Cognitive Counselor: (Pocahontas CC) Central Administration #01334

CounselorFull-Time

Listed compensation

$48k-$74k

The week · per this posting

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 3mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

Title: Cognitive Counselor: (Pocahontas CC) Central Administration #01334

State Role Title: Counselor II

Hiring Range: $47,721 - $73,751

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Pocahontas State Corr Ctr

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Experience working with individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

Experience working with inmates in correctional settings, pre-release, reentry, and/or prison. Experience delivering evidence-based cognitive-behavioral programs to inmates and/or inmates in a group setting. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) training and demonstrated skill competence. Professional certification in- Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) and/or Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJP).

Some experience with the principles and techniques of rehabilitative counseling specific to individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD); of casework, motivational interviewing and intervention techniques. Knowledge of evidence-based practices (EBP) principals and programs to address SUD.

Demonstrated experience resolving conflict, role model pro-social values and responsible behavior, to manage clinical boundaries and document supervisee progress in the program. Experience facilitating evidence-based cognitive-behavioral programs and peer support groups.

Ability to work both independently and as a key part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to be a leader for others and to practice dialogue skills. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to prioritize and organize work.

Minimum Qualifications

Some experience with the principles and techniques of rehabilitative counseling specific to individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD); of casework, motivational interviewing and intervention techniques. Knowledge of evidence-based practices (EBP) principals and programs to address SUD.

Demonstrated experience resolving conflict, role model pro-social values and responsible behavior, to manage clinical boundaries and document supervisee progress in the program. Experience facilitating evidence-based cognitive-behavioral programs and peer support groups.

Ability to work both independently and as a key part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to be a leader for others and to practice dialogue skills. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to prioritize and organize work.

Additional Considerations

Experience working with individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

Experience working with inmates in correctional settings, pre-release, reentry, and/or prison. Experience delivering evidence-based cognitive-behavioral programs to inmates and/or inmates in a group setting. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) training and demonstrated skill competence. Professional certification in- Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) and/or Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJP)

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver’s License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position.

Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-641-9840

Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/RÉSUMÉS / WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process.

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI).

Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter [https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx] or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver evidence-based cognitive-behavioral programs and rehabilitative counseling to inmates with Substance Use Disorders. Facilitate peer support groups and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to manage clinical boundaries and document progress.

Requirements

Requires experience in correctional settings and proficiency in SUD counseling, motivational interviewing, and evidence-based practices. Professional certification as a CSAC or CCJP is highly desired.

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Substance Use Disorder CounselingCognitive-Behavioral TherapyCase ManagementConflict ResolutionClinical Boundary ManagementGroup FacilitationPeer Support FacilitationOral CommunicationWritten CommunicationOrganizationLeadershipMultidisciplinary Teamwork

Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context

Virginia Information Technologies Agency ranks #20 of 23 employers hiring Counselor on WeekdayDoc by average advertised pay.

Of the 50 active Addiction Medicine listings this role was benchmarked against, 42% are remote, 38% have no call, 58% require no weekends.

Addiction Medicine pay on WeekdayDoc is down 3.2% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Virginia is 101.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$61k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $60k in an average-cost state. 61.1% of Virginia clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Counselor Jobs

37 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution37 jobs · 30 employers

16
<$85k
4
$85k-100k
9
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8
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Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks34 jobs · 30 employers

401k / retirement match
94%
CME allowance
44%
Sign-on bonus
26%
Loan repayment
26% this job
PSLF eligible
12% this job

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

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Work-life snapshot

median 6.1this job 3.0
Better work-life than 20% of Addiction Medicine (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 1,285 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Living in Tazewell

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$164k≈ 3.4× annual pay
Median resident rent
$708/mo≈ 18% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
26 min
State income tax
Up to 5.8%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

VI

About Virginia Information Technologies Agency

IT Services and IT Consulting
Richmond, VA
201-500 employees

Benefits & Perks

State Retirement
Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
Paid Holidays
PTO