Social Worker - Substance Abuse Counselor

About the role

The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

Responsibilities

• Identify the nature and cause of client’s problem(s) and incapacities as they relate to chemical abuse, social functioning, vocational functioning, legal functioning, and leisure time functioning.
• Formulate service delivery plans, implement case plans upon approval of the supervisor, provide treatment and guidance in line with accepted modules, and develop and refer clients to appropriate community resources.

Requirements

• Active Social Worker credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in the form of a:
• - Temporary credential may be considered, but the regular Social Worker credential must be obtained during the first 12 months of employment.
• Active Substance Abuse Counselor credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in the form of a:
• - Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training certificate (SAC-IT) (130)
• - Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (SAC) (131)
• - Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (CSAC) (132)
• Anyone hired with a pending SAC-IT application must obtain the SAC-IT credential during the first 12 months of employment.
• Non-Training Certificate Social Work Credential AND 12 or more months of social work experience with correctional clients or 2 or more years of total social work experience for the Social Worker - Senior level.

Qualifications

• Social Worker credential and a substance abuse credential from the Wisconsin DSPS are required to be considered.

Skills

• Evidence-based approaches
• Positive impact on lives

Benefits

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
• An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Pay

• Pay schedule and range 12-64 for Social Worker and 12-63 for Social Worker - Senior.
• Starting pay will be set based on full years of non-training Social Work Credentialing in Wisconsin.
• Progression on years of pay starts when a full Social Worker credential is issued (of any of the other types allowed below).
• This position may receive a $1.00 to $2.00 per hour add-on pay based on the type of SAC credential possessed at the time of hire.
• Employees are eligible to receive supplemental (add-on) pay of $5.00/hr for all hours worked (not including leave time) at Green Bay Correctional Institution.
• Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A probationary period is required.

Schedule

• Normal working hours are day-time hours Monday – Friday and the majority of positions are full-time.
• Specifics can be discussed at time of interview.
• This position is FLSA Exempt.
• This position is not anticipated to travel on a regular basis, but most DOC positions occasionally travel for training, meetings, conferences, or similar events.

Application

• To apply, click on “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
• The initial screening prior to interview is based on a review of your license(s)/credential(s). A resume is required, but it is not being assessed to determine whether you are eligible to advance in selection.
• You will be asked about your Social Worker credential/license in the application process, and there will be a field for you to enter your credential number. Please enter it as it appears on the DSPS website as this is how we will verify your credential. This is the credential # that ends in “-120, -121, -122, -123, or -127”. If your credential is listed under a former name, please include your former name in the same text box after you enter your credential number.
• You will be asked about your Substance Abuse Counselor credential in the application process, and there will be a field for you to enter your credential number. Please enter it as it appears on the DSPS website as this is how we will verify your credential. This is the credential # that ends in “-130, -131, or -132”. If your credential is listed under a former name, please include the former name. If you are in the process of applying, please enter your PAR # instead. If your application does not have all criteria listed as met except Employment Verification, please wait until it does to apply.
• Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.

Contact

• To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here.
• For more in-depth information on employment with the State of Wisconsin, please see the State Employee Handbook.
• Questions can be directed to Athena Foster, HR Specialist - Senior, at Athena.Foster@wisconsin.gov.

Deadline to Apply

• Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the needs of the department are met. This posting will be up until: Wednesday December 16th, 2026. At that time, we anticipate creating a new job opening to continue recruiting for this classification, and individuals will need to reapply to be considered. Applications are processed every week, usually on Thursdays. After your application is processed, you will receive an eligibility designation. The register created from this announcement will be used to fill vacancies, statewide, as they occur for up to 6 months.