Substance Use Counselor

Alpharus Health; Lake City (FL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellness program

403(b) retirement plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

FSA

Job summary

Alpharus Health is seeking a Substance Use Counselor I for its correctional healthcare program in Lake City, FL. The role runs Monday–Friday, 8:00AM–4:30PM, and includes conducting evaluations, counseling individuals, and coordinating discharge plans to support ongoing recovery.

The candidate will work under supervision with a focus on evidence-based treatment, documentation, and collaboration with treatment teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a helping profession from an accredited college or university.
• Some experience in substance use treatment/counseling and/or mental health counseling preferred.
• Capability or licensing in CAP/MCAP/LMHC/LMFT/LCSW preferred.
• Must obtain Florida Department of Corrections clearance to work in the correctional institution.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of human growth, psychosocial development, and treatment planning.

Responsibilities

• Conducts client interviews to review substance use disorder and treatment history.
• Evaluates client response to treatment and recommends modifications to the treatment plan.
• Provides group counseling, psychoeducation, and family education to support peer recovery.
• Delivers individual counseling and educational programs for relapse prevention and behavior change.
• Carries caseload under supervision and develops individualized treatment plans.
• Coordinates discharge planning and aftercare referrals with supervisor approval.
• Assists with crisis coordination and maintains treatment records for compliance.

Skills

Active listening

Communication skills

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a helping profession

CAP/MCAP/LMHC/LMFT/LCSW licensure or certification

Job description

Substance Use Counselor

Post Date: Sep 4, 2026

Location: Lake City, FL, US, 32087

Position Type: Full Time

Requisition Number: 34397

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Who is Alpharus Health?

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.

Why join us?

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:

• Columbia Correctional Institution and Annex
• 216 S.E. Corrections Way Lake City, FL 32025-2013

Hours:

• Monday - Friday
• 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Substance Use Counselor I responsibilities:

• Conducts client interviews to review substance use disorder and treatment history.
• Evaluates client response to treatment to recommend modifications to the treatment plan and assist with caseloads and development of individualized treatment plan and preparing individually appropriate goals, interventions, and necessary support.
• Assists with and provides basic didactic group counseling, including psychoeducation, drug education, and family education to ensure peer support occurs.
• Provides individual client counseling, educational programs and lectures to address relapse prevention, problem solving, behavior modification, anger management, etc., and to assist in overcoming substance use disorder, adjusting to pro-social life, and making cognitive and behavioral changes.
• Under direct supervision and with supervisor's approval, carries case load, per State and contract requirements.
• Collaborates with clients to develop discharge summary and plans for supervisor's approval to integrate aftercare treatment with referral resource services.
• Coordinates required services to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations in support of continued recovery.
• Collects and maintains treatment records and reports to ensure organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual compliance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a helping profession from an accredited college or university
• Some previous experience substance use treatment/counseling and/or mental health counseling is preferred
• Current Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) or Masters Certified Addictions Counselor (MCAP) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) preferred
• Must be able to obtain Florida Department of Corrections clearance to work in the correctional institution.
• Basic knowledge of the principles of human growth and psychosocial development
• Basic knowledge of group and individual dynamics, conflict resolution and intervention techniques based on client maturation level
• Basic understanding of mental health disorders requiring referrals
• Basic communication skills to exchange information and interact with various internal and external audiences regarding client care
• Active listening skills and social perceptiveness
• Ability to read and interpret policies and instructions
• Ability to understand side effects and impact of medications on client
• Adaptability / flexibility: ability to shift priorities

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 record, proofread and check documents and files for accuracy, to prepare and analyze data and figures, transcribe, read
• Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data
• Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises

Compensation (based on experience and credentials)

• Range begins at $23.70 per hour.
• Gateway Foundation 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.

Nearest Major Market: Jacksonville