Substance Abuse Technician Trainee

Bernalillo County; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Flexible work options

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Bernalillo County is seeking a Substance Abuse Technician Trainee to assist in detoxification and treatment services within the Behavioral Health Department in Albuquerque. The role involves working under supervision to support clients and program goals, under guidance from a supervisor.

The position requires a High School Diploma or GED and one year of related experience. Candidates may be subject to background checks, driving needs, and adherence to safety guidelines; shift work is expected.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One (1) year of work experience involving substance abuse, healthcare, law enforcement, emergency management, or corrections.

Responsibilities

• Obtain relevant information about clients through interview, assessment and case history; support clients through detoxification and recovery.
• Assist with program curriculum and activities for treatment and rehabilitation of substance abuse.
• Process new clients and complete pre-screening for all intakes.
• Provide education to individuals and groups in the community and facilitate group presentations.
• Transport clients to appointments and other service locations outside of the program.
• Prepare case histories and document behavioral incidents; maintain confidential records.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Posting Title

Substance Abuse Technician Trainee

Department

Behavioral Health

Location

5901 ZUNI RD SE

Pay Range

$17.41 - $22.40

Close Date

October 6, 2026

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

The Substance Abuse Technician Trainee performs technical duties and functions associated with the treatment of substance abuse (drug and alcohol). Under guidance, assists in providing detoxification and treatment services to clients within the program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under guidance of the Program Supervisor, obtains relevant information about clients through interview, assessment and case history; assists and supports clients through addiction detoxification and recovery; observes, intervenes, and reports client adherence to program goals and objectives.
• Works in conjunction with other department staff to administer scheduled program curriculum and other activities utilized for treatment and rehabilitation of substance abuse.
• Processes new clients and completes pre-screening for all intakes.
• Under the assistance of the lead technician, provides education to individuals and groups in the community and facilitate group presentations and workshops.
• Transports clients to appointments and other service locations outside of assigned program.
• Under the assistance of the lead technician, prepares case histories and documents behavioral incidents through observation of clients and maintains confidential records.
• Informs the assigned supervisor of any changes, adjustments or complications with department protocols.
• Receives guidance and training from Substance Abuse Technician – Program Supervisor within the division.
• May receive and respond to routing inquiries on behalf of the department. *The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One (1) year of work experience involving substance abuse, healthcare, law enforcement, emergency management, or corrections. *Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

• Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
• Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
• Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintenance of a valid license while employed in this position.
• Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.
• Pursuant to the criminal history screening for Caregivers Act, Section 29-17-1 through Section 29-17-5 NMSA 1978, new hires at the Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Services facility will be required to complete caregiver criminal history screening for all caregivers.
• Conviction of a disqualifying condition is cause for termination or sufficient reason not to hire if applicant has a disqualifying condition on their record at time of application.
• May be required to work mandated overtime as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Shift work is required.
• A majority of essential duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
• Outdoor duties are sometimes required in performance of essential duties and worker is exposed to natural weather conditions while performing outdoor duties.
• Worker may be exposed to intermittent noise and vibration, a variety of fumes and odors, contagious diseases and potentially hostile and dangerous situations.
• Indoor working surface is even and may be carpeted or tiled; indoor surfaces are typically dry and may involve the use of stairs.
• Outdoor surface may be even or uneven and may be wet or dry. Outdoor surfaces may include natural ground, asphalt, or concrete.
• Outdoor duties may involve the use of stairs or ladders and may be performed on inclines or hills.
• Worker may perform duties with or without directions from a supervisor.
• Worker may perform duties alone, or as part of a select team.
• Work hazards include high stress level of job, operation of a vehicle.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

• Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, two-way radio, computer, printer, and copy machine.
• Utilizes security equipment, restraint equipment, and mace as necessary, and weapons based on assignment.
• Utilizes first aid equipment, oxygen, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment on an as needed basis.
• Operates a county vehicle as assigned.
• Materials and products typically handled in the performance of administrative duties include a wide variety of forms and paperwork, reports, various writing utensils and a wide assortment of other basic office supplies and materials.