Substance Abuse Counselor

This position is located at North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh, NC.    The Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency Program (ACDP) staff plans, administers and coordinates chemical dependency screening and substance use disorder treatment services within the Department of Adult Correction.  Substance Abuse Counselors are the front line for the prison treatment programs for ACDP.  They develop, implement and coordinate treatment plans for each client.    Other responsibilities include:    intake, assessment, gathering social histories, conducting treatment progress evaluations, documenting in OPUS and preparing discharge summaries.  SAC's also assist clients in developing recovery plans and community support, as well as maintaining appropriate participation and progress in attaining treatment goals.  

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with State Benefits Applicants must pass a background check to be eligible for this job. 

As of January 1, 2025 there are new increase adjustments to the state's pay plan which were approved by the State Human Resources Commission, effective January 1, 2025.  The new salary range will be $41,655 - $72,897.  Prior applicants will remain under consideration and do not need to reapply.

Note to Current State Employees

State employees are encouraged to apply for positions of interest even if the salary grade is the same as, or lower than, their current position. If selected for this position, a new salary will be recalculated taking into consideration the quantity of relevant education and experience, funding availability, and internal equity. Based upon these factors, a pay increase MAY result.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position. We will not review resumes in lieu of the Experience and Education listed on the application.

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:

• Documented group and individual counseling.   
• Documented ability to conduct an assessment, treatment, and discharge planning.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience."  If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.   See https://oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.   

High School or General Educational Development (GED) diploma 

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Qualifications 

Credentialed as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate (LCAS-A) or in an equivalent credential from a governing authority recognized by the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board to practice under the provisions of the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Act.  

NOTE

To obtain certified status in the CADC credential, one must complete three (3) years of counseling under the supervision of a licensed professional and satisfy these requirements of the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board. Out-of-state applicants with similar credentials from an IC&RC Member Board will also be considered. Alternatively, applicants possessing one of these credentials from a governing authority recognized by the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board will be considered:

• Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS)
• Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
• Applicants possessing one (1) of these credentials will be considered including those in an Associate Status.

Come Join Us To Make A Difference!

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (DAC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  

DAC uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.  

The Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency Programs (ACDP) section promotes innovation, rehabilitation, and protection through the planning and implementation of substance use disorder screening, treatment, and reintegration services within the Department of Adult Correction.

ACDP identifies substance use disorder as a chronic condition that results from a combination of genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors, and can lead to addiction and/or fatal outcomes if left untreated. Programs are based on best practices and evidence-based principles from NIDA and SAMHSA.

It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive information.  Information should be provided in the appropriate areas to include the beginning and ending dates of jobs worked, education with the date graduated, all work experience, and certificates/licenses.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.  Answers to Supplemental Questions must refer to the education or work experience listed on this application to receive credit.   Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. If a former member of the NC National Guard who served for at least 6 years and was discharged under honorable conditions, they must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22.
• If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an unofficial transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.
• If applying for a position certified through the NC Dept. of Justice - Criminal Justice Standards Division, click this link for specific certification requirements:  Correctional & Probation/Parole Officer Certification.
• The NC Dept. of Adult Correction must adhere to the US Dept. of Justice Final Rule on the "National Standards to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Prison Rape." Click this link for information on hiring and promotion prohibition requirements for all positions in the NC Dept. of Adult Correction: PREA Hiring and Promotion Prohibitions.
• Per NC General Statute 143B-972.1, applicants hired into a position certified as a criminal justice officer or justice officer are required to electronically submit fingerprints to the NC State Bureau of Investigation for a state and national criminal history record check and enrollment in the FBI's Next Generation Identification System: Criminal Justice Record of Arrest and Prosecution Background Service ("RAP Back"). This is in addition to submitting fingerprints during the application process.
• If you were ever charged with a criminal offense at some point in your life, you will be required to provide certified and true copies of warrant(s) and judgment(s) for each offense (other than a minor traffic violation) as a condition of employment, even if documentation and charges have previously been reported to this agency.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account and click "Application Status." If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by management. If you are no longer under consideration, you will receive an email notification. 

For technical issues with your application, please call the GovernmentJobs.com Applicant Support Help- Line at 855-524-5627. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact Lisa Byrd at 919-948- 7507 or lisa.byrd@dac.nc.gov.