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Substance Use Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Promote evidence-based practices in substance use disorder treatment. Quality Assurance & Compliance * Ensure compliance with CARF standards, Medicaid requirements, DWIHN policies, HIPAA regulations ...

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Substance Use information

What is a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor is a professional who helps individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They provide support through assessment, treatment planning, counseling sessions, and recovery strategies. Substance use counselors may work in various settings, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to guide clients toward recovery and help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance use counselor?

To thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by state licensure or certification in addiction counseling. Familiarity with treatment planning software, electronic health records (EHRs), and evidence-based intervention techniques is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and strong communication abilities are essential for building trust and supporting clients through recovery. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding individuals through treatment, ensuring ethical care, and fostering positive outcomes in challenging environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in substance use counseling, and how can they be effectively managed?

Substance use counselors often encounter challenges such as managing client relapse, navigating complex co-occurring mental health disorders, and maintaining clear professional boundaries. Building strong therapeutic alliances, participating in regular supervision, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can help address these difficulties. Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and self-care strategies are also essential for sustaining effectiveness and personal well-being in this emotionally demanding field.

What is the difference between Substance Use vs Substance Use Counselor?

AspectSubstance UseSubstance Use Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certificationCertification required (e.g., CADC, CSAC)
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, hospitals, outreach programsRehabilitation centers, clinics, private practice
Industry UsageRefers to the issue or topic of substance useRefers to professionals providing treatment and support

Substance Use describes the issue or behavior related to the consumption of substances, while a Substance Use Counselor is a trained professional who provides treatment and support for individuals struggling with substance use problems. The counselor's role involves assessment, counseling, and developing recovery plans, whereas Substance Use refers to the broader topic or problem itself.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Substance Use jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Substance Use job openings:

Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Substance Use Counselor

Gateway Foundation

Newberry, MI • On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


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: Newberry Correctional Facility - 13747 E. County Road 428 Newberry, MI 49868
  • In-Prison Male Outpatient Treatment

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm
Gateway Foundation is seeking dedicated counselors to join our Newberry site, where we provide group-based, trauma-informed substance use treatment for incarcerated men. This role offers the opportunity to build strong clinical independence while supporting clients on their journey toward recovery and successful reintegration into society. At Newberry, counselors typically lead one to two groups of 15 clients and are part of a statewide support network that fosters collaboration and a sense of community across Michigan facilities. Our team, though spread out geographically, stays closely connected through consistent communication and teamwork. This is an ideal opportunity for compassionate professionals looking to grow their counseling skills and make a meaningful impact within a correctional setting.
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), preferred
  • 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:
  • $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.