Substance Abuse Counselor
About The Position
The Substance Abuse Counselor I plays a key role in delivering structured, evidence-based treatment services to justice-involved individuals within the RSAT program. This position provides individual and group counseling using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed approaches. Counselors maintain a caseload of up to 25 clients and work collaboratively with clinical supervisors and program leadership to support ethical practice, treatment engagement, and positive client outcomes. This role is ideal for professionals seeking meaningful work in a mission-driven environment, along with structured support toward certification and career advancement. Why This Role Matters Substance use treatment in correctional settings can be life-changing. As a counselor in the RSAT program, your work directly supports recovery, reduces recidivism, and helps individuals develop the tools needed for long-term stability. Every group facilitated and every session conducted contributes to safer communities and stronger futures.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a human services–related field (required)
- Strong desire to work with justice-involved individuals in a structured treatment setting
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team-focused clinical environment
Nice To Haves
- Preferred experience in substance use treatment
- CADCII certification preferred or eligibility to obtain certification within 18 months
Responsibilities
- Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions using CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed practices
- Maintain clinical documentation and treatment planning in accordance with program and DOC standards
- Manage a caseload of up to 25 clients (may exceed on occasion based on program needs)
- Collaborate with clinical supervisors and multidisciplinary team members
- Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and professional development
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and adhere to contracted scope of work within a correctional environment
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
- Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
- Employee assistance programs focused on mental health
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
- Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
- 9 paid company holidays
- Work-life-balance
- Training & Development Programs
- Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
- eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
- Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
