Substance Use Disorder Specialist I/II

Substance Use Disorder Specialist positions are available within the Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department. Incumbents may be required to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Pay

• Level I: $1,849.87 - $2,210.77 bi-weekly
• Level II: $2,043.92 - $2,442.67 bi-weekly

Employees who occupy positions designated as bilingual (English/Spanish) are paid dependent upon the required level of proficiency.

Examination Schedule

An oral exam will be announced five days prior to the examination date. The exam will appraise the applicant's training, education, experience, interest, and personal fitness for the position, weighted at 100%. If there are insufficient candidates, the Human Resources Division may conduct an appraisal of application materials instead, also weighted at 100%. Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Admittance to the examination requires a valid government-issued photograph identification. Applicants unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

Minimum Qualifications

• Level I:
  • Registration with an approved organization qualified to certify individuals as alcohol and drug counselors pursuant to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Chapter 8, Title 9, Section 13035(a)
  • Completion of 155 documented hours of formal Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) classroom education
  • Completion of 160 hours of supervised AOD training
• Level II:
  • Certification as an alcohol or substance abuse counselor from an approved organization qualified to certify individuals as alcohol and drug counselors pursuant to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Chapter 8, Title 9, Section 13035(a)
  • One year of experience in an alcohol or drug program providing recovery planning, group, and/or individual services

Volunteer experience may be qualifying for Level II if confirmed in writing from a recognized organization.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must attach the following to their application:
  • Registration or certification issued by an approved organization qualified to certify individuals as alcohol and drug counselors
  • Verification of 155 documented hours of formal AOD classroom education
  • Verification of completion of 160 hours of supervised AOD training
• Dependent upon assignment, applicants may be required to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted. Disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• A valid California Class "C" Driver's License is required.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants are encouraged to apply and must submit a bilingual certificate before the final filing deadline. The certificate must be issued by the Kern County Human Resources Division or its authorized agent, Bakersfield College. More information on obtaining a qualifying certificate.

Benefits

• Kern County encourages employee growth and development, offering access to training and continued professional development for career advancement.
• Following an offer of employment, candidates may be required to submit to post-offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.
• This examination will establish an eligible list for immediate and future appointments within the Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for twelve months unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.