Substance Use Therapist Department of Corrections

Portsmouth's demand for substance use therapists within correctional facilities is steadily growing due to increasing awareness of mental health needs in the justice system. Candidates with experience in criminogenic risk factors and bilingual skills often stand out, as local institutions prioritize culturally competent care alongside clinical expertise.

Navigating Portsmouth traffic during peak hours can affect your daily schedule, especially with occasional evening shifts. Proximity to public transport is limited, so having reliable personal transportation is crucial. The requirement for a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle aligns with these practical commuting demands.

This therapist role uniquely blends substance use disorder treatment with correctional risk assessment, requiring skills in criminogenic evaluation and crisis management within secure environments. Unlike typical counseling positions, it demands familiarity with legal confidentiality protocols and collaborative work with correctional staff.

Group facilitation is pivotal in correctional therapy settings to foster peer support and collective progress. Therapists skilled in managing diverse group dynamics can better address complex behavioral patterns and criminogenic risks, enhancing rehabilitation outcomes and promoting safer facility environments.

Daily tasks include conducting intake assessments, delivering individual and group counseling, monitoring client progress, and coordinating with correctional and community agencies. Therapists also engage in crisis interventions and maintain detailed records to support treatment planning and compliance with legal standards.

While a bachelor's degree in social work or psychology is essential, licensure such as LCDP is strongly preferred to meet state regulatory standards. Ongoing professional development through trainings and renewals is expected to ensure therapists remain current with evidence-based practices relevant to corrections.

Care New England encourages professional advancement through continuous education, involvement in community mental health organizations, and participation in interdisciplinary committees. This environment cultivates skills in correctional psychology and expands opportunities for leadership in specialized substance use treatment.

Apart from standard healthcare benefits, Care New England provides a $2,500 retention bonus for this role, recognizing the challenging nature of corrections-based therapy. The organization’s integration with top-tier medical and wellness centers also offers therapists access to cutting-edge resources and collaborative care models.

Bilingual Spanish proficiency is preferred, enhancing communication with a diverse inmate population. This linguistic skill improves therapeutic rapport and client engagement, facilitating more effective counseling and treatment adherence within correctional settings where cultural sensitivity is critical.

Therapists in this niche typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually in Portsmouth, reflecting the specialized nature of correctional substance abuse treatment. Factors influencing pay include licensure status, years of experience, and bilingual abilities, with bonuses like Care New England’s retention incentive enhancing overall compensation.