Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselor Post Date: Mar 31, 2026 Location: Sycamore, GA 31790 Position Type: Full Time Requisition Number: 33972 Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 10 hour shifts Who is Gateway Foundation? Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non‑profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards. Why join us? Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence‑based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values. We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections Perks of working in correctional healthcare: Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population Exposure to diverse patient demographics Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting Substance Abuse Counselors are responsible for: Conduct client interviews and assessments to review substance use disorder and treatment history. Evaluate client response to treatment to recommend modifications to the treatment plan and assist with caseloads and development of individualized treatment plan, preparing individually appropriate goals, interventions, and necessary support. Assist with and provide didactic group counseling, including psychoeducation, drug education, and family education to ensure peer support occurs. Provide individual client counseling, educational programs and lectures to address relapse prevention, problem solving, behavior modification, anger management, etc., and to assist in overcoming substance use disorder, adjusting to pro‑social life, and making cognitive and behavioral changes. Carry caseload up to 25 clients, per State and contract requirements. Collaborate with clients to develop discharge summary and continuing care and relapse prevention plans for supervisor's approval to integrate aftercare treatment with referral resource services. Coordinate required services to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations in support of continued recovery. Collect and maintain treatment records and reports to ensure organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual compliance. Perform office administrative duties, such as answering telephones; relaying messages; responding to inquiries regarding program services and policies; filing, photocopying and faxing documents; planning special events, assembling intake packets, etc. Job Requirements: Must have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a helping profession from an accredited college or university. Some previous counseling experience, experience in substance use disorder or mental health treatment is preferred. Must obtain certification as identified by state within 30 months of the first date that the counseling services are provided. Acceptable Certifications include Certified Addiction Counselor from the Georgia Addiction Counselor's Association (GACA), Certified Addiction Counselor from the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC), and Certification as a 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 Requirements: Works in a correctional facility. Ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time, to monitor and interact with clients. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or 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 to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises. Compensation (based on experience and credentials): Non‑Credentialed range begins at $19.00 per hour – $20.00 per hour. Credentialed ranges begins at $23.08 per hour – $25.00 per hour. Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases. Benefits at Gateway Foundation: Health and Wellness 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. Financial Wellbeing 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). Flexibility and Time Off 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service. 9 paid company holidays. Work‑life‑balance. Personal Development 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. Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Nearest Major Market: Tifton #J-18808-Ljbffr Gateway Foundation, Inc.