Prison Based Substance Abuse Counselor

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

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 have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while 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, while embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion for every individual in every community. 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 3:00pm

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.

Prison-Based Counselors (Therapists) 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 (based on experience and credentials):

• $22.00 - $30.00 per hour
• Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

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 Gateway
• 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

Gateway Foundation 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 .