Substance Use Counselor- Polk , Fl

Substance Use Counselor – Polk City, FL

Post Date: Feb 11, 2026

Location: Polk City, FL 33868

Position Type: Full Time

Requisition Number: 33877

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7AM - 3:30PM

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.

Discover a rewarding career where you can find both personal and professional fulfillment while aligning your values with your work. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by aiding individuals in overcoming addiction. We pride ourselves on being an organization that values you and strives to be an employer of choice, fostering a vibrant culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth.

Your voice matters here; we actively listen to and value our employees' thoughts, allowing you to be part of organizational decisions. Join Gateway Foundation today and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

• Conducting individual and group counseling sessions on drug prevention and education. Working collaboratively with the treatment team to assess the individual needs and tailor programming as needed. May incorporate client discharge plans that integrate aftercare prevention techniques.
• Preparing individualized treatment plans, in accordance with established standards and deadlines, consistent with assessment, and in conjunction with client and supervisor; to include developmentally appropriate goals, interventions, necessary support or referral services, and so forth.
• Updating and maintaining client records, which includes recording clinical hours, therapeutic treatments, activity or group participation, job readiness progress, and so forth; in accordance with all local, state and federal contractual requirements. Ensuring records are complete, accurate, and up to date.
• Serving as a member of the treatment team by monitoring and reporting client observations, incidents or unusual occurrences; contributing to decisions regarding treatment plans, discipline, conflict intervention or privileges. Assisting team in maintaining consistent setting for treatment, and planning and coordinating client interaction events.
• Performing a variety of related office and technical duties as necessary such as answering telephones, relaying messages, responding to inquiries regarding program services and policies, filing, photocopying and faxing documents, planning special events, assembling intake packets, participating in client activities to promote socialization, overseeing client telephone calls, etc.
• Participating in Performance Improvement activities as appropriate.

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a Human Service field from an accredited college or university
• Some previous experience substance use treatment/counseling and/or mental health counseling is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain Florida Department of Corrections clearance to work in the correctional institution.
• Candidates who hold the Florida certifications for addiction counseling (Certified Addiction Professional [CAP], Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional [CCJAP], Certified Associate Counselor [CAC]) would also meet the criteria.
• 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, but not required (Gateway also assists with covering the cost of obtaining and maintaining credentials for career advancement, including CEUs!).
• Basic knowledge of the principles of human growth and psychosocial development
• Basic knowledge of group and individual dynamics, conflict resolution and…