Substance Use Counselor

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% match

PTO 18 days/year

9 paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250

CEU/eLearning access

Job summary

Alpharus Health is seeking a Substance Use Counselor for the Ozark Correctional Center in Fordland, MO. You will conduct assessments, provide individual and group counseling, document progress, and support care planning in a corrections setting.

Requires MAADC certification with potential to obtain MSAPCB; scheduled Monday–Friday, with a pay range of $18–$24 per hour and 18 paid time off days per year. Health and retirement benefits are included.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Missouri Alcohol Drug Counselor (MAADC) certification required; higher MSAPCB certification preferred.
• Ability to obtain Missouri Department of Corrections clearance.

Responsibilities

• Completes comprehensive assessments of clients’ substance abuse history and treatment requirements.
• Provides individual and group counseling and may facilitate didactic groups.
• Documents treatment and discharge plans, and clients’ progress and responses to treatment.
• Performs case management and contributes to client care monitoring.

Skills

Assessment

Counseling

Case management

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma/GED

MAADC Certification

Job description

Career Opportunities: Substance Use Counselor (34418)

Requisition ID34418-Posted09/14/2026-Corrections-Fordland-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: Ozark Correctional Center, 929 Honor Camp Ln, Fordland, MO 65652

Work Schedule:Monday - Friday (Normal business hours)

Substance Use Counselors are responsible for:

• Completes comprehensive assessments of clients’ substance abuse history and treatment requirements, and develops individualized treatment plan.
• Provides individual and group counseling and may facilitate didactic groups.
• Documents treatment and discharge plans, and clients’ progress and responses to treatment; and maintains related records and charts.
• Performs case management and contributes to client care monitoring.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Certification as a Missouri Alcohol Drug Counselor (MAADC) required. Ability to obtain higher MSAPCB certification within 6 months of hire preferred.
• 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 .