Certified-Substance Abuse Counselor (C/SAC)

The Newport News Sheriff’s Office has an immediate opening for a full-time Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). The Sheriff’s office operates two facilities housing over 500 inmates.

The Masters Level Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) leads rehabilitation education, completes assessments, case management and discharge planning of clients admitted into the Newport News City Jail. This position assists the medical staff as needed in their evaluation of inmate with substance abuse addiction.

Administers appropriate screening tool such as Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI), VA Modified Offender Screening Tool (M-OST) and/or Offender Screening Tool (OST). Assists in case management/discharge planning, with appropriate referrals based on client needs. The CSAC assures that an Individualized Treatment Plan is established for each participant and that a Treatment Plan Review is completed weekly for those who remain incarcerated for greater than 16 weeks. Daily tasks consist of attending and leading group sessions and individual sessions.

The CSAC is a strategic member of the Treatment Team and makes decisions and recommendations in the area of social services required placement in other social structures and counseling with recommendations for other wraparound services, including re-entry.

Work is performed in accordance with established departmental policies with application of professional knowledge and skills in completion of case assignments, working with a degree of professional independence. The counselor will work closely with a multidisciplinary team consisting of jail administrators and staff, medical providers, program staff (counselors, re-entry specialists), and community partners such as CSB and similar agencies. Performance of duties are under the supervision of the Executive Director of Community Outreach and Programs.

Essential Functions

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrate the ability to engage individuals in a hopeful, empathetic manner regardless of the phase of recovery.
• Provide a welcoming environment while conducting daily classes for individuals enrolled in substance abuse treatment and counseling.
• Make referrals to appropriate personnel who will determine participants’ eligibility for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).
• Perform individual counseling and group classes. Document client progress through counseling and interaction through groups and individual sessions.
• Identify any case management needs and work to address those needs.
• Conduct follow up with re-entry before release from incarceration to ensure appropriate placement in re-entry classes/programs.
• Coordinate services and service planning with medical providers within NN-MAT and with other agencies such as criminal justice agencies, probation officers, Veterans Affairs staff, jail staff, psychiatric hospitals, counselors, landlords, vocational programs, doctors, etc., to ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain records related to service delivery according to applicable ethical requirements and the requirements of the Newport News Sheriff’s Office and other regulatory agencies (federal, state, and other).
• Participates in team meetings, professional development trainings, seminars, and conferences pertaining to the program and its operation.
• Always acts in the best interest of the program and Newport News Sheriff’s Office; honors, supports and protects the data and rights of all participants.

Education/Experience

Master's degree in a human services field (i.e. Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, Public Health).

CSAC – Certification

Two years' experience in a human services field (i.e., Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, Public Health).

Two or more years’ experience working with adults with mental health/substance abuse disorders; preferably in a jail-based setting.

Additional Information & Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record by the DMV
• Must be certified or certifiable in basic first aid and CPR

Work Location: Newport News City Jail

Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday (8am-4pm), evenings and weekends as needed.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Requires an acceptable background check and acceptable credit check.
• Have never been dishonorably discharged from any of the armed forces of the United States.
• Requires a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to work a varying shift pattern and be on-call on a rotational basis for certain duties and teams.
• Employees in this job are required to refrain from all use of controlled substances and are subject to random controlled substances testing.

The Newport News Sheriff's Office shall safely and securely provide appropriate supervision of all persons entrusted to the care of the Newport News City Jail and Annex; provide for safe and secure operations in the courts; guarantee expedient and accurate service of civil and criminal warrants, and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.