What are the responsibilities and job description for the Substance Use Counselor position at Dept Behavioral Health/Develop?
- 5102676
- Petersburg, Virginia, United States
- Central State Hospital
- Health and Human Services
- Full-Time (Salaried)
- Closing at: Apr 13 2026 - 23:55 EDT
- Dept Behavioral Health/Develop
Title: Substance Use Counselor
State Role Title: 49053
Hiring Range: $52,368.00 - $72,268.00; Salary to Commensurate with Experience
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop
Location: Central State Hospital
Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/csh/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.
Central State Hospital is recruiting for a Substance Use Counselor to facilitate evidence-based, recovery-oriented individual and group substance use disorder services for adults with serious mental illness in both maximum security and civil units. This position is responsible for completing assessments and screenings to determine the presence and severity of substance use disorders, providing high-quality individual and group counseling, and supporting the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of a best-practice substance use disorder program consistent with Department of Psychology standards. The counselor will document client attendance, progress, and assessment findings in a timely manner in accordance with hospital and departmental policies; assist individuals in identifying treatment needs and appropriate programming; participate in supervision and all required DBHDS trainings and continuing education to maintain clinical competence. The ideal candidate exhibits a professional demeanor, serves as a positive role model to direct care staff, demonstrates strong negotiation and de-escalation skills, and is committed to least restrictive interventions through thoughtful treatment planning and direct service delivery. Respect for patients and staff, cultural awareness, flexibility to assist with departmental coverage needs, and adherence to hospital mission, policies, and procedures are essential to success in this role.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Successfully Perform the Job:
- Requires knowledge of best practice in substance use assessment and treatment of adults, facilitation, and understanding of the specialized needs of adults with dual diagnosis.
- Must be able to apply knowledge of the theory, techniques, and practices of counseling and substance use disorder treatment.
- Must possess the skills and ability necessary to collaborate with multiple disciplines.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must have bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field.
- Must have clinical experience providing individual and group services for individuals with substance use disorders.
- Must possess current certification in substance use counseling services (CSAC, Substance Use Counseling Assistant, CSAC supervisee, or equivalent.)
Additional Considerations
- Experience working in an inpatient psychiatric mental health facility.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Application Requirements: Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you detail all relevant work experience clearly and specifically; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.
Applications/résumés will begin to be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.
Background Investigation: All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.
Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.
Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (804) 524-7111 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Equal Opportunity: The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.
Veteran Preference: DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We highly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply and respond accordingly on the state application.
Benefits: DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: 1-804-524-7111
Email: CSHRecruitment@dbhds.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Salary : $52,368 - $72,268