate and valid test results.
• Maintain and upgrade knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars, meetings and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
• Ensure that assigned staff perform duties and responsibilities in a safe and prudent manner, which does not expose them or others to unnecessary harm or risk of on-the-job injury.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Social Work, Mental Health, Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) or related field, current certification in State Approved AOD Certification program; AND three (3) years of full-time experience providing substance abuse counseling.
Depending upon area of assignment may require experience that is specific to adult or adolescent treatment.
Substitution: Four (4) years of full-time experience performing professional level AOD counseling in a treatment facility may be substituted for the education requirement.
Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Driver's License

Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate from accredited college or university, or Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Psychologist

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of :

• Principles, practices, and techniques of substance abuse counseling and relapse prevention, and recovery maintenance.
• Human physiology, anatomy, biology and the interactions of controlled substances on these systems.
• Departmental policies and procedures.
• Individual, family and group dynamics.
• Crisis intervention techniques.
• Community systems of care, funding sources, and program coordination.
• Ethical and legal standards related to client rights and the handling of client information during a treatment regimen.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations and legislative issues, specifically 42 CFR, part 2.
• Protocols and procedures of the legal system including the courts.
• Methods and techniques of curriculum development and presentation.
• Case management, documentation, data analysis, and outcome of evaluation methods.
• Computer applications and hardware used to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Chain of custody requirements for urinalysis testing.
• Intervention strategies appropriate to cultural, gender, age group of clients, such as motivational interviewing.
• Unique needs of client based on age, gender, and developmental and cultural differences.

Depending upon assignment:

• Adult or adolescent development and the treatment of co-occurring mental disorders.
• Adult or adolescent learning theory and its application.

Skill in:

• Organizing, assigning, leading and reviewing the work of staff.
• Managing client caseloads.
• Collaboratively discussing and resolving client case management issues.
• Observing and recording recovery behavior.
• Develop program goals, performance measures, and evaluation tools.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Managing crisis and complex client situations with sound clinical judgement.
• Interacting effectively with people in stressful situations.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Exercise leadership in clinical and administrative functions.
• Model and promote professional ethics, boundaries, and accountability.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, clients and those encountered in the course of work.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, tailoring the message to the intended audience.
• Write clear and concise narrative reports, correspondence and other materials.
• Analyze, evaluate and diagnose situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Effectively speak and make presentations before public groups and respond to questions.
• Effectively handle problems involving several variables in non-standardized situations.
• Read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to speak and hear.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to use sound and odor perception and discrimination.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information
Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference "see résumé" will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an application appraisal exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.
Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.
Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.
This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.
The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

Learn more:

• E-Verify Notice of Participation
• Right to Work

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.


SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.


MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
01


Do you possess a valid Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate from an accredited college or university; OR, Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Psychologist? Please check the button below which best describes your current status.If yes, provide your registration/license number and expiration date in the Certifications and Licenses section of the Application.

• I am currently certified from a California ADP approved certifying organization.
• I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT).
• I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
• I am a Licensed Psychologist.
• None of the above.

Required Question