Substance Use Counselor
Listed compensation
$22-$30/hr
The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday
Ask the employer about the work setting and nights and shift pattern.
Job Description
Who Is Alpharus Health?
Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing.
Our mission is simple: We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered approach, we help people build the skills, resilience, and support systems needed to create meaningful, lasting change.
Why Join Us?
Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results.
By joining our team, you'll be working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth.
When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.
We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections
Perks of Working in Correctional Healthcare
- Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population
- Exposure to diverse patient demographics
- Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care
- Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting
Location: Marquette Branch Prison 1960 U.S. Hwy. 41 South Marquette, MI 49855
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 11:00am - 7:30pm
Substance Use Counselors Are Responsible For
Provides group orientation, individual intake, comprehensive assessment, Mid-Program assessment and discharge planning including aftercare recommendations, in accordance to MDOC contract requirements.
Documents treatment and discharge plans, and client’s progress and responses to treatment; and maintains related records and charts.
Provides Evidenced-Based group therapy for up to 15 offenders per group in accordance to MDOC contract requirements.
Provides individual segregation discharges as needed/approved for offenders terminated early from substance abuse services, in accordance to MDOC contract requirements and at the discretion of the correctional facility.
Completion of Reporting Requirements
Adherence to MDOC policies and procedures, with specific attention to safety and security, and maintenance of professional boundaries with offender population.
Ability to navigate between internal electronic health record and Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) system for reporting.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree with minimum of two years’ experience OR Master’s Degree and minimum of one year of experience
Experience in substance abuse related field, with specific skills in counseling, assessment, treatment planning and group therapy; working with offender population.
Clinical licensure and/or Certification in State of Michigan or ability to obtain this within designated timeframe specified through the Michigan Board of Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).
- Ability to follow MDOC directives and remain flexible as needed to accommodate facility space and scheduling.
- Ability to work independently and/or with team members as available.
- Ability to receive and apply clinical supervision feedback as needed.
- Excellent attendance and punctuality to ensure consistent delivery of services.
Compensation:
Range is between $22.00 - $30.00 per hour
Starting rates are determined based on years of experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.
Alpharus Health conducts annual performance reviews, with merit increase eligbility determined by employee performance and organizational financial performance.
Benefits at Apharus Health
Health and Wellness:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
- Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
- Employee assistance programs focused on mental health
Financial Wellbeing:
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
- Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Alpharus
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Flexibility and Time Off:
- 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
- 9 paid company holidays
- Work-life-balance
Personal Development:
Training & Development Programs
Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance
Alpharus Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.
Key Responsibilities
The Substance Use Counselor provides group and individual therapy, comprehensive assessments, and discharge planning for offenders within a correctional facility. They are responsible for maintaining accurate clinical documentation and ensuring adherence to MDOC policies and safety protocols.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 52% are remote, 24% have no call, 66% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Michigan is 96.2 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$54k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $56k in an average-cost state. 61.8% of Michigan clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Substance Use Counselor at Alpharus Health a 7.2 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 10% in Substance Use / Addiction Counselor — ranked against 1,008 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no on-call duties, no weekend requirements.
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