Substance Use Disorder Counselor

About Durham County Government

Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast‑growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more nc.gov.

JUSTICE SERVICES

OCTOBER 22, 2025

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

$55,366.00 - $65,000.00

FULL‑TIME (37.5 HOURS), NONEXEMPT

The work performed is professional and provides counseling to clients to develop their cognitive, behavioral, and social skills related to the treatment plan for their substance use addiction(s) and behavioral health needs. This position works under general supervision.

Note:

This position will work with multiple JSD Substance Abuse programs including Outpatient SUD and the STARR program located in the Durham County Detention Center. Candidates must be flexible and available to work at least two nights per week as needed. Assignment will be based on agency needs. THIS IS A REPOST, ALL APPLICANTS ARE STILL BEING CONSIDERED.

• Assists clients develop their cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills as those skills relate to the treatment plan for their substance abuse addiction(s).
• Screens clients who are referred for addictive and/or psychological disorders. Uses standardized tools to screen clients and conduct intakes, orientations, and assessments (social, educational, cultural, psychological, physical, career, and familial histories).
• Develops individual treatment plans (daily regimens, behavioral goals, and after care); conducting individual and group counseling sessions; performing crisis interventions; providing client education and making referrals.
• Collaborates with community-based agencies to assist in providing enhanced services for clients in the community.
• Performs case management including record‑keeping and report submissions to the supervisor and the treatment team.
• Completes comprehensive clinical assessment. Uses discretion and judgment to determine a substance use diagnosis.
• Develops and completes person‑centered plan with intake or comprehensive clinical assessment.
• Provides and engages clients in individual counseling in accordance with their person‑centered treatment plan.
• Serves as a member of the facility’s multidisciplinary team and provides an initial diagnosis, recommended treatment, and follow‑up and discharge plans.
• Uses discretion and judgement to determine a substance use diagnosis.
• Conducts psycho‑educational groups using evidenced based treatment models when assigned.
• Works exclusively with the justice involved populations who have diagnosable substance use disorders (and often co‑occurring mental health conditions).
• Performs related work as assigned.

• Knowledge and application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‑5) for diagnosing substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of addiction processes, including psychological and physical withdrawal.
• Knowledge of psycho‑pharmacy and drug interactions.
• Knowledge and application of therapeutic approaches including group dynamics, crisis interventions, and family therapy.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Skilled in evaluating and screening clients for appropriate treatment and referrals.
• Skilled in formulating clear, goal‑oriented treatment plans, and to concisely record documentation.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining effective communication and rapport with clients, their families, and other health/therapy providers.

Requires credentials as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or as a Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP) with a minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience to practice under the provisions of the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Act. Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist – Associate…