Substance Abuse Counselor I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Worcester, MA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

To provide inmates/probationers/parolees with education and information about substance abuse and dependence. This role involves educating individuals on the consequences of substance abuse, teaching alternative coping skills for a drug-free life, and instructing in programs like Relapse Prevention I and II. The counselor will also educate on high-risk behaviors to reduce the spread of STDs and introduce support agencies like Alcoholics Anonymous. Developing individualized aftercare plans, maintaining accurate reports and records, observing general condition, and referring to appropriate services (medical, mental, social) are key responsibilities. The role also includes fostering cooperation, observing conduct, ensuring attendance sign-in, conducting classes professionally with approved materials, and working harmoniously with others. The position requires reporting to work on time, being appropriately attired, and maintaining regular attendance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in psychology, education, counseling, psychology, rehabilitative counseling, social work from an accredited college or university
• A minimum of two years supervised counseling, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, in writing and orally
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records
• Ability to talk to others to effectively convey information
• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through verbal and written communication
• Working skill in the use of personal computers, particularly word processing
• Working knowledge of support agencies such as Alcoholics Anonymous, etc.
• Working knowledge in the effects of drugs and alcohol

Nice To Haves

• CADAC preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide drug and alcohol education for inmates/probationers/parolees
• Provide education in stress management, anger management, and coping skills
• Assist inmates/probationers/parolees in recognizing the consequences of substance abuse
• Instruct inmates/probationers/parolees in alternative coping skills for living drug-free
• Teach Relapse Prevention I and Relapse Prevention II programs
• Educate inmates/probationers/parolees about high risk behaviors with the goal of reducing the spread of AIDS, Hepatitis A, B and C, and other sexually transmitted diseases
• Introduce inmates/probationers/parolees to support agencies such as Alcoholics Anonymous
• Develop an individualized aftercare plan which identifies problems requiring continuing treatment and service to help the inmate remain drug-free
• Prepare accurately and maintain as current all required reports and records
• Observe inmates/probationers/parolees general condition and refer inmates/probationers/parolees to the appropriate supportive services, i.e. medical, mental and social services
• Foster an atmosphere of cooperation between inmates/probationers/parolees and staff
• Observe conduct and behavior of inmates/probationers/parolees and to report any unusual occurrences to supervisor
• Ensure that inmates/probationers/parolees sign in on the required attendance sheet
• Conduct classes in a professional manner and use only approved materials
• Work harmoniously, cooperatively and courteously with others at all times
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Report to work on time and appropriately attired
• Maintain regular attendance

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level