Alcohol and Drug Counselor - Homeless Outreach*

The Job

The Office of Homeless Services invites qualified professionals to apply for the position of Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Alcohol and Drug Counselors provide screening, counseling, referrals, and field-based outreach services to individuals experiencing substance use disorders and homelessness. Duties include short-term crisis intervention; planning and implementing supportive and educational counseling; assisting clients in recognizing and addressing social and cultural patterns, family problems, and personal dysfunctional behaviors that contribute to alcoholism, drug abuse, and homelessness; participating in education and prevention activities and presenting to community groups.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

Field-Based Outreach: Conducting field-based outreach to individuals experiencing substance use disorders and homelessness, with sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Crisis Response: Responding promptly to time-sensitive incidents by driving either a personal or county vehicle to remote or distant locations as required, ensuring timely resolution and support based on the nature and urgency of the situation.

Case Management : Conducting intake evaluations, maintaining case files, preparing reports, documenting client contacts, referrals, and progress in accordance with program guidelines. Ensuring timely, accurate completion of paperwork while prioritizing client engagement and service delivery. Monitoring and documenting clients' progress toward recovery; recommending discharge from clinic programs or referral to more intensive treatment.

*Official Job Title: Alcohol and Drug Counselor
For more information, refer to the Alcohol and Drug Counselor job description.

JOIN OUR TEAM & MAKE AN IMPACT IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Benefits Overview

HEALTH BENEFITS

PAID TIME OFF

RETIREMENT PERKS

• Medical & Dental: Family Coverage
• Vision: Employee Coverage
• Premium subsidies to offset health costs
• Flexible Spending Account: Pre-tax account for qualified healthcare expenses

• Up to 4 weeks accruable vacation with cash-out option
• 11 days accruable sick leave
• 15 paid holidays
• Perfect Attendance Leave
• Flexible work schedules (in some departments)

• Generous pension
• Retirement reciprocity may be available!
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation
• Retirement Medical Trust (RMT)

DCAP Account - County Paid Life Insurance - AD&D Insurance - 529 Savings Plan - Short & Long-Term Disability
Wellness Program - Commuter Services - Employee Discounts - Annual Tuition Reimbursement

Review the Employee Benefits Summary for more information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Field-Based Outreach: Incumbents must be willing and able to visit clients in the field and other settings (encampments, street corners, shelters, etc.) to perform complete needs assessments and be able to visually observe injuries and the client's environment as mandated by the State.

Travel: Travel throughout the County is required. A valid California Class C Driver License is required to carry out the essential job-related functions of this position (mileage reimbursement is available at current IRS rates). A clean driving record and proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained.

Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must pass a background investigation, which includes fingerprinting, credit check, and/or medical exam, which may include drug and/or TB testing.

Sponsorship: Please note that San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

Minimum Requirements

Certification/License :
Valid certification or license as an Alcohol or Other Drug (AOD) counselor by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
-AND- Experience:
One (1) year of full-time equivalent experience in a Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program performing counseling, crisis intervention, and community resource referrals. Experience must include homeless outreach and/or frequent contact with individuals experiencing homelessness. Experience must be clearly demonstrated on the application and supplemental questionnaire for consideration. Failure to clearly describe experience with homeless outreach and/or frequent service contact with individuals experiencing homelessness will result in disqualification.

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a certified AOD counselor and have exceptional communication skills with the ability to clearly convey information and ideas both orally and in writing, a customer service background, and presentation skills. it is highly desirable for candidates to have experience in behavioral health programs with homeless individuals who have co-occurring disorders.

Selection Process

Evaluation Procedure: There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire; therefore, it is to your advantage to provide as much relevant and detailed work experience in the work experience section of your application. Resumes will not be reviewed.

Application Procedure:
Complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by 5:00PM, Friday, July 25, 2025 .

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.

If you require technical assistance, please click on the following link to review the Government Jobs online application guide o r contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application.

EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans’ Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) who are not current County employees may be awarded additional Veterans’ Preference points. Please review the Veteran's Preference Policy for information and instructions to request Veteran's Preference points.

Please follow this link for important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process .

Administrative Services Unit

The County of San Bernardino offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

For a summary of benefits, please click here .

Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the Benefits website for more detailed information at hr.sbcounty.gov/employee-benefits/ .

Closing Date/Time: 7/25/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• San Bernardino County

• 9093878304

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