What are the responsibilities and job description for the SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SPECIALIST position at State of Arkansas?
Position Number: 22124881
County: Hot Spring
Posting End Date: April 20, 2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.00
Location: Ouachita River Unit - Malvern
WORKING TITLE: RSVP Advisor
The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.
All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.
Position Information
Job Series: Counseling and Mental Health – Career Path
Classification: Substance Use Disorder Specialist
Class Code: SCM09P
Pay Grade: SGS06
Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163
Job Summary
The Substance Use Disorder Specialist provides direct support to individuals experiencing substance use and co-occurring behavioral health disorders. This entry-level role focuses on client engagement, education, screening, case documentation, and coordination of services under the supervision of a licensed professional.
Primary Responsibilities
Conduct screenings and assessments to identify levels of substance use and readiness for change using approved tools. Assist in developing individualized service plans under supervision of a licensed counselor or clinician. Deliver psychoeducational sessions, relapse prevention activities, and peer support as appropriate to licensure. Collaborate with case managers, treatment providers, and community partners to ensure continuity of care. Maintain accurate, timely case documentation and client records in compliance with confidentiality laws. Provide outreach and engagement services to individuals at risk or underserved populations. Support clients with transportation arrangements, appointment scheduling, or navigating access to services. Monitor client progress and communicate concerns to clinical supervisors in a timely manner. Promote harm reduction, wellness, and stigma-free care environments.
Knowledge And Skills
Knowledge of community resources in substance use treatments, mental health, housing, employment, and social services. Knowledge of basic principles of addiction, recovery, and behavioral health conditions. Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations and crisis response techniques. Ability to keep accurate and detailed records and support individuals experiencing distress or crisis while maintaining boundaries and professionalism. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, follow protocols, and identify client needs. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.
Minimum Qualifications
At least one year of experience in substance use disorder treatment or a related field.
Licensure/Certifications: .
Must hold one of the following active, unrestricted licenses/certifications in the State of Arkansas:
Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor
OR
Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Licensure/Certifications
Must hold one of the following active, unrestricted licenses/certifications in the State of Arkansas: Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor OR Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
County: Hot Spring
Posting End Date: April 20, 2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.00
Location: Ouachita River Unit - Malvern
WORKING TITLE: RSVP Advisor
The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.
All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.
Position Information
Job Series: Counseling and Mental Health – Career Path
Classification: Substance Use Disorder Specialist
Class Code: SCM09P
Pay Grade: SGS06
Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163
Job Summary
The Substance Use Disorder Specialist provides direct support to individuals experiencing substance use and co-occurring behavioral health disorders. This entry-level role focuses on client engagement, education, screening, case documentation, and coordination of services under the supervision of a licensed professional.
Primary Responsibilities
Conduct screenings and assessments to identify levels of substance use and readiness for change using approved tools. Assist in developing individualized service plans under supervision of a licensed counselor or clinician. Deliver psychoeducational sessions, relapse prevention activities, and peer support as appropriate to licensure. Collaborate with case managers, treatment providers, and community partners to ensure continuity of care. Maintain accurate, timely case documentation and client records in compliance with confidentiality laws. Provide outreach and engagement services to individuals at risk or underserved populations. Support clients with transportation arrangements, appointment scheduling, or navigating access to services. Monitor client progress and communicate concerns to clinical supervisors in a timely manner. Promote harm reduction, wellness, and stigma-free care environments.
Knowledge And Skills
Knowledge of community resources in substance use treatments, mental health, housing, employment, and social services. Knowledge of basic principles of addiction, recovery, and behavioral health conditions. Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations and crisis response techniques. Ability to keep accurate and detailed records and support individuals experiencing distress or crisis while maintaining boundaries and professionalism. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, follow protocols, and identify client needs. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.
Minimum Qualifications
At least one year of experience in substance use disorder treatment or a related field.
Licensure/Certifications: .
Must hold one of the following active, unrestricted licenses/certifications in the State of Arkansas:
Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor
OR
Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Licensure/Certifications
Must hold one of the following active, unrestricted licenses/certifications in the State of Arkansas: Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor OR Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $52,137 - $77,163