This position is eligible for $2,500 retention bonus.
Job Summary:
The Providence CenterSubstance Use Therapist Department of Correctionswill provide individual and group therapy and monitor client progress.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Perform initial screening, intake and assessment, orientation, crisis intervention, individual and group substance abuse counseling, client education, referral, treatment planning, and consultation for clients receiving treatment from Providence Center within the DOC.
Evaluate psychological, social and physiological signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
Collect pertinent data from appropriate collateral sources in accordance with confidentiality guidelines.
Develop a diagnostic evaluation of the client’s substance use disorder and criminogenic risk factors
Perform in a calm and professional manner during crisis or emergency situations.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Center policy and legal requirements.
Serve as a role model to clients on a daily basis in such areas as daily living skills and decision-making.
Identify specific therapeutic interventions appropriate for specific problems.
Monitor client progress.
Complete record-keeping in accordance with DOC and TPC policies/procedures
Maintain cooperative relationships with Center and DOC staff, clients, community agencies and the public.
Assist with discharge planning as necessary.
Maintain active involvement in professional and lay mental health organizations within the community.
Attend trainings, staff meetings, case presentations, conferences, etc.
Provide feedback to staff on the content of educational programs attended.
Attend mandatory in-service trainings and other trainings required for renewal of licensure.
Serve on appropriate Center or DOC committees.
Requirements:
Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field OR LCDP required.
Must have experience in group facilitation as well as knowledge of criminogenic risk factors.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of clients, DOC, and Center employees.
Bilingual Spanish preferred.
Must have valid driver's license, registration, current inspection and insured automobile.
Hours M-F days but may be scheduled for 1 evening a week depending on the facility.
Care New England Health System (CNE)
and its member institutions; Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, and our Wellness Center, are trusted organizations fueling the latest advances in medical research, attracting top specialty-trained doctors, and honing renowned services and innovative programs to engage in the important discussions people need to have about their health.
Freqently Asked Questions
Candidates typically stand out by holding a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related fields, along with experience in group facilitation and understanding criminogenic risk factors. Bilingual skills, especially Spanish, are highly advantageous given Providence’s diverse population.
Therapists in corrections balance therapeutic interventions with crisis management, client monitoring, and coordination with correctional staff. Unlike traditional settings, they navigate security protocols and address unique criminogenic risk factors alongside substance use disorders.
Advancement can involve specializing in correctional treatment, taking on supervisory roles, or transitioning into policy-making within corrections mental health. Continuous education and involvement in professional organizations often accelerate upward mobility.
Care New England fosters a collaborative culture where therapists engage closely with multi-disciplinary teams across hospitals and community agencies, emphasizing evidence-based practices and ongoing professional development tailored to correctional healthcare.
Care New England offers access to extensive training programs, a retention bonus, and a structured support network, creating a unique blend of community integration and correctional healthcare focus compared to other providers in Rhode Island.
In Providence, Substance Use Therapists in corrections typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, influenced by experience and education. The $2,500 retention bonus offered by Care New England further enhances total compensation.
Yes, Rhode Island employers often prefer candidates with LCDP certification or similar credentials recognized locally, ensuring therapists meet state standards for substance abuse treatment within correctional settings.
Providence shows steady demand due to increasing focus on mental health in corrections. However, competition remains moderate, favoring applicants with relevant experience, bilingual skills, and knowledge of local criminal justice dynamics.
Therapists must navigate security restrictions, manage crisis situations calmly, and adapt interventions to address co-occurring disorders and criminogenic risks, requiring resilience and specialized clinical skills.
Therapists participate in community mental health organizations and collaborate with external agencies, bridging correctional treatment with broader public health initiatives to support client reintegration and recovery.
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