What are the responsibilities and job description for the Drug & Alcohol Program Specialist 1 position at Northampton County?
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application prior to the posting deadline. Applications submitted with incomplete or missing education and/or work experience sections will be considered incomplete and disqualified from consideration. The attachment of a resume to the application does not fulfill this requirement and will not prevent incomplete applications from being rejected.
Please answer any supplemental questions truthfully and completely. Use the employment history section of your application to substantiate your answers to supplemental questions.
Once the posting closes, all applications will be reviewed. The information provided on the application will be utilized to determine whether or not each applicant meets the minimum requirements for this position. Please read the Minimum Requirements thoroughly and then demonstrate that you meet these requirements on your application. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered for the position.
Qualified, eligible applicants will move on to the next step, an Education and Experience Review, in which points will be assigned to each applicant’s education and relevant work experience provided on their application.
We encourage all applicants to share a comprehensive, concise history of their education, certification, licensing, and employment on their employment application so that we are able to accurately assess their experience. Eligible candidates will be ranked on an Eligibility List based on their total score on the Education and Experience Review.
For questions regarding this posting, please contact Autumn Raniere, Recruitment & Data Entry Specialist at araniere@norcopa.gov or 610-829-6334.
Equal Employment Opportunities – It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal, or local law.GENERAL PURPOSE
The Drug & Alcohol Program Specialist 1 position is responsible for the coordination, implementation and monitoring of Drug and Alcohol programs and initiatives.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Drug and Alcohol Administrator.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position does not exercise supervision over other functions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Meets on a regular basis with Drug and Alcohol service providers either individually or in groups to identify and address program and/or provider specific concerns/issues.
Work with providers and perform quality assurance reviews as deemed appropriate.
Participates in the completion of required reports, monitoring, surveys, and paperwork.
Works closely with providers and other entities to ensure that referral to treatment services and other resources is appropriate.
Oversees and directs the Mobile Outreach Vehicle as well as coordinating outreach locations and treatment providers to assist on the vehicle as needed.
Assists in the development of new programming and other activities to identify unmet needs.
Plans and executes recovery simulation events and Narcan trainings throughout the community.
Attends meetings/trainings to enhance working knowledge of the Opioid Settlement and the requirements associated with that funding.
Maintains confidentiality at all times while performing all duties and responsibilities in accordance with current regulations and policies covering client records.
Must have the ability to work outside the standard 8:30am-4:30pm schedule.
On-site visits as needed.
*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – A bachelor’s degree with a major in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, or other social or behavioral sciences, AND demonstrated professional experience involving drug prevention, intervention, treatment services, outreach services, public speaking, or other closely related services; OR
Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business, employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles and practices of Drug and Alcohol program planning and development as it relates to the implementation of direct services and operational procedures in County Drug and Alcohol Programs.
Knowledge of modern basic management principles and practices.
Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and resources as it relates to the field of Drug and Alcohol.
Knowledge of the structure, organization, and methods of public and private Drug and Alcohol facilities.
Knowledge of the principles and methods applied to collecting, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting statistical data.
Knowledge of federal, state and county legislation, policies and procedures related to the Drug and Alcohol funding and delivery system.
Ability to aid in the development and coordination of Drug and Alcohol program plans.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private contract providers, community groups, and county and state officials and agency staff.
Ability to make clear and pertinent statements, orally and in writing.
Ability to remain organized and coordinate schedules with various providers simultaneously.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Employee may also work in other work environments to include, schools, businesses, public spaces, mobile outreach vehicle, and other community agencies. Work environment can range from quiet to loud.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
FLSA STATUS: FLSA EXEMPT (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION: HUMAN SERVICES
PAY GRADE: HS-39
UNION STATUS: NON-UNION
Updated May 2026
BE SURE YOUR APPLICATION REFLECTS YOUR ENTIRE WORK HISTORY AS YOUR RESUME IS NOT REVIEWED TO QUALIFY YOU
Please answer any supplemental questions truthfully and completely. Use the employment history section of your application to substantiate your answers to supplemental questions.
Once the posting closes, all applications will be reviewed. The information provided on the application will be utilized to determine whether or not each applicant meets the minimum requirements for this position. Please read the Minimum Requirements thoroughly and then demonstrate that you meet these requirements on your application. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered for the position.
Qualified, eligible applicants will move on to the next step, an Education and Experience Review, in which points will be assigned to each applicant’s education and relevant work experience provided on their application.
We encourage all applicants to share a comprehensive, concise history of their education, certification, licensing, and employment on their employment application so that we are able to accurately assess their experience. Eligible candidates will be ranked on an Eligibility List based on their total score on the Education and Experience Review.
For questions regarding this posting, please contact Autumn Raniere, Recruitment & Data Entry Specialist at araniere@norcopa.gov or 610-829-6334.
Equal Employment Opportunities – It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal, or local law.GENERAL PURPOSE
The Drug & Alcohol Program Specialist 1 position is responsible for the coordination, implementation and monitoring of Drug and Alcohol programs and initiatives.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Drug and Alcohol Administrator.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position does not exercise supervision over other functions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Meets on a regular basis with Drug and Alcohol service providers either individually or in groups to identify and address program and/or provider specific concerns/issues.
Work with providers and perform quality assurance reviews as deemed appropriate.
Participates in the completion of required reports, monitoring, surveys, and paperwork.
Works closely with providers and other entities to ensure that referral to treatment services and other resources is appropriate.
Oversees and directs the Mobile Outreach Vehicle as well as coordinating outreach locations and treatment providers to assist on the vehicle as needed.
Assists in the development of new programming and other activities to identify unmet needs.
Plans and executes recovery simulation events and Narcan trainings throughout the community.
Attends meetings/trainings to enhance working knowledge of the Opioid Settlement and the requirements associated with that funding.
Maintains confidentiality at all times while performing all duties and responsibilities in accordance with current regulations and policies covering client records.
Must have the ability to work outside the standard 8:30am-4:30pm schedule.
On-site visits as needed.
*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – A bachelor’s degree with a major in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, or other social or behavioral sciences, AND demonstrated professional experience involving drug prevention, intervention, treatment services, outreach services, public speaking, or other closely related services; OR
Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business, employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles and practices of Drug and Alcohol program planning and development as it relates to the implementation of direct services and operational procedures in County Drug and Alcohol Programs.
Knowledge of modern basic management principles and practices.
Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and resources as it relates to the field of Drug and Alcohol.
Knowledge of the structure, organization, and methods of public and private Drug and Alcohol facilities.
Knowledge of the principles and methods applied to collecting, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting statistical data.
Knowledge of federal, state and county legislation, policies and procedures related to the Drug and Alcohol funding and delivery system.
Ability to aid in the development and coordination of Drug and Alcohol program plans.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private contract providers, community groups, and county and state officials and agency staff.
Ability to make clear and pertinent statements, orally and in writing.
Ability to remain organized and coordinate schedules with various providers simultaneously.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Employee may also work in other work environments to include, schools, businesses, public spaces, mobile outreach vehicle, and other community agencies. Work environment can range from quiet to loud.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
FLSA STATUS: FLSA EXEMPT (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION: HUMAN SERVICES
PAY GRADE: HS-39
UNION STATUS: NON-UNION
Updated May 2026