Substance Abuse Counselor-Wausau

CounselorFull-Time

Listed compensation

Salary Range: $27.00/hr

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 7mo ago

Job Description

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Wausau - Wausau, WI 54401Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 2 Year DegreeSalary Range: $27.00 - $27.00Travel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: 8 am -4 pmJob Category: Criminal JusticeATTIC Correctional Services is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive support and assistance to individuals struggling with substance abuse issues in the Wausau, WI community. Our mission is to empower individuals to overcome addiction and lead fulfilling lives through personalized counseling, education, and community outreach programs. Job Description: We are currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Substance Abuse Counselor to join our team on a full-time basis. We offer flexible work/life schedule. The Substance Abuse Counselor will play a crucial role in providing substance abuse counseling services to individuals affected by substance abuse, facilitating group sessions, and implementing evidence-based treatment interventions. This position requires a compassionate individual with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. Duties include, but are not limited to

  • Develop treatment plans based on each client's individual needs.
  • Complete and maintain accurate records of progress, services provided, treatment plan, and other required information.
  • Counsel clients in group sessions, using the approved curriculum provided.
  • Conduct orientation intake sessions of individuals referred to the program.
  • Evaluate client participation by monitoring behavior, attitude, and progress.

Qualifications

Education & Work Experience

  • Associate Degree in Human Services, Criminal Justice, Social Work or related field required. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
  • Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC-IT, SAC or CSAC) credentials through the state of WI.
  • 1 year of experience in counseling.
  • 1 year of experience working with correctional/AODA clients. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Demonstrated ability working with individuals from diverse backgrounds; culturally competent.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, email, and internet.
  • Ability to maintain the utmost confidentiality of all agency information.
  • Ability to interact with staff, clients, and agents in an effective manner while maintaining professional boundaries. This is a full-time position with competitive salary and full benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation and sick time. Employment in ATTIC makes you eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness(subject to individual loan terms). Join our team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by substance abuse in the Wausau, WI area.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action ATTIC Correctional Services, Inc. is in compliance with applicable state and federal statutes and regulations relating to nondiscrimination in employment and service delivery.

No otherwise qualified person shall be excluded from employment, be denied the benefits of employment or otherwise be subject to discrimination in employment in any manner on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, disability or association with a person with a disability, arrest or conviction record, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy, political belief, or affiliation, military participation, or use or non use of lawful products off the employer’s premises during working hours.

All employees are expected to support goals and programmatic activities relating to nondiscrimination in employment.

No otherwise qualified applicant for service or service participant shall be excluded from participation, be denied benefits, or otherwise be subject to discrimination in any manner on the basis of race, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, disability or association with a person with a disability.

Under the Food Stamp Act and USDA policy, discrimination is prohibited also on the basis of religion, political beliefs or affiliation. This policy covers eligibility for the access to service delivery, and treatment in all of our programs and activities.

As a Federal Contractor, ACS supports Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which prohibits discrimination of qualified individuals with disabilities, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 which prohibits discrimination of covered veterans; and requires affirmative action in all personnel practices for qualified individuals with disabilities and for covered veterans. #HP

Key Responsibilities

The Substance Abuse Counselor will provide counseling services to individuals affected by substance abuse, facilitate group sessions, and implement evidence-based treatment interventions. Duties include developing treatment plans, maintaining accurate records, conducting intake sessions, and evaluating client progress.

Requirements

Candidates must possess an Associate Degree in Human Services, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or a related field, along with Substance Abuse Counselor credentials (SAC-IT, SAC, or CSAC) in Wisconsin. A minimum of one year of experience in counseling and working with correctional/AODA clients is required.

Key Skills

Treatment PlanningGroup Sessions FacilitationEvidence-Based InterventionsRecord KeepingClient EvaluationCultural Competence

Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 64% are remote, 38% have no call, 64% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Wisconsin is 94.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 60.7% of Wisconsin clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Counselor Jobs

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Salary Distribution27 jobs · 11 employers

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Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks26 jobs · 11 employers

401k / retirement match
96% this job
Sign-on bonus
50%
CME allowance
19%
Loan repayment
4% this job
PSLF eligible
4% this job

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Work-life snapshot

median 6.1this job 3.0
Better work-life than 30% of Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 1,008 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • On-site

Living in Wausau

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$231k
Typical market rent
$961/mo
Residents’ average commute
15 min
State income tax
Up to 7.7%
Sources & methodology

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

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Attic Correctional Services logo

About Attic Correctional Services

Civic and Social Organizations
51-200 employees

Benefits & Perks

Health insurance
Retirement plans
Vacation and sick time
Public Loan Forgiveness eligible