Tacoma Pierce Country Health Department
Substance Use Disorder Professional I
Tacoma Pierce Country Health Department, Tacoma, Washington, us, 98417
Salary :
$59,259.20 - $76,315.20 Annually Location :
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, WA Job Type:
Regular Job Number:
2025-0084 Division:
Strengthening Families Program:
SF - Substance Abuse Services Opening Date:
10/14/2025 Closing Date:
11/9/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Summary Are you looking for a position that will allow you to use your knowledge and experience with substance use disorder counseling to make a difference in the health of residents of Pierce County? If this sounds like the position for you, we invite you to join our team as we have three (3) openings for Regular, Full-Time (1.0 FTE) Substance Use Disorder Professionals I in our Substance Abuse Services Program.
The usual work schedule for this position is four ten-hour days, typically from 5:00am to 3:30pm, but can also work five eight-hour days.
Some of what you'll do:
Primary counselor responsible for case management of assigned patients Coordinate and/or attend program and medical team staff meetings. Facilitate treatment and education groups Intakes as assigned Responsible for maintaining electronic patient records per program, policy/procedure and Washington Administrative Code Responsible for completing and submitting daily activity records Write patient evaluations, reports and other correspondence as required Responsible for maintaining a qualified Substance Use Disorder Professional license Other duties as assigned by the SUDP III Reports to the SUDP III and Clinic Coordinator for supervision. Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Adheres to all workplace safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices. Understands and properly follows established procedures in preventing and responding to unsafe or emergency situations. Identifies and reports potentially unsafe practices or conditions. Operates equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and understands processes for reporting an accident or injury. Understands and applies knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform assigned emergency response role during an emergency.
Click here for a detailed What you bring to the table
Knowledge of social science assessment, intervention, and consultation principles and practices affecting substance abuse, addiction, and treatment (Drugs & Alcohol, etc.) Knowledge of public health issues as they relate to specific social science disciplines. Knowledge of pharmacology for commonly abused drugs and treatment modalities for drug addiction. Skill in applying interviewing and assessment methods to a culturally and socio-economically diverse population of clients. Skill in communicating effectively within a sometimes stressful environment utilizing professionalism, diplomacy and tact. Skill in recording, compiling, and analyzing data for case histories, medical records, reports, and other general correspondence. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with efficiency and effectiveness. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, community-based agencies, departmental personnel, etc. Ability to identify relative community-based agencies and departmental programs involving health care and social services for client referral. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision Possession of a current State of Washington Chemical Dependency Professional certification. Ability to successfully pass a background investigation. Who should apply
An Associate Degree in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent;
and
two years of work experience at facilities approved by the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse affording familiarity with client assessment, intervention, and counseling in drug addiction treatment as a chemical dependency counselor. (In accordance with Washington Administrative Code 440-22-220.) Additional education may substitute for one year of work experience.
Required Licensure:
Possession of a current State of Washington Chemical Dependency Professional certification.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Work Setting:
Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment. Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in government office environments. The potential for dealing with dissatisfied or angry customers exists, requiring skills in conflict resolution. Work is stressful due to the nature of the job, i.e. counseling, handling of biohazards, blood, etc. Working with bodily fluids where exposure to disease and illness requires proper safety precautions.
Physical Demands:
None
Tools and Equipment:
Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc.)
Travel:
Driving a vehicle requiring a license. Some travel is required, and is typically local or regional, to meet with clients, conduct business, or attend or provide training. Extensive local travel may be required.
Emergencies When public health responds to an emergency you may be assigned duties that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department. for more details on reasonable accommodations, safety, risk management and more. Benefits Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department offers an excellent pay and benefits package, combined with the opportunity to provide innovative Public Health services to our community, making this a rewarding place to work!
Salary:
Salary ranges are listed on the job announcement and are based on the unique skills, education, and experience for the position. Salary offers are typically made at the starting pay step and are reviewed annually. You will get an annual cost-of-living adjustment that increases the salary range as well as an annual step increase on your anniveristy date. All salary offers are subject to administrative approval.
Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance:
The Department pays a significant portion of these premiums for employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children, with an FTE of .80 or greater. Employees with an FTE between .50 and .80 pay a pro-rated portion of their premiums. Medical, vision and dental coverage begins the first day of the month following date of hire.*
Life Insurance:
The Department provides a term Life Insurance policy equal to the employee's annual salary, up to a maximum of $50,000.* Affordable voluntary, spouse, and dependent life insurance is also available.
Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD):
The Department provides a base LTD policy which provides 40% income replacement for participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 180 days. Buy-Up LTD is available at group rates and provides 60% income replacement to participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 90 days.
Retirement:
Eligible employees participate in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (TERS). TERS is a defined retirement benefit plan funded by both the employee and the Department. We also have a 457 Deferred Compensation retirement program available which allows individuals to set aside a portion of their income on a tax deferred basis.
Additional Benefits include:
Generous paid vacation**, sick, personal, and holiday leave**; Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA); Employee Assistance Program; On-site Fitness Center; Commute Trip Reduction program; Donated Leave Program; Direct Deposit; Service Awards; Safety Programs / Rewards, and Executive Benefits Plan.
*Temporary Employees (hired for greater than 3 months):
The Department provides medical, dental, and vision benefits, $12,000 base life insurance effective the first of the month following 3 months of employment. **Paid vacation, sick leave and holiday leave accrual begin following 6 months of temporary employment.
Living in Tacoma-Pierce County:
Please Note:
There may be restrictions to the above benefit programs or policies not listed. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice. Employee pay is distributed through Direct Deposit. For this reason, employees are required to have an open checking or savings account, at their choice of banking institutions, upon employment.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For assistance, contact our civil rights coordinator Darlene Mendoza, MJR, Office of Human Resources/Risk Management at or (253) 649-1660. 01
This position requires an Associate's Degree in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent. Please indicate your education level.
Master's Degree or higher in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent Bachelor's Degree or higher in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent Associate's Degree or higher in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent Less than an Associate's degree in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent
02
This position requires the Washington State Chemical Dependency Professional certification. Do you have a current Washington State Chemical Dependency Professional certification?
Yes No
03
Please list your Washington State Department of Health Chemical Dependency certification number and Expiration Date. If you do not possess this certification, please indicate n/a. 04
This position requires two years of work experience at facilities approved by the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery affording familiarity with client assessment, intervention, and counseling in drug addiction treatment as a chemical dependency counselor. (In accordance with Washington Administrative Code 440-22-220.) Additional education may substitute for one year of work experience. Please indicate your full-time years of experience at facilities approved by the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery:
10 or more full-time years of experience as stated above 7 - 10 full-time years of experience as stated above 5 - 7 full-time years of experience as state above 2 - 5 full-time years of experience as stated above Less than 2 full-time years of experience as state above
05
How many years of experience do you have working in Medications for Opioid Use Disorder programs, such as methadone/buprenorphine?
10 or more years. More than 7 and less than 10 years. More than 5 and less than 7 years. More than 3 and less than 5 years. More than 1 and less than 3 years. 1 year or less. I don't have this experience.
06
Please describe your experience working in medication-assisted treatment programs, such as methadone. If you do not have this experience, please indicate n/a. 07
This position will work 4 - 10-hour days, typically from 5:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Are you able to arrive on time and commit to this work schedule?
Yes No
Required Question
$59,259.20 - $76,315.20 Annually Location :
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, WA Job Type:
Regular Job Number:
2025-0084 Division:
Strengthening Families Program:
SF - Substance Abuse Services Opening Date:
10/14/2025 Closing Date:
11/9/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Summary Are you looking for a position that will allow you to use your knowledge and experience with substance use disorder counseling to make a difference in the health of residents of Pierce County? If this sounds like the position for you, we invite you to join our team as we have three (3) openings for Regular, Full-Time (1.0 FTE) Substance Use Disorder Professionals I in our Substance Abuse Services Program.
The usual work schedule for this position is four ten-hour days, typically from 5:00am to 3:30pm, but can also work five eight-hour days.
Some of what you'll do:
Primary counselor responsible for case management of assigned patients Coordinate and/or attend program and medical team staff meetings. Facilitate treatment and education groups Intakes as assigned Responsible for maintaining electronic patient records per program, policy/procedure and Washington Administrative Code Responsible for completing and submitting daily activity records Write patient evaluations, reports and other correspondence as required Responsible for maintaining a qualified Substance Use Disorder Professional license Other duties as assigned by the SUDP III Reports to the SUDP III and Clinic Coordinator for supervision. Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Adheres to all workplace safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices. Understands and properly follows established procedures in preventing and responding to unsafe or emergency situations. Identifies and reports potentially unsafe practices or conditions. Operates equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and understands processes for reporting an accident or injury. Understands and applies knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform assigned emergency response role during an emergency.
Click here for a detailed What you bring to the table
Knowledge of social science assessment, intervention, and consultation principles and practices affecting substance abuse, addiction, and treatment (Drugs & Alcohol, etc.) Knowledge of public health issues as they relate to specific social science disciplines. Knowledge of pharmacology for commonly abused drugs and treatment modalities for drug addiction. Skill in applying interviewing and assessment methods to a culturally and socio-economically diverse population of clients. Skill in communicating effectively within a sometimes stressful environment utilizing professionalism, diplomacy and tact. Skill in recording, compiling, and analyzing data for case histories, medical records, reports, and other general correspondence. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with efficiency and effectiveness. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, community-based agencies, departmental personnel, etc. Ability to identify relative community-based agencies and departmental programs involving health care and social services for client referral. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision Possession of a current State of Washington Chemical Dependency Professional certification. Ability to successfully pass a background investigation. Who should apply
An Associate Degree in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent;
and
two years of work experience at facilities approved by the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse affording familiarity with client assessment, intervention, and counseling in drug addiction treatment as a chemical dependency counselor. (In accordance with Washington Administrative Code 440-22-220.) Additional education may substitute for one year of work experience.
Required Licensure:
Possession of a current State of Washington Chemical Dependency Professional certification.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Work Setting:
Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment. Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in government office environments. The potential for dealing with dissatisfied or angry customers exists, requiring skills in conflict resolution. Work is stressful due to the nature of the job, i.e. counseling, handling of biohazards, blood, etc. Working with bodily fluids where exposure to disease and illness requires proper safety precautions.
Physical Demands:
None
Tools and Equipment:
Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc.)
Travel:
Driving a vehicle requiring a license. Some travel is required, and is typically local or regional, to meet with clients, conduct business, or attend or provide training. Extensive local travel may be required.
Emergencies When public health responds to an emergency you may be assigned duties that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department. for more details on reasonable accommodations, safety, risk management and more. Benefits Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department offers an excellent pay and benefits package, combined with the opportunity to provide innovative Public Health services to our community, making this a rewarding place to work!
Salary:
Salary ranges are listed on the job announcement and are based on the unique skills, education, and experience for the position. Salary offers are typically made at the starting pay step and are reviewed annually. You will get an annual cost-of-living adjustment that increases the salary range as well as an annual step increase on your anniveristy date. All salary offers are subject to administrative approval.
Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance:
The Department pays a significant portion of these premiums for employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children, with an FTE of .80 or greater. Employees with an FTE between .50 and .80 pay a pro-rated portion of their premiums. Medical, vision and dental coverage begins the first day of the month following date of hire.*
Life Insurance:
The Department provides a term Life Insurance policy equal to the employee's annual salary, up to a maximum of $50,000.* Affordable voluntary, spouse, and dependent life insurance is also available.
Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD):
The Department provides a base LTD policy which provides 40% income replacement for participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 180 days. Buy-Up LTD is available at group rates and provides 60% income replacement to participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 90 days.
Retirement:
Eligible employees participate in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (TERS). TERS is a defined retirement benefit plan funded by both the employee and the Department. We also have a 457 Deferred Compensation retirement program available which allows individuals to set aside a portion of their income on a tax deferred basis.
Additional Benefits include:
Generous paid vacation**, sick, personal, and holiday leave**; Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA); Employee Assistance Program; On-site Fitness Center; Commute Trip Reduction program; Donated Leave Program; Direct Deposit; Service Awards; Safety Programs / Rewards, and Executive Benefits Plan.
*Temporary Employees (hired for greater than 3 months):
The Department provides medical, dental, and vision benefits, $12,000 base life insurance effective the first of the month following 3 months of employment. **Paid vacation, sick leave and holiday leave accrual begin following 6 months of temporary employment.
Living in Tacoma-Pierce County:
Please Note:
There may be restrictions to the above benefit programs or policies not listed. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice. Employee pay is distributed through Direct Deposit. For this reason, employees are required to have an open checking or savings account, at their choice of banking institutions, upon employment.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For assistance, contact our civil rights coordinator Darlene Mendoza, MJR, Office of Human Resources/Risk Management at or (253) 649-1660. 01
This position requires an Associate's Degree in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent. Please indicate your education level.
Master's Degree or higher in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent Bachelor's Degree or higher in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent Associate's Degree or higher in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent Less than an Associate's degree in Chemical Dependency, Substance Abuse, the Social Sciences, or its academic equivalent
02
This position requires the Washington State Chemical Dependency Professional certification. Do you have a current Washington State Chemical Dependency Professional certification?
Yes No
03
Please list your Washington State Department of Health Chemical Dependency certification number and Expiration Date. If you do not possess this certification, please indicate n/a. 04
This position requires two years of work experience at facilities approved by the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery affording familiarity with client assessment, intervention, and counseling in drug addiction treatment as a chemical dependency counselor. (In accordance with Washington Administrative Code 440-22-220.) Additional education may substitute for one year of work experience. Please indicate your full-time years of experience at facilities approved by the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery:
10 or more full-time years of experience as stated above 7 - 10 full-time years of experience as stated above 5 - 7 full-time years of experience as state above 2 - 5 full-time years of experience as stated above Less than 2 full-time years of experience as state above
05
How many years of experience do you have working in Medications for Opioid Use Disorder programs, such as methadone/buprenorphine?
10 or more years. More than 7 and less than 10 years. More than 5 and less than 7 years. More than 3 and less than 5 years. More than 1 and less than 3 years. 1 year or less. I don't have this experience.
06
Please describe your experience working in medication-assisted treatment programs, such as methadone. If you do not have this experience, please indicate n/a. 07
This position will work 4 - 10-hour days, typically from 5:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Are you able to arrive on time and commit to this work schedule?
Yes No
Required Question