Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselor (Outpatient) Opportunity:

The Substance Abuse Counselor provides professional individual and group counseling services to individuals with substance use disorders and supports recovery through evidence-based practices. This role includes assessment, treatment planning, counseling, education, and case management. The counselor ensures compliance with Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS 75) standards and promotes integrated care for clients with co-occurring mental health concerns.

What You’ll Get:

• The starting pay range for this role is $29.84 - $32.50 based on education and experience.
• This job is a full-time, in person position, usually working Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm.
• PTO, paid holidays, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, on-site bistro and cafeteria, employee assistance program, newly updated facility, and more.
• As a full-time employee of NCHC, you are eligible for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The WRS is a hybrid defined benefit plan. It contains elements of both a 401(k) or defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. Participating staff contribute 7.2% and NCHC will match this at 100% each pay period!

What You Bring:

Required:

• Associate’s degree in human service-related field earned from an accredited school.
• Current State of Wisconsin licensure as one of the following:

• Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Substance Abuse Counselor In Training


• Previous experience working with individuals with substance use disorders
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license and maintain unrestricted driving privileges throughout employment and have use of a personal vehicle.

• Travel to sites in Merril and Antigo may be required

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in human service-related field
• More than 1 year of experience in substance use counseling, human services, or a closely related field.
• Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions

In evaluating candidates for this position, North Central Health Care may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.


What a Substance Abuse Counselor does at NCHC:

• Conduct screenings and comprehensive substance use assessments to determine client needs.
• Perform assessments, treatment plans, and make recommendations based on findings
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with community organizations
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans aligned with client goals.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling to support substance use recovery.
• Deliver education on substance use, relapse prevention, and recovery strategies.
• Address co-occurring mental health concerns and integrate care as appropriate.
• Coordinate services with mental health professionals and other community providers.
• Respond to crises promptly and implement safety plans to ensure client well-being.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in compliance with DHS 75 and Joint Commission standards.
• Advocate for clients and connect them to appropriate community resources.
• Participate in case reviews, interdisciplinary team meetings, and ongoing professional development.
• Foster an inclusive environment by working effectively with diverse populations while maintaining confidentiality.
• Demonstrate strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Adhere to professional ethics, licensure requirements, confidentiality standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

• Primarily indoor, office-based clinical environment
• Exposure to:
  
  • Agitated, irritated, or confrontational individuals
  • Bodily fluids or communicable diseases
• Requires visual, hearing, and communication abilities sufficient to ensure client safety and effective care delivery
• Travel to sites in Merrill and Antigo may be required

Who We Are:

Nestled in the heart of Central Wisconsin, North Central Health Care (NCHC) is a healthcare organization formed over fifty years ago as a partnership between three Central Wisconsin counties - Langlade, Lincoln, and Marathon. NCHC employs more than 600 professionals in diverse roles across a variety of care and work environments. We provide passionate and high-quality care for individuals and families within the fields of mental health treatment, addiction services, long term care, short term care, physical therapy, crisis stabilization and so much more. We have amazing employees who provide exceptional care and want to add to our team. You can visit our website at to learn more.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer sponsorship, including but not limited to visa sponsorship or employment-based immigration support.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, NCHC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. North Central Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.