Alcohol and Drug Counselor - Homeless Outreach •

Overview

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; and participating in education and prevention activities and presenting to community groups.

Responsibilities

• Field-Based Outreach : Conduct field-based outreach to individuals experiencing substance use disorders and homelessness, with sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Crisis Response : Respond promptly to time-sensitive incidents by driving 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 : Conduct intake evaluations, maintain case files, prepare reports, document client contacts, referrals, and progress in accordance with program guidelines. Ensure timely, accurate completion of paperwork while prioritizing client engagement and service delivery. Monitor and document clients' progress toward recovery; recommend discharge from clinic programs or referral to more intensive treatment.

Official Job Title

Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Benefits Overview

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 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 essential job-related functions (mileage reimbursement is available). 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 may include fingerprinting, credit check, medical exam, drug testing, and TB testing.

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

Certification / Experience

Certification / License : Valid certification or license as an Alcohol or Other Drug (AOD) counselor by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

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. This experience must be clearly demonstrated on the application and supplemental questionnaire for consideration. If not clearly described, disqualification may result.

Qualifications and Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a certified AOD counselor with exceptional communication skills (oral and written), customer service background, and presentation skills. Experience in behavioral health programs with homeless individuals who have co-occurring disorders is highly desirable.

Evaluation and Application Procedure

Evaluation : Qualified applications will undergo a competitive evaluation based on the application and supplemental questionnaire. Resumes will not be reviewed.

Application Procedure : Complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire as soon as possible; this recruitment may close at any time. Applications will be accepted continuously and reviewed periodically until filled.

Apply by 5 : 00PM, Friday, July 25, 2025, for Priority Consideration for 1st Round Interviews.

To ensure timely submission, complete and submit the application before the posted deadline. Applicants will be logged out if not submitted on time. You will receive an onscreen confirmation and email upon successful submission. If you do not receive confirmation, the application may not have been received.

Technical Assistance : If you require technical assistance, review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line.

EEO / ADA and Veterans' Preference

EEO / ADA : San Bernardino County is an equal employment opportunity and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant employer.

ADA Accommodation : If you require accommodations in testing, 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) may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. Review the Veteran's Preference Policy for information.

Additional Applicant Information : Please follow the provided links for important applicant information and the County employment process.

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