Substance Abuse Counselor

Are you interested in Substance Abuse Counseling and want to get certified for FREE?

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

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 have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while 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

**Certifications/Licensures are NOT required for Entry Level Counselors**

Location:Johnson State Prison - 290 Donovan Harrison Rd. Wrightsville, GA 31096

Work Schedule:Monday through Thursday from 6:45 AM - 5:15pm (4-10 hour Shifts)

About Gateway Foundation & Johnson State Prison RSAT Program

Gateway Foundation operates the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program at Johnson State Prison in Wrightsville, Georgia-known as "The House of Hope." This structured, evidence-based program serves up to 384 justice-involved adult men daily across two treatment units within a secure correctional setting. Our RSAT program delivers trauma-informed, recovery-oriented substance use treatment designed to promote accountability, personal growth, and long-term recovery. Through clinical services, skill development, and therapeutic engagement, our team helps individuals build a foundation for positive change and successful re-entry into the community. Wrightsville is often called the friendliest little town in Georgia, offering small-town charm and a supportive community environment. The nearby city of Dublin, GA (just a short drive away) provides additional housing options, amenities, and recreational opportunities.

Position Overview: Substance Abuse Counselor

The Substance Abuse Counselor I plays a key role in delivering structured, evidence-based treatment services to justice-involved individuals within the RSAT program. This position provides individual and group counseling using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed approaches. Counselors maintain a caseload of up to 25 clients and work collaboratively with clinical supervisors and program leadership to support ethical practice, treatment engagement, and positive client outcomes. This role is ideal for professionals seeking meaningful work in a mission-driven environment, along with structured support toward certification and career advancement.

Why This Role Matters

Substance use treatment in correctional settings can be life-changing. As a counselor in the RSAT program, your work directly supports recovery, reduces recidivism, and helps individuals develop the tools needed for long-term stability. Every group facilitated and every session conducted contributes to safer communities and stronger futures.

What You'll Do

• Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions using CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed practices
• Maintain clinical documentation and treatment planning in accordance with program and DOC standards
• Manage a caseload of up to 25 clients (may exceed on occasion based on program needs)
• Collaborate with clinical supervisors and multidisciplinary team members
• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and professional development
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and adhere to contracted scope of work within a correctional environment

Team Culture & Professional Growth

Our RSAT team embraces a team-first, client-centered culture built on collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement. Counselors benefit from:

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  A 4-day workweek (Monday-Thursday)

  
  
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  Ongoing clinical supervision and mentorship

  
  
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  Monthly educational trainings and free continuing education hours

  
  

Onboarding & Training

• Company-paid 5-day Georgia Department of Corrections Pre-Service Orientation within the first 30 days (meals provided)
• Training includes GDC policies, CPR, PREA, safety protocols, and correctional environment preparation
• Additional Gateway-led onboarding and training for approximately 30 days before assuming a caseload or facilitating groups independently

Work Environment

This position is based inside a medium-security correctional facility and requires compliance with DOC security procedures, including controlled entry, officer supervision, and adherence to safety protocols.

• Support toward CADCII certification within two years
• Clear career pathways to Counselor II, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and Program Director roles
• Regular team-building activities and accessible leadership

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in a human services-related field (required)
• Preferred experience in substance use treatment
• CADCII certification preferred or eligibility to obtain certification within 18 months
• Strong desire to work with justice-involved individuals in a structured treatment setting
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team-focused clinical environment

Physical Requirements

• Works in a correctional facility
• 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 $20.50 per hour - $21.50 per hour.
• Credentialed ranges begins at $26.00 per hour - $28.00 per hour.
• ***Up to $3,000 Sign On Bonus for Certified Counselors***
• Gateway Foundation conductsannual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

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 Gateway
• 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

Gateway Foundation 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 OFCCPhere.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're passionate about recovery, professional growth, and helping individuals create meaningful change within a structured treatment environment, we encourage you to apply.