Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Thank you for your interest in joining Door County Government!

Door County is proud to be a premier place to live, work, and visit. We serve nearly 30,000 year-round residents and a vibrant seasonal population by providing essential services that support and protect the people, economy, and environment of the beautiful Door Peninsula.

Within the County organization, the Health & Human Services Behavioral Health Division provides mental health and substance use treatment services for Door County residents and their families. Care is available to individuals of all ages, with federal guidelines prioritizing pregnant women and individuals who use intravenous drugs for substance use services.

The department offers outpatient counseling, psychiatric and psychological evaluations, medication management, and support for co-occurring disorders. It also provides substance use counseling, OWI assessments, and the Intoxicated Driver Program. These services promote accessible, coordinated care that supports recovery and overall well-being.

To continue this important work, we are seeking a candidate who will perform the responsibilities outlined in the job summary and contribute to our efforts in serving the community.

Job Summary:

The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor provides direct therapeutic and recovery services to individuals and families affected by substance use. Working under the direction of the Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor, this position supports clients through assessments, treatment planning, and recovery interventions aligned with DHS Chapter 75 requirements. The role emphasizes collaboration, clinical documentation, and outreach education to promote public health and support community needs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Conducts screenings, assessments, and diagnostic evaluations for individuals with substance use concerns to develop appropriate treatment recommendations.
2. Provides individual, group, family, and couples counseling using evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to the client’s needs.
3. Develops, maintains, and updates clinical records in compliance with DHS Chapter 75, program standards, and departmental protocols.
4. Identifies client needs and coordinates services such as inpatient treatment, housing assistance, or medical referrals, including arranging and monitoring placements and aftercare plans.
5. Delivers educational presentations and consultations to community organizations and the public on substance use and recovery topics.
6. Provides recovery-focused services for individuals enrolled in Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), integrating support for mental health and substance use goals.
7. Conducts urinalysis testing and other clinical monitoring procedures as needed.
8. Assists in developing special programming or group interventions tailored to populations such as youth, elderly, women, or marginalized groups.
9. Represents the Department at community meetings and collaborative events as assigned.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Clinical Judgment: Applies counseling techniques within regulatory guidelines to assess, diagnose, and treat substance use disorders.
• Communication: Engages effectively with clients, families, and community partners, conveying technical and emotional information clearly and empathetically.
• Documentation: Prepares accurate, timely clinical records that support quality care and compliance.
• Cultural Competence: Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to diverse client backgrounds and experiences.
• Problem Solving: Adjusts therapeutic approaches based on evolving client needs and progress toward treatment goals.
• Collaboration: Coordinates with interdisciplinary teams and external agencies to support holistic care and continuity of services.
• Confidentiality: Maintains compliance with HIPAA and professional ethics related to client information.

Required Education & Experience

• Certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) or Substance Abuse Counselor - In Training (SAC-IT) in the State of Wisconsin.
• Minimum of an associate degree in human services, psychology, social work, or related field.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience providing substance use counseling in a clinical or community-based setting.
• Familiarity with DHS Chapter 75 and CCS program operations.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with occasional community-based activities. Interactions include in-person and telephone communication with clients and service providers.  Approximately 75% of the work is completed while seated at a desk using computers or phones; 10% involves walking or standing.  Must be able to lift up to 10 lbs. occasionally (e.g., paper or small equipment). Direct client service constitutes roughly 50% of responsibilities.  Periodic interactions may involve individuals who are inebriated or experiencing acute mental health symptoms.  On rare occasions, physical restraint or defensive techniques may be necessary for safety.  On-call assignments may disrupt personal schedules and require response within a 50-minute timeframe.

Emergency Response Statement

In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Door County is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Questions about the position or hiring process?

Contact Door County Human Resources at hr@co.door.wi.us
(Mon–Thurs 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Fri 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.)

In compliance with federal and state laws, if you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or selection process due to a disability, please notify Human Resources. Door County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What to Expect:

Application Timeline

• Position is open until filled — apply today.
• Application materials may be reviewed as they are received.

Selection Process

Applicants may be evaluated through one or more of the following:

• Review of application materials
• Structured interview(s)
• Skills tests, assessments, or work samples
• Other job-related evaluation methods as applicable to the position

Pre-Employment Requirements

Final candidate(s) may be subject to:

• Reference check(s)
• Background check
• Job-related pre-employment screening, license and credential verification

Door County is committed to a fair, consistent, and job-related hiring process.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Door County. We look forward to reviewing your application.