Substance Abuse Counselor (Statewide) (Tier 1)

Substance Abuse Counselor (S)

The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervised sentenced people in the community. Other divisions include Administration, Health Services, Rehabilitation & Reentry, Special Operations and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission. We have a mission that matters!

Substance Abuse Counselors (SACs) with the Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency Program (ACDP) and The Rehabilitation and Reentry Division (DART) Center play a vital role in delivering substance use disorder treatment services within the Department of Adult Correction. These positions provide direct support to justice‑involved individuals through assessments, treatment planning, counseling, progress evaluation, and reentry‑focused recovery support. SACs at both ACDP facilities and the DART Center help clients build the skills and stability needed to successfully pursue recovery and reintegrate into their communities.

Primary Job Duties:

• Conduct client intakes, assessments, and gather social histories to determine treatment needs.
• Develop, implement, and coordinate individualized treatment plans.
• Evaluate client progress and document all services in OPUS, including treatment notes and discharge summaries.
• Facilitate group and individual treatment sessions to support recovery and behavioral change.
• Assist clients in developing recovery plans, building community supports, and maintaining participation in treatment goals.

Pay Range $43,267.00 - $75,718.00

Applicants must pass a background check to be eligible for this job.

The Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency Program (ACDP) is a specialized behavioral health service that provides substance use treatment in North Carolina prisons. ACDP uses evidence-based clinical interventions and programming to help incarcerated individuals achieve and maintain recovery. Services include therapeutic communities, outpatient counseling, aftercare, and 12-step support groups.

The Rehabilitation and Reentry Division (DART) oversees services, programs, and community partnerships aimed at helping individuals reintegrate into their communities following incarceration. Staff members work with people who are incarcerated, probationers, post-release supervisees, and parolees. This division collaborates with prison and supervision staff to create individualized reentry plans, coordinate services, and deliver evidence-based programs to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism.

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

Applicants must complete the application in full. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State application. Applications must include:

• Complete education history (including high school)
• Full work experience details
• Certificates and licenses, if applicable
• Education must be from appropriately accredited institutions.
• Information provided must support responses to supplemental questions. Incomplete applications may impact screening and salary determination.
• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check and drug screen.

If multiple applications are submitted, only the most recent application received before the closing date will be considered.

The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at

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 an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.

Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

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

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), NCDAC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

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 the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter: Lisa Warren Byrd

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io