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Substance Abuse Counselor

Rutgers University
life insurance, employee discount
United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick
Mar 20, 2026
Position Details

Position Information
















Recruitment/Posting Title Substance Abuse Counselor
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare - Other
Department UBHC - Addiction Services
Overview
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care ( UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC's 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Substance Abuse Counselor for the Addiction Services - ASAP - Middlesex County Jail within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the Substance Abuse Counselor is to provide community-based case management and counseling services for individuals with substance use disorders to include assessment, treatment / recovery planning, linkage and coordination of care.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

  • Provides case management services to assist individuals and/or families to gain access to needed medical, social, education, mental health, addiction, co-occurring and other services.
  • Provides crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution services to individuals served.
  • Develops or contributes to the development of a comprehensive individualized service/rehabilitation/recovery plan that addresses issues identified in collaboration with the individual served that reflect measurable goals and objectives and are based on individual program needs assessments in accordance with all regulatory requirements.
  • Provides substance abuse evaluations, develops treatment plans, and provides individual and/or group counseling and crisis interventions.
  • Demonstrates the ability to engage and establish a working relationship with and provide services to individuals with physical
  • Utilizes motivational interviewing skills, wellness and recovery principles, and knowledge of trauma-informed care to establish a working relationship with individuals and families served.
  • Follows up with referrals to program within established unit timeframes.
  • Facilitates referrals to physical health, mental health and addictions treatment programs to include detox and rehab services.

FLSA Exempt
Grade 20S
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 56516.000
Mid Range Salary 67485.000
Maximum Salary 79886.000
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discount programs

Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 37.50
Daily Work Shift Rotating
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description HPAE 5094
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Qualifications






Minimum Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in a behavioral health profession plus three (3) years of related experience working with high need individuals with substance use disorders.
Certifications/Licenses

  • A Bachelor's level Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification required.
  • All clinical licensing as required by discipline and New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
  • Applicants possessing a degree in Social Work must have an active New Jersey certification/licensure as required by the State Board of Social Work.
  • Valid driver's license required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications

  • Bilingual skills (English/Spanish).
  • Experience with community-based service provision to adults with addictions.

Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Standing, sitting, walking, talking or hearing. No special vision requirements. Ability to speak clearly and write proficiently. Hearing is essential. The ability to focus on the task at hand despite numerous interruptions. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time and document into an electronic medical record. The employee spends much time driving, walking, standing, bending and talking with individuals served in the community located throughout the County. The employee can expect to lift up to 30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment includes both office based services and community outreach. Individual wellness checks and crisis intervention required. Subject to unpredictable situations, patient crises, to include behavioral, medical and psychiatric. Occasionally exposed to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors. Exposure to blood borne pathogens that requires use of personal protective equipment. Locked facility.
Special Conditions

  • Consideration will be giving to candidates with a master's degree in a related behavioral health profession or a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) license along with the three (3) years of specific related experience.
  • Must be able to serve assigned shifts, which may include weekend, holiday and/or off-hour shifts.
  • Must possess own vehicle for use to outreach individuals served.

Posting Details






Posting Number 26ST0526
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Off Campus
City North Brunswick
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.


Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.



Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement


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