Social Worker - Substance Abuse Counselor

Social Worker – Substance Abuse Counselor

Agency
:
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
Employment Type
:
Full-time
Location
:
Wisconsin

This position identifies the nature and cause of clients’ problems and in capacities as they relate to chemical abuse, social functioning, vocational functioning, legal functioning, and leisure time functioning. It formulates service delivery plans, implements approved case plans, provides treatment and guidance in line with accepted modules, and develops and refers clients to appropriate community resources.

Pay schedule and range:
Social Worker – $32.56 to $35.56 per hour;
Senior – $35.40 to $38.95 per hour, based on years of experience. Additional add‑on pay $1.00 to $2.00 per hour may apply based on SAC credential. Employees at Green Bay Correctional Institution may receive an additional $5.00 per hour supplemental pay. A sign‑on bonus of $3,000 is available for candidates with no prior permanent employment with the state in the last 5 years, subject to an agreement to remain in the occupational area for one year.

• Mandatory leave: at least 3.5 weeks of vacation at start, 9 paid holidays, accrual of sick time.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Lifetime pension plan.
• Optional 457 retirement savings plan.
• State of Wisconsin Well Wisconsin Program and Employee Assistance Program.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

• Active Social Worker credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services:
  Training certificate (127), certificate (120), advanced practice certificate (121), independent clinical certificate (122), or licensed clinical license (123). Temporary credentials are acceptable if the regular credential is obtained within 12 months.
• Active Substance Abuse Counselor credential:
  In‑Training certificate (SAC‑IT 130), certificate (SAC 131), or clinical certificate (CSAC 132). Pending SAC‑IT applicants must obtain the credential within 12 months.
• Both credentials are mandatory; lack of either renders you ineligible.
• For Senior level: non‑training social work credential plus 12 or more months with correctional clients or at least 2 years total social work experience.

• Applicants who have applied for a SAC‑IT credential and whose application status shows all criteria met (or only unmet Employment Verification) may be considered, provided PAR # is submitted.
• Qualified veterans with 30% or greater service‑connected disability may apply through the Veterans Non‑Competitive Appointment program.

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the needs of the department are met. This posting will be open until Wednesday, June 17, 2026.