Chemical Dependency Program Assistant

State of Minnesota; Fergus Falls (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus up to $2,500

Job summary

State of Minnesota’s Direct Care and Treatment division in Fergus Falls seeks a part-time Chemical Dependency Program Assistant. The role supports a multidisciplinary team, assists in treatment interventions, coordinates documentation, and helps maintain the treatment program, including meals, supplies, and records.

Responsibilities include client services, program design, daily living skills activities, accurate charting, and efficient admission support.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of treatment processes sufficient to read and assist with the implementation of individual treatment plans, explain program objectives to clients and facilitate group discussions.
• Knowledge of standard psychological tests sufficient to administer and score them for interpretation by professional staff.
• Knowledge of Alcoholics Anonymous principles sufficient to orient new clients to the program.
• Ability to lead recreational activities for clients.
• Ability to read and write English sufficient to record client history and document client physical and behavioral information on medical charts.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license

Responsibilities

• Provide services to CARE Fergus Falls clients consistent with procedures and standards.
• Design, develop and ensure implementation of programming to aid client growth and recovery.
• Lead activities to enhance daily living skills and overcome treatment obstacles.
• Document and verbally report for accurate records and continuum of care.
• Support the admission process to admit clients promptly and courteously

Skills

Treatment processes read/assist

Psychological tests administration

AA principles orientation

Lead recreational activities

English literacy

Driver's license

Job description

• Telework Eligible: No

Working Title: Chemical Dependency Program Assistant

Job Class: Chemical Dependency Program Assistant

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

This posting was previously announced on 10/02/2026. If you have already applied, you do not need to reapply.

• Job ID: 97425
• Location: Fergus Falls
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/14/2026
• Closing Date: 10/27/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Fergus Falls AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / CARE Fergus Falls Inpatient
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift / 6:00am-2:30pm; 2:00pm-10:30pm
• Days of Work: Varies; may include weekends and holidays
• Travel Required: Yes; less than 5% to transport clients according to their treatment plans
• Salary Range: $24.54 - $31.43 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
• Work Area: CARE Fergus Falls
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Candidates may be eligible for a hiring bonus of up to $2,500!

Community Addiction Recovery Enterprise (CARE) in Fergus Falls has an opening for Chemical Dependency Program Assistants to join a team dedicated to helping people on the road to recovery. These team members work as part of a multidisciplinary team to assist in the delivery of treatment interventions, coordinate documentation, support safety and supervision, and maintain all aspects of the treatment program, including serving meals, cleaning, training, equipment, supplies, and filing systems.

CARE provides residential treatment for adults with substance abuse disorders. CARE Fergus Falls specializes in the delivery of integrated dual-diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse. All services are person-centered, building on the individual's interests and capacity for growth, leading to a lifelong process of recovery.

Job duties include:

• Provide services to Community Addiction Recovery Enterprise clients consistent with procedures and standards.
• Design, develop and ensure implementation of a variety of programming to aid in the development of the client's growth and recovery.
• Lead activities to enhance capacity with daily living skills so that obstacles to treatment progress are identified and overcome.
• Document and verbally report so that accurate records are kept, and continuum of care is provided.
• Support the completion of the admission process to ensure that the clients are admitted promptly, courteously, and efficiently.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of treatment processes sufficient to read and assist with the implementation of individual treatment plans, explain program objectives to clients and facilitate group discussions.
• Knowledge of standard psychological tests sufficient to administer and score them for interpretation by professional staff.
• Knowledge of Alcoholics Anonymous principles sufficient to orient new clients to the program.
• Ability to lead recreational activities for clients.
• Ability to read and write English sufficient to record client history and document client physical and behavioral information on medical charts.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a behavioral health setting.
• Experience with medication administration.

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kathryn Rose at [e-mail].

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kaitlin Weckwerth at [e-mail].

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at [e-mail] or call 651-539-7243.

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS

Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to: [e-mail].

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.