Substance Use Counselor

Alpharus Health•Sycamore, GA

3d•$19 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Alpharus Health, a national nonprofit behavioral health provider, is hiring a Substance Use Counselor to provide substance use disorder treatment at Turner PSATC, a correctional facility in Sycamore, Georgia. The role supports clients through assessment, individualized treatment planning, counseling, education, crisis response, and planning for continuing care. Counselors maintain treatment records and perform related office administrative duties. The work schedule is Monday through Thursday, with either 6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. shifts. The caseload may include up to 25 clients, subject to state and contract requirements. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a helping profession and the ability to obtain Georgia Department of Corrections clearance. Required state certification must be obtained within 30 months after counseling services begin. The stated hourly compensation ranges are $19.00–$20.00 for non-credentialed counselors and $23.08–$25.00 for credentialed counselors. Starting rates depend on experience, qualifications, and relevant skills. Annual performance reviews are conducted, and merit increase eligibility depends on employee and organizational financial performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a helping profession from an accredited college or university.
Must obtain certification identified by the state within 30 months of the first date counseling services are provided. Acceptable certifications include Certified Addiction Counselor from GACA or NAADAC, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor from ICRC, or Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS).
Acceptable licensures include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS).
Must be able to obtain Georgia Department of Corrections clearance to work in the correctional institution.
Physical ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time to monitor and interact with clients.
Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data.
Ability to record, proofread, and check documents and files for accuracy.
Ability to respond to telephones and hear and detect alarms and unusual noises.

Nice To Haves

Previous counseling experience is preferred.
Experience in substance use disorder or mental health treatment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct client interviews and assessments to review substance use disorder and treatment history.
Evaluate client responses to treatment and recommend treatment-plan modifications; assist with caseloads and the development of individualized treatment plans, goals, interventions, and support.
Assist with and provide didactic group counseling, including psychoeducation, drug education, and family education, to support peer support.
Provide individual counseling, educational programs, and lectures covering topics such as relapse prevention, problem solving, behavior modification, and anger management.
Support clients in overcoming substance use disorder, adjusting to pro-social life, and making cognitive and behavioral changes.
Carry a caseload of up to 25 clients, in accordance with state and contract requirements.
Collaborate with clients to develop discharge summaries, continuing-care plans, and relapse-prevention plans for supervisor approval, integrating aftercare treatment with referral resources.
Coordinate required services to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations and support continued recovery.
Collect and maintain treatment records and reports for organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual compliance.
Perform office administrative duties, including answering telephones, relaying messages, responding to inquiries about program services and policies, filing, photocopying, faxing, planning special events, and assembling intake packets.

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 paid for by Alpharus.
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 providing CEUs and job-related training.
Formal and informal clinical supervision.