Cognitive Behavioral Instructor - Substance Abuse Program (SAP) @ Topeka Correctional Facility

About the role

The instructors provide on-site facilitation of a structured Cognitive Behavioral Curriculum to a designated criminal justice population, focusing on substance misuse for incarcerated individuals with moderate to high need. The role is full-time, salaried, and exempt, emphasizing skill‑building activities to develop cognitive, social, emotional, and coping skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement the set Substance Misuse Curriculum as defined by the University of Cincinnati.
• Create, develop and implement activities for participants to fulfill in both group and individual settings, including development of appropriate social skills.
• Attend specialized trainings by the University of Cincinnati to understand the Cognitive Behavioral Curriculum Interventions for the Substance Misuse program.
• Provide the six components of the substance misuse curriculum to incarcerated participants in one‑on‑one and group sessions.
• Facilitate the curriculum with individual teaching, guidance, and mentoring to participants to achieve successful completion of core educational requirements.
• Determine the level of functioning of participants to develop and assign individualized practice work to enhance skill development.
• Maintain a professional presence at the correctional facility with appropriate boundaries to reinforce health and safety of inmates and allow appropriate program participation.
• Exercise discretion in guiding participants to successful completion of curriculum guidelines.
• Track and document client and program outcomes in a timely manner to meet curriculum requirements and provide reports to Supervisor, Executive Team, and funders as requested.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred with experience in substance abuse/mental health field, cognitive behavioral education, social services and/or criminal justice area.
• Experience working in the field, or currently in a related educational program, will be considered.
• Personal or work experience with diverse communities including those with substance misuse and criminal populations preferred.
• Computer skills require proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel & Outlook.
• Able to demonstrate considerable independent judgment and initiative when carrying out the position responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; displays courtesy, tact, respect and acceptance toward participants, criminal justice personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Displays professional image and demeanor at all times.
• Ethical behavior as demonstrated through honesty, accountability, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to manage time and resources, effectively prioritizing workload appropriately.
• Works well in intra‑ and inter‑departmental and community organization teams; attentive and cooperative with others to successfully accomplish group tasks.
• Detail‑oriented, timely and accurate completion of documentation and reports reflecting client participation and progress throughout the program.
• Bi‑lingual skills a plus.

Benefits

• Salary is based on level of education and experience.
• Full benefits package available including health, dental, vision and term life insurance.
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays.