Substance Use Counselor
About The Position
Alpharus Health, formerly Gateway Foundation, is seeking counselors for its Newberry Correctional Facility site, providing group-based, trauma-informed substance use treatment for incarcerated men through an in-prison outpatient program. Counselors lead one to two groups, typically serving up to 15 clients each, and work with a statewide support network across Michigan facilities. The role offers clinical independence while helping clients pursue recovery and reintegration into society. The position is located at Newberry Correctional Facility, 13747 E. County Road 428, Newberry, MI 49868. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Compensation is $22.00–$30.00 per hour, with starting rates based on experience, qualifications, and relevant skills. Annual performance reviews are conducted, and merit increases may depend on employee and organizational financial performance.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of experience, or a master’s degree and a minimum of one year of experience.
- Experience in a substance abuse-related field, with skills in counseling, assessment, treatment planning, and group therapy; experience working with an offender population.
- Ability to follow MDOC directives and remain flexible to accommodate facility space and scheduling needs.
- Ability to work independently and/or with team members as available.
- Ability to receive and apply clinical supervision feedback as needed.
- Excellent attendance and punctuality to support consistent service delivery.
Nice To Haves
- Clinical licensure and/or certification in Michigan, or ability to obtain it within the designated timeframe specified through the Michigan Board of Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).
Responsibilities
- Provide group orientation, individual intake, comprehensive assessment, mid-program assessment, and discharge planning, including aftercare recommendations, in accordance with MDOC contract requirements.
- Document treatment and discharge plans, client progress, and responses to treatment; maintain related records and charts.
- Provide evidence-based group therapy for groups of up to 15 offenders in accordance with MDOC contract requirements.
- Provide individual segregation discharges as needed and approved for offenders terminated early from substance abuse services, in accordance with MDOC contract requirements and at the correctional facility’s discretion.
- Complete reporting requirements.
- Adhere to MDOC policies and procedures, with particular attention to safety, security, and professional boundaries with the offender population.
- Navigate between the internal electronic health record and the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) system for reporting.
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 insurance, and life and AD&D insurance paid for by Alpharus.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
- 18 paid time off days per year, with accrual rates increasing with years of service.
- 9 paid company holidays.
- Training and development programs.
- Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year.
- eLearning access to online courses that provide CEUs and job-related training.
- Formal and informal clinical supervision.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
