Job Details

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This range is provided by Contra Costa Health. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$78,015.84/yr - $94,828.80/yr

Substance Abuse Counselor

$78,015.84 - $94,828.80 Annually

The Contra Costa County Health Services Department has rewarding opportunities for qualified, compassionate and dedicated Substance Abuse Counselors who are committed to helping those impacted by addiction. Substance Abuse Counselors work at the Alcohol and Other Drugs Unit within the Behavioral Health Division, which includes programs such as A3 Crisis Response, Forensic Mental Health, residential/outpatient services and detention facilities.

The candidates selected will play a pivotal role in a variety of counseling and prevention activities targeted at individuals, groups and families who are currently experiencing or are at high risk of problems related to substance abuse.

As a Substance Abuse Counselor, you will have the opportunity to build upon a purpose-driven career, work in diverse programs, and have a direct and tangible impact on the community you serve.

Typical Tasks

• Interviews applicants to determine appropriateness for program services
• Conducts intake assessments to determine client problems and appropriate course of action
• Orients clients on program requirements
• Provides substance abuse counseling to individuals, families and groups
• Conducts group education programs
• Provides crisis intervention and counseling
• Develops recovery plans and makes referrals to appropriate service providers
• Represents the division to the community through outreach activities and educational programs
• Maintains client case records and does technical client charting
• Participates in meetings, committees and training
• Plans, schedules and implements clients daily work, counseling and recreational activities
• Monitors client files
• Prepares reports for other agencies as required
• Monitors ongoing treatment
• Develops aftercare plans and provides client follow-up
• Provides and promotes excellent customer service for all internal and external customers

We are looking for someone who has the:

• Ability to provide counseling and related family counseling and education
• Ability to communicate effectively with people experiencing anxiety, stress and depression
• Knowledge of the current substance abuse methods and techniques of individual and group counseling

Characteristics of the ideal candidate:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Acknowledge and respect cultural and linguistic differences of the County's diverse population

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Candidates must possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Certification Required: Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor issued by a certifying agency approved by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

Education: Successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university which included at least 12 semester or 15 quarter units in psychology, sociology, counseling or chemical dependency.

Experience: One year of full-time experience, or its equivalent, counseling persons in a substance abuse program or one year of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee in Contra Costa County.

Substitution for Education: Additional qualifying experience of the type noted above may be substituted for the required completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units of education on a year-for-year basis. No substitution is allowed for the required 12 semester or 15 quarter units of specialized coursework.

Other Requirements: A background investigation/fingerprint and/or physical exam may be required prior to the start of employment.

The Board of Supervisors has authorized a 5% salary increase on July 1, 2025.

To read the complete job description and apply, please visit: abuse counselor&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs or our Careers page at

Equal Opportunity Employer

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Health Care Provider

• Industries

  Hospitals and Health Care

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