Substance Abuse Counselor - Jail Based Services

Job Description

Job Description

Substance Abuse Counselor - Jail-Based Services

Annual Salary: $49,284 + $2,000 Sign-on Bonus

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Human Services and one year of experience providing services to individuals living with a substance use disorder (SUD) and/or experience working in a correctional setting.

Join the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board as a Full-Time Substance Abuse Counselor and take on a meaningful role supporting individuals on their path to recovery. This onsite position offers a structured, team-oriented environment where you can work closely with clients and correctional staff while maintaining clear professional boundaries. Enjoy the consistency of a weekday schedule and the opportunity to make a direct, lasting impact in a setting focused on rehabilitation and successful community reentry.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Flexible Spending Account, Paid Time Off, and participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). If you are committed to service, safety, and supporting recovery, this role provides a stable and rewarding career path.

Your role as a Substance Use Counselor

As a Full-Time Substance Use Disorder Counselor, you will manage a caseload of incarcerated individuals enrolled in our jail-based treatment program. Responsibilities include conducting screenings and intake assessments, identifying clinical needs, and developing individualized treatment plans. You will provide both group and individual counseling, deliver substance use education, and coordinate case management services.

In this role, you will also assist with crisis intervention and discharge planning to support successful reentry into the community. Serving as a liaison between correctional staff, the criminal justice system, and community-based providers, you will help connect individuals to essential resources that promote long-term recovery. Your work will play a key role in reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for those you serve.

What you need to be successful

To succeed in this position, candidates should demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with incarcerated individuals and collaborate with correctional staff and community partners. Experience with documentation and treatment planning systems is important for effective case management. A solid understanding of substance use disorders and crisis intervention techniques is also essential.

Candidates should bring empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering high-quality care while supporting individuals through complex challenges.

Knowledge and skills required for the position are:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services
• One (1) year of experience providing services to individuals living with a substance use disorder (SUD) and/or experience working in a correctional setting.
• Must be eligible to register as a CSAC Supervisee within the first 30 days of hire.
• Valid Virginia driver's license.

Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board: Our Mission

Since 1971, Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board has delivered a broad continuum of high-quality, essential, community-based services to residents of the Peninsula living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders.

Our team needs you!

If this opportunity aligns with your career goals, applying is simple-just follow the instructions provided on this page. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Current H-NNCSB employees are not eligible for the sign-on bonus

The selected candidate must successfully pass a criminal history fingerprint background investigation, DMV record check, Child Registry search, drug screening test and employment reference checks.