Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counselor (PCN 20-4343)
Salary
$2,481.75 - $2,766.75 Biweekly
Location
Anchorage, AK
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
53405
Department
Corrections
Division
Inmate Health Care
Opening Date
04/03/2026
Closing Date
7/7/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
Division
Health and Rehabilitation Services
Position Open To
All Applicants
Bargaining Unit
General Government
Range
17
Job Description
The Department of Corrections, Division of Health and Rehabilitation Services, is recruiting for a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counselor located at the Anchorage Correctional Complex (ACC) in Anchorage, Alaska.
Watch Alaska DOC HARS video here:
https://vimeo.com/789872805/e68dd6b1e3
What You Will Be Doing:
Our Mission, Values, and Culture:
The HARS Mission Statement: To provide timely access to essential care through an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach. We are committed to a culture of professionalism, quality and safety.
We seek applicants who are interested in furthering the HARS Mission and who will strive to uphold the Divisions Core Values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Safety and Growth.
Benefits of Joining Our Team:
Working for the Department of Corrections offers the unique opportunity to make a profound impact on a vulnerable population, supporting rehabilitation and contributing to public safety. The role provides a deeply meaningful way to serve one's community by promoting mental wellness and reducing recidivism. Being part of our collaborative multidisciplinary team allows for shared knowledge and diverse perspectives, which support professional growth and improve patient outcomes.
The Working Environment You Can Expect:
This position is located at the Anchorage Correctional Center, a secure facility for male inmates. This position works closely with correctional officers, mental health clinicians and medical staff.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies:
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelors degree from an accredited university in a behavioral health related field, such as sociology, psychology, addiction, counseling, psychiatric nursing, human services, or social work.
AND
Chemical Dependency Counselor I certification from the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification.
Special Note:
An individual without an Alaska certification, who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements for certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor in the State of Alaska may apply for the vacancy. An applicant qualifying under this option may receive a job offer conditional upon completion of the certification requirement. Proof of certification will be required prior to reporting for duty.
Additional Required Information
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:
RECRUITMENT DIFFICULTIES
Starting salary may be approved up to Step D - $2,766.75, if criteria are met.
LEGAL EMPLOYMENT
The State's online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment. The State of Alaska does not function in the role as an employer sponsor.
EDUCATION
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
WORK EXPERIENCE
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
PREA NOTIFICATION
The Department of Corrections follows and maintains federal and state requirements standards including, but not limited to, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards which apply to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders. PREA standards preclude the department from hiring or promoting anyone who has engaged in, or been convicted of any conduct which would violate PREA standards related to sexual assault including:
CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS/APSIN/ACOMS
Please be aware - this position requires the use of the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN). A security clearance issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is necessary to use APSIN. DPS will deny security clearance for any applicant who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in this state or another jurisdiction, or who may be a fugitive from justice. Additionally, security clearance will be withdrawn if DPS discovers that material information was falsified or omitted at the time of the initial application for security clearance.
FINGERPRINT NOTICE
All Department of Corrections employees are required to be fingerprinted. The successful candidate must pass a criminal history check.
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal-opportunity employer.
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For applicant password assistance, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword
Contact Information
Kim Curtis
Deputy Chief Mental Health Officer
907-269-7300
kim.curtis@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits
The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Retirement Benefits
See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits
01
How many years of experience do you have working directly with and providing counseling to individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders?
02
Do you have any periods of employment in a 24-hour institutional setting where you were responsible for the care and custody of others that are not already included in your job application (such as correctional facilities, juvenile facilities, or residential treatment centers)? If so, provide the name of each institution, your job title(s), and dates of employment in the space below.
03
Have you ever initiated or engaged in a sexual assault and/or sexual abuse in prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institutions?
04
Have you ever been the subject of an investigation for engaging, or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse?
05
Have you ever been disciplined, terminated, or resigned in lieu of an employment action surrounding allegations of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, or assault?
06
Have you ever been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the prior questions above related to sexual abuse or sexual activity?
07
If you responded "Yes" to the any of the four preceding questions, please describe each incident, including dates and locations, in the text box below.
Required Question
Employer State of Alaska
Address PO Box 110201
Juneau, Alaska, 99811
Phone (800) 587-0430 (Statewide toll-free number)
(907) 465-4095 (Juneau and out-of-state callers)
Website http://workplace.alaska.gov/