Substance Misuse Counselor

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the city towards the smallest jail system possible without compromising public safety. The DOC is solely responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, visitors, volunteers, and people in custody inside our jails.

Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with over 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledge experts.

DOC seeks to recruit Substance Misuse Counselors assigned to the Counseling Services Unit. Under the direction of the Executive Director of Counseling Services Unit, the Substance Misuse Counselor will identify and enroll high‑risk individuals from the Department’s enhanced supervision housing units and other maximum‑security housing units who have substance misuse needs in a support program. They will conduct comprehensive assessments to develop an individual support plan that addresses substance misuse recovery needs, collaborate with Correctional Health Services to support those who participate in MAT, provide individual and group substance misuse counseling, and establish a peer‑support program with an incentive and reward system for participants.

The role services all genders and both adult and emergent adult (18‑21) populations.

• Daily interaction with individuals in custody for extended periods of time
• Implementation of rehabilitative and behavioral modification programs and services
• Provide crisis intervention support
• Conduct interviews with people in custody to gain knowledge of family history and support systems available to them
• Coordinate and facilitate family interventions inside correctional facilities
• Conduct outreach to family members, community programs, and other stakeholders to support positive behavioral change for individuals in custody
• Must have an understanding of addiction psychology, treatment modalities, and recovery stages
• Teach individuals strategies to identify triggers, manage cravings, and prevent relapse
• Prepare reports and document interactions, complete progress notes, and create treatment plans
• Attend training sessions, workshops, and staff meetings to improve knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Work in a multidisciplinary team with uniformed correctional staff and providers to achieve rehabilitive program goals
• Assist with managing conflicts and non-compliance with program rules
• Respond alongside uniformed correctional staff to manage incidents in designated housing areas to ensure safety and security
• Perform related duties as assigned

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community‑centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community‑centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in “1” above.

A valid CASAC issued by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Experience working directly with emerging adults (18‑21), or adults in a group, community, educational, or institutional setting is preferred. Knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience working with justice‑involved populations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of correctional staff. Ability to exercise independent judgment, prepare written reports and documents.

Knowledge of human development and behavior, counseling techniques, behavior modification and intervention techniques. Ability to mentor and provide positive interaction, guidance and leadership to people in custody.

New York City residency is generally…