A Substance Abuse Counselor in the Department of Human Services in the state of Nevada involves providing counseling and support to individuals struggling with substance abuse, facilitating treatment plans, and leading therapy sessions. Key characteristics of this position include empathy, strong communication skills, and the ability to guide individuals toward recovery. This position plays a vital role in enhancing community well-being by supporting individuals on their journey to sobriety, thereby reducing the impact of substance abuse on families and the broader community.
Salary Range
- $53,000 – $73,000/ year
Required Experience
- A minimum education required is a bachelor’s degree in social services, medical assistance programs, services, or health care services or a closely related field.
- To qualify as a Substance Abuse Counselor I and II, an approved certification by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors and eligibility for certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern, as established by State law and the Board, are required.
- To advance to a Substance Abuse Counselor III, two to five years of licensure as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors is required. Additionally, two years of experience as a journey-level Substance Abuse Counselor, including leading treatment teams, conducting clinical counseling, and implementing an established substance abuse program, is necessary.
Additional Information
- Substance Abuse Counselor Class Specification | DHS
- What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?
- What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor? What They Do
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As a Social Services Program Specialist with the Department of Human Services in the state of Nevada, the responsibilities include designing, implementing, and evaluating social services programs that address the needs of the diverse population. Key characteristics of this role include strong organizational skills, a deep understanding of social issues, and a passion for helping others. This position plays a vital role in directly improving the lives of Nevada’s residents by providing essential resources and support to those in need, thereby enhancing the well-being of the community through innovative and effective social services programs.
Salary Range
- $53,000 – $73,000/ year
Required Experience
- A minimum education required is a bachelor’s degree in social services, medical assistance programs, services, or health care services or a closely related field.
- To qualify as a Social Services program Specialist I, two to three years of professional experience is required. This experience must include providing social services, medical assistance programs, services, or health care services to the public and applying regulations, laws, policies, and procedures to make determinations.
- To advance to a Social Services program Specialist II, two years of professional experience in social services, medical assistance programs, services, or health care services is required. This experience must include serving as a consultant to professional/supervisory program personnel; directing the operation of a program unit; coordinating program activities with officials and representatives of other agencies; interpreting and applying complex documents such as federal regulations, technical journals, and legislative studies; writing program policies, procedures, and reports; and conducting research and preparing recommendations for management.
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A Laboratory Technician in the Department of Human Services in the state of Nevada involves performing a variety of laboratory tests and procedures to support the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Key characteristics of this position include precision, analytical skills, and a strong attention to detail. This role is crucial in ensuring accurate and timely test results, which directly impact patient care and community health. By contributing to the early detection and management of health conditions, this position plays a vital role in promoting the well-being of Nevada’s residents.
Salary Range
- $38,000 – $60,000/ year
Required Experience
- Minimum education required for pharmacy technician.
- To qualify as a Laboratory Technician I, two years of laboratory experience performing various laboratory procedures
- To advance to a Laboratory Technician II, three years of experience in a laboratory setting that involves performing various laboratory tests and experiments, and maintaining and repairing basic laboratory equipment.
Additional Information
- Laboratory Technician Class Specification | DHS
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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A Pharmacy Technician with the Nevada Department of Human Services involves assisting pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing excellent customer service. Key characteristics of this position include attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to patient care. This role is crucial in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of medications, ultimately promoting the health and well-being of the community.
Salary Range
- $38,000 – $50,000/ year
Required Experience
- Minimum education required for pharmacy technician positions is graduation from high school or equivalent.
- To qualify as a Pharmacy Technician I, one year of experience in a retail, institutional or home health care pharmacy
- To advance to a Pharmacy Technician II, one year of experience as a licensed Pharmaceutical Technician in a pharmacy
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As an Activities Therapy Technician with the Department of Human Services in the state of Nevada, this dynamic role involves planning and facilitating therapeutic activities designed to enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals in healthcare and community settings. Key characteristics of this job include creativity, patience, and strong interpersonal skills. Contributions in this role will make a tangible impact on the community by promoting recovery, improving quality of life, and fostering a sense of belonging among participants in Nevada.
Salary Range
- $38,000-$52,000/ year
Required Experience
- To qualify as an Activities Therapy Technician I, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with either two years of experience working with individuals with physical, mental, and/or cognitive disabilities in a therapeutic, healthcare, or educational setting, or 48 semester credits in health science, physical education, recreation, nursing, or a related health or social science field.
- To qualify as an Activities Therapy Technician II, three years of experience working with individuals with physical, mental, and/or cognitive disabilities in a therapeutic or educational setting is required. This includes one year of full-time technical support to physical, occupational, industrial, and/or exercise/fitness therapists involving therapeutic exercise and activities, along with the academic requirements mentioned above.
Additional Information
Activities Therapy Technician Class Specification | DHS
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A Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in the Department of Human Services in the state of Nevada involves coordinating and providing recreation therapy to individuals in clinical, residential, community-based, or correctional environments. Key characteristics of this position include creativity, strong interpersonal skills, and a passion for improving the quality of life for patients. This role plays a critical part in enhancing mental and physical well-being by designing and implementing therapeutic activities tailored to individual needs. By promoting recovery and well-being, this role makes a significant impact on Nevada and its overall community health.
Salary Range
- $51,000 – $70,000/ year
Required Experience
- A minimum education required is a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, recreation, or specialty area such as art, dance, music or physical education
- To qualify as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist I or II, one year of technical experience in recreation therapy in a clinical, residential, community-based, and/or correctional environment is necessary.
- To advance to a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist III, two years of professional experience coordinating and providing recreation therapy in a clinical, residential, community-based, and/or correctional environment, or certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and two years of experience are required.
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A Custodial Worker for The Department of Human Services in the state of Nevada is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in health service facilities, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for staff and visitors. Key characteristics of this role include attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to perform physical tasks. This field impacts the community by promoting health and safety, supporting the delivery of essential health services, and contributing to the overall well-being of Nevada residents.
Salary Range
- $31,000 – $35,000/ year
Required Experience
- Completion of a High School Diploma or Equivalent
- To become a Custodial Worker Trainee, graduation from high school or equivalent education; OR Six months of general work experience.
- As a Custodial Worker I, six months of custodial or janitorial experience in a commercial, industrial, hospital, governmental or similar environment.
- To advance to a Custodial Supervisor II, one year of custodial or janitorial experience in a commercial, industrial, hospital, governmental or similar environment.
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As a Consumer Services Assistant with the Department of Human Services in the state of Nevada, this essential role, you will provide support and assistance to individuals seeking information and services related to health and human services programs. Key characteristics of this job include excellent communication skills, a passion for helping others, and the ability to handle diverse inquiries with empathy and efficiency. Your work will have a direct impact on the community by ensuring that residents receive the support and resources they need to lead healthier, more empowered lives.
Salary Range
- $28,000 – $51,000/ year
Required Experience
- No minimum education required
- To become a Consumer Services Assistant I, six months of mental health advocacy experience which includes providing assistance and peer support to consumers of mental health services.
- To advance to Consumer Services Assistant II, have the ability to read and write standard business correspondence, along with one year of mental health consumer advocacy experience, with at least six months in a mental health service delivery system. This experience should include monitoring and reporting client progress to professional staff, providing client perspectives to service providers, and offering peer support, such as assisting clients with presenting complaints, resolving problems, completing forms, and adjusting to changes in levels of care.
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Elevate your nursing career by becoming a Health Facilities Inspector – RN with the Nevada Department of Human Services. In this critical role, you will be responsible for inspecting healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with state regulations and standards, thereby safeguarding patient health and safety. Key qualifications include strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a deep commitment to quality healthcare. Your efforts will directly impact the community by maintaining high standards of care and promoting patient well-being.
Salary Range
- $55,000 – $82,000/ year
Required Experience
- To become a Health Facilities Inspector I, one must have a current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Nevada, or an Interim Permit issued by the Nevada State Board of Nursing, and one year of professional nursing experience involving direct patient care.
- To qualify as a Health Facilities Inspector II and III, one to two years of professional experience as an inspector or surveyor in a health-related accrediting organization, or in a federal or state regulatory compliance program, is required. This experience must involve the inspection, licensing, or complaint investigation of healthcare or childcare facilities to determine compliance with federal or state laws and regulations.
- To advance to a Health Facilities Inspector Manager- RN, one must have one year of professional nursing experience involving direct patient care, and three years of professional experience as an inspector or surveyor in a health-related accrediting organization, or in a state or federal regulatory compliance program. This experience must involve the inspection, licensing, or complaint investigation of healthcare facilities to determine compliance with state or federal laws and regulations, with one year of this experience being supervisory.
Additional Information
Health Facilities Inspector- RN Class Specification | DHS
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Scholarships Are Currently Available!
Social Services professionals help people overcome challenges and improve their lives. They work with individuals facing difficulties such as disabilities, mental health issues, or addiction, providing support and creating personalized plans to help them achieve their goals. Key skills for this role include empathy, patience, and strong communication abilities They advocate for social justice, help people navigate difficult situations, and strive to make a positive impact on society.
Salary Range
- $63,000 – $104,000/ year
Education & Timeframe
- Start Your Journey: Bachelor’s degree in social work, Sociology, or a related field Duration: ~4 years
- Advance Your Expertise: Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited program Duration: ~2-3 years
- Gain Experience: Complete internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions in social service agencies to gain specialized training and experience in providing support and assistance to individuals and communities Stay current with the latest social work practices, therapeutic techniques, and relevant research.
Scholarship Opportunities
- The Nevada Public Health Foundation, Inc. is promoting workforce development and employee retention through the Social Work Workforce Development Scholarship program. Each scholarship, up to $1,000, may be awarded to social work students who work with the Department of Human Services (DHS) as employees, interns, practicum students, volunteers, or contractors. For more information email: info@nphf.org
- The Nevada Health Service Corps (NHSC) offers a state loan repayment program that provides funding to help pay off educational loans for those who commit to working in underserved areas of Nevada. This is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. By joining the NHSC, You can make a real difference in communities that need healthcare professionals the most. Nevada Health Service Corps | School of Medicine
- The Behavioral Health Education, Retention, and Expansion Network of Nevada (BeHERE NV) is offering a scholarship for UNLV students pursuing careers in behavioral health, to address the state’s mental health workforce shortage and improve access to care. This scholarship not only provides financial support but also opens doors to valuable educational and professional opportunities, empowering students to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Please contact roberta.miranda@unlv.edu for more information.
- The Nevada Health Equity & Loan Assistance (HEAL) Program was launched by the Nevada Treasury in 2025 to reward healthcare providers who choose to practice in Nevada. The Nevada HEAL Program provides student loan repayment up to $120,000 to providers who commit to at least 5 years of clinical practice in an eligible Nevada community. See Nevada HEAL Program for details.
Academic Institutions
- Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno:
- College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas:
- Western Nevada College, Las Vegas:
- Great Basin College, Elko:
- University of Nevada, Reno:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas:
Additional Information
- Social Services Class Specification | DHS
- What Does A Social Service Coordinator Do? Roles And Responsibilities – Zippia
- 11 Reasons Why You Should Major in Social Services – Geneva College
- Social and Human Service Assistants: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- How to Become a Social Services Specialist | WGU
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