Substance Use Counselor - Wrightsville, GA

Overview

Substance Use Counselor – Wrightsville, GA

Post Date:
Feb 12, 2026

Location:

Wrightsville, GA, US, 31096

Position Type:
Full Time

Requisition Number: 33220

Work Schedule:

Monday - Thursday, 10-hour shifts

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.

The Substance Use 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.

• 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

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

• A 4-day workweek (Monday-Thursday)
• Ongoing clinical supervision and mentorship
• Monthly educational trainings and free continuing education hours

• 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

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

• 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

• Works in a correctional facility
• Ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to 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, hear and detect alarms and unusual noises

(based on experience and credentials):

• Non-Credentialed range begins at $20.50 per hour - $21.50 per hour
• Credentialed ranges begin at $26.00 per…