Substance Abuse Counselor

Nestled in the heart of Central Wisconsin, North Central Health Care (NCHC) is a healthcare organization formed over fifty years ago as a partnership between three Central Wisconsin counties—Langlade, Lincoln, and Marathon. NCHC employs more than 600 professionals in diverse roles across a variety of care and work environments, providing passionate and high-quality care in mental health treatment, addiction services, long-term care, crisis stabilization, and more.

About the role

The Substance Abuse Counselor provides professional individual and group counseling services to individuals with substance use disorders and supports recovery through evidence-based practices. This role includes assessment, treatment planning, counseling, education, and case management. The counselor ensures compliance with Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS 75) standards and promotes integrated care for clients with co-occurring mental health concerns.

Responsibilities

• Conduct screenings and comprehensive substance use assessments to determine client needs.
• Perform assessments, treatment plans, and make recommendations based on findings.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with community organizations.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans aligned with client goals.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling to support substance use recovery.
• Deliver education on substance use, relapse prevention, and recovery strategies.
• Address co-occurring mental health concerns and integrate care as appropriate.
• Coordinate services with mental health professionals and other community providers.
• Respond to crises promptly and implement safety plans to ensure client well-being.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in compliance with DHS 75 and Joint Commission standards.
• Advocate for clients and connect them to appropriate community resources.
• Participate in case reviews, interdisciplinary team meetings, and ongoing professional development.
• Foster an inclusive environment by working effectively with diverse populations while maintaining confidentiality.
• Demonstrate strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Adhere to professional ethics, licensure requirements, confidentiality standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in human service-related field earned from an accredited school.
• Current State of Wisconsin licensure as one of the following:
  • Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Substance Abuse Counselor In Training
• Previous experience working with individuals with substance use disorders.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license and maintain unrestricted driving privileges throughout employment; use of a personal vehicle is required.
• Travel to sites in Merrill and Antigo may be required.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in human service-related field.
• More than 1 year of experience in substance use counseling, human services, or a closely related field.
• Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions.

In evaluating candidates for this position, North Central Health Care may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

• Primarily indoor, office-based clinical environment.
• Exposure to:
  • Agitated, irritated, or confrontational individuals.
  • Bodily fluids or communicable diseases.
• Requires visual, hearing, and communication abilities sufficient to ensure client safety and effective care delivery.

Pay

The starting pay range for this role is $29.84 - $32.50 per hour, based on education and experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time, in-person position, typically working Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO).
• Paid holidays.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• On-site bistro and cafeteria.
• Employee assistance program.
• Newly updated facility.
• Eligibility for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), a hybrid defined benefit plan where staff contribute 7.2% and NCHC matches at 100% each pay period.