Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor

The Department of Correction is recruiting for full-time Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor in Addiction Services to help individuals needing assistance dealing with opioid crisis. This position independently performs a full range of tasks in the provision of specialized individual or group substance abuse counseling services to offenders.  The position is based out of central office in Wethersfield and travel is required to all correctional facilities.  It is a full time position, Monday through Friday, first shift, 36.25 hours per week.

The position requires working with facility based addiction service staff and counseling staff to identify inmate patients who are at risk of opioid overdose.  

Responsibilities include:    

• educating and training inmate patients and their families/significant others, in addition to all facility staff, about naloxone rescue and use prior to release
• establish process, procedures and coordinate provision of naloxone kits to all inmate patients who are at risk of opioid overdose and inform the department
• establish process and procedure for providing naloxone kits to selected custody locations where naloxone is not currently provided
• act as a liaison between CT DOC custody, addiction services, medical staff, community Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), and other community prescriber personnel to ensure all patients re-entering the community are provided with naloxone medication and training
• work with the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to ensure adequate supplies of naloxone are available to CT DOC. Track and manage the naloxone supplies in order to ensure the naloxone supplies are within appropriate usage dates and managed securely

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department of Correction, who has permanent state status*, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.

In a Department of Correction facility or community setting this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the provision of specialized individual or group substance abuse counseling services to offenders.

Coordinates offender rehabilitation program within facility or community setting; provides intensive counseling services to alcohol and drug dependent offenders; screens offenders to determine eligibility for programs; assesses strengths, weaknesses and treatment needs; orients offenders to treatment program; participates in treatment planning and individual and/or group counseling; periodically checks offender progress and recommends changes; performs case management activities; provides crisis intervention services in response to emotional and/or physical distress; makes referrals to programs for medical and/or psychological intervention; ensures adherence to infection control practices; conducts census checks; develops and maintains comprehensive treatment files including treatment plans and progress notes, discharge summaries, crisis intervention and referrals; assists in program development and implementation; assists other staff in performing difficult or hazardous investigations; prepares detailed reports for classification committees and other groups evaluating offender progress; may test and evaluate offenders at any state of correctional process in terms of psychological, educational, vocational, social and medical needs; may be required to coordinate volunteer programs; may physically restrain inmates, quell disturbances and otherwise assist security forces in emergencies; may be required to collect urine samples and/or conduct on-site urinalysis to determine offender drug and/or alcohol usage; may educate offenders on substance abuse issues and availability of resources; may escort offenders; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of addictions, recovery and/or relapse prevention; considerable knowledge of sociological and psychological concepts with emphasis on analysis of criminal behavior; considerable knowledge of social, emotional and economic factors which contribute to criminal behavior; considerable knowledge of counseling and interviewing techniques; considerable knowledge of individual and social factors relating to personal adjustment; knowledge of community resources; knowledge of current correctional practices including inmate classification systems and parole process; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to prepare clear and concise reports and case histories; ability to organize time, set priorities and manage workload; ability to utilize computer software.

Certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor and three (3) years of experience in casework and/or counseling with some work with clients/offenders with behavioral healthcare issues.

1. Three (3) years as a Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience.
   
2. Licensure from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor may be substituted for the General Experience.

Candidate should possess the following to apply for the job:

1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain Certification OR Licensure from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
   
2. Incumbents in this class are required to possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification at the time of appointment.
   
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
   
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
   
5. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
   
6. Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language.

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

1. Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
   
2. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to considerable danger of injury or assault by offenders.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.