State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In a Department of Correction facility or community setting this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the provision of specialized individual or group substance abuse counseling services to offenders.

Works under the general supervision of a Correctional Counselor Supervisor or other employee of higher grade.

• Coordinates offender rehabilitation program within facility or community setting;
• Provides intensive counseling services to alcohol and drug dependent offenders;
• Screens offenders to determine eligibility for programs;
• Assesses strengths, weaknesses and treatment needs;
• Orients offenders to treatment program; 
• Participates in treatment planning and individual and/or group counseling;
• Periodically checks offender progress and recommends changes;
• Performs case management activities;
• Provides crisis intervention services in response to emotional and/or physical distress;
• Makes referrals to programs for medical and/or psychological intervention;
• Ensures adherence to infection control practices;
• Conducts census checks;
• Develops and maintains comprehensive treatment files including treatment plans and progress notes, discharge summaries, crisis intervention and referrals;
• Assists in program development and implementation;
• Assists other staff in performing difficult or hazardous investigations;
• Prepares detailed reports for classification committees and other groups evaluating offender progress;
• May test and evaluate offenders at any state of correctional process in terms of psychological, educational, vocational, social and medical needs;
• May be required to coordinate volunteer programs;
• May physically restrain inmates, quell disturbances and otherwise assist security forces in emergencies;
• May be required to collect urine samples and/or conduct on-site urinalysis to determine offender drug and/or alcohol usage;
• May educate offenders on substance abuse issues and availability of resources;
• May escort offenders;
• Performs related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of
  • addictions, recovery and/or relapse prevention; 
  • sociological and psychological concepts with emphasis on analysis of criminal behavior;
  • social, emotional and economic factors which contribute to criminal behavior;
  • counseling and interviewing techniques;
  • individual and social factors relating to personal adjustment;
• Knowledge of
  • community resources;
  • current correctional practices including inmate classification systems and parole process;
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to
  • prepare clear and concise reports and case histories;
  • organize time, set priorities and manage workload;
  • utilize computer software.

Certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor and three (3) years of experience in casework and/or counseling with some work with clients/offenders with behavioral healthcare issues.

• Three (3) years as a Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience.
• Licensure from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor may be substituted for the General Experience.

• Incumbents in this class must possess and retain Certification OR Licensure from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
• Incumbents in this class are required to possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification at the time of appointment.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language.

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

• Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
• A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to considerable danger of injury or assault by offenders.

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor in Salary Group CO 12 approved effective August 07, 2015. (Revised to modernize format and add Acknowledgement section) Final No. 23-174