Substance Use Counselor

Alpharus Health; Bowling Green (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Wellness program

403(b) retirement plan with 3% match

Disability and life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

PTO 18 days

Holidays 9

Tuition reimbursement

CEU access

Job summary

Alpharus Health is seeking a Substance Use Counselor at the Northeast Correctional Center in Bowling Green, MO. The role will perform comprehensive assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide individual and group counseling within a corrections environment.

Responsibilities include documenting progress and discharge plans, maintaining records, and contributing to client care monitoring.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work or a related field (high school diploma or equivalent required).
• 6 months of prior experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling in a corrections environment desired.
• Missouri Credentialing Board credentials (CADC, CRADC, CRAADC, CCJP) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive assessments of clients’ substance abuse history and treatment requirements; develop individualized treatment plans.
• Provide individual and group counseling; may facilitate didactic groups.
• Document treatment and discharge plans, progress, and responses; maintain related records.

Skills

Counseling

Case management

Documentation

Group counseling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Career Opportunities: Substance Use Counselor (34290)

Requisition ID34290-Posted08/04/2026-Corrections-Bowling Green-MO

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered approach, we help people build the skills, resilience, and support systems needed to create meaningful, lasting change.

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 be 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

Location: Northeast Correctional Center 13698 Airport Rd, Bowling Green, MO 63334

Work Schedule:Monday through Friday, normal business hours

Substance Abuse Counselors are responsible for:

• Completing comprehensive assessments of clients’ substance abuse history and treatment requirements, and developing individualized treatment plans
• Providing individual and group counseling and may facilitate didactic groups
• Documenting treatment and discharge plans, clients’ progress and responses to treatment; and maintaining related records and charts
• Performing case management and contributing to client care monitoring
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work or a related field a plus (High School diploma or equivalent required)
• 6 months of previous experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling in a corrections environment desired
• Higher credential through the Missouri Credentialing Board (CADC, CRADC, CRAADC, CCJP) a plus.
• This is a full-time position working Monday- Friday, with 1 Saturday every 3 months
• Must be able to obtain Missouri Department of Corrections clearance

Physical Requirements:

• 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 $18 per hour - $24 per hour.

Alpharus Health conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Apharus Health:

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 Alpharus
• 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

Alpharus Health 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 .