Substance Abuse Worker (Buncombe County) (Temporary)

To provide a solid Human Resource management foundation, responsible oversight, and creative solutions through a collaborative approach with all stakeholders to maximize the potential of our greatest asset – OUR EMPLOYEES.

This temporary position will be assigned to the Department of Adult Correction. This position is located at 741 OLD US HWY 70, Swannanoa, NC, 28778.

This position is assigned to the Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Program (ACDP) section of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The position is located at Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women in Buncombe County, NC. The ACDP section administers and coordinates chemical dependency screening and substance abuse treatment services within the DPS. This position will provide paraprofessional supportive casework services to clients and families in a treatment center facility. Person will conduct initial screenings and arrange logistics for referral services. This position also assists in the provision of basic substance abuse information services and applies intervention techniques when needed. This position is responsible for setup, cleanliness and maintenance of food service and equipment areas. Loading and unloading of facility supplies as needed. Other duties include Documentation of all incidents and medical emergencies, completion of shift reports, transportation of clients, security of buildings, grounds and vehicles and thorough understanding of security and emergency procedures of the facility.

Effective July 1, 2025, candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they have the minimum education and experience listed from the class specification.  The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed within this vacancy announcement will be used only as management preferences and will be used to screen for the most qualified pool of applicants.

Management prefers applicants with the following: 

• Basic knowledge of the disease of addiction and recovery processes and treatment.  

• Basic knowledge of intervention processes.

• Skill in creating and maintaining records and reports.

• Ability to effectively communicate with persons with substance use disorders and community groups to distribute information and education related to treatment and recovery.

• Ability to develop effective working relationships with professionals involved in treating substance use disorders.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Necessary Special Qualifications Credentialed as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), or as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist – Associate (LCAS-A), or in an equivalent credential from a governing authority recognized by the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board to practice under the provisions of the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Act.

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.