Lead Substance Abuse Worker
Job Description
Agency
Adult CorrectionDivision
COO - Rehabilitation , ReEntryJob Classification Title
Substance Abuse Worker (S)Position Number
60056708Grade
NC04About Us
The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervised sentenced people in the community. Other divisions include Administration, Health Services, Rehabilitation & Reentry, Special Operations and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission. We have a mission that matters!
Description of Work
The Lead Substance Abuse Worker (LSAW) position is located at the DART Center in Goldsboro, NC within the Division of Rehabilitation and Reentry, NC Department of Adult Correction. This full-time role provides paraprofessional support in a 24/7 residential treatment setting serving probationers and parolees referred by the courts and the North Carolina prison system. LSAWs ensure safe facility operations, support treatment staff, maintain accurate documentation, and coordinate shift activities essential to the center’s mission.Key Job Responsibilities
•Monitor resident behavior and activities, ensuring safety, security, appropriate conduct, and adherence to treatment guidelines.
•Provide lead support by reviewing work schedules, managing unscheduled absences, coordinating shift coverage, and serving as Lead SAW across various shifts as needed.
•Document all incidents, medical emergencies, operational concerns, and shift activities in SAW Logs, shift narratives, and shift change communication forms.
•Execute safety and emergency procedures, coordinate staff responses during crises, conduct mandated drills, and determine when outside emergency services (e.g., 911) are required.
•Review and communicate critical information including medical needs, clinical issues, administrative memos, and facility updates to both current and incoming staff.
•Perform daily operational tasks such as administering medications as directed, assisting with food service setup and cleanup, transporting residents statewide under varying conditions, and monitoring building and grounds security.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Salary Range - $32,287.00 - $56,502.00
Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:
Working knowledge of substance abuse services in residential or correctional environments.
Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with residents, staff, and treatment professionals.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, directives, and emergency protocols.
Skill in conflict resolution, behavioral intervention techniques, and responding effectively in crisis situations.
Ability to maintain detailed documentation, manage multiple operational responsibilities, and ensure accurate communication across shifts.
The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date
Internal posting- this is an internal posting open only for current North Carolina department of adult corrections employees, and eligible state government reduction in force (rif) candidates from North Carolina state government, or current temporary employees
The State of North Carolina offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
Health Insurance options
Retirement Plans
NCFlex Supplemental Benefits
Paid Vacation, Sick, and Community Service Leave
Paid Parental Leave
Visit the State Benefits website for additional information.
The Rehabilitation and Reentry Division oversees services, programs, and community partnerships aimed at helping individuals reintegrate into their communities following incarceration. Staff members work with people who are incarcerated, probationers, post-release supervisees, and parolees. This division collaborates with prison and supervision staff to create individualized reentry plans, coordinate services, and deliver evidence-based programs to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism.
Application Process
NCDAC uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.
Applicants must complete the application in full. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State application. Applications must include:
Complete education history (including high school)
Full work experience details
Certificates and licenses, if applicable
Education must be from appropriately accredited institutions.
Information provided must support responses to supplemental questions. Incomplete applications may impact screening and salary determination.
Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check and drug screen.
If multiple applications are submitted, only the most recent application received before the closing date will be considered.
Education Equivalency Verification
The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members.
Veterans’ and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
PREA Requirement
The NC Dept. of Adult Correction must adhere to the US Dept. of Justice Final Rule on the "National Standards to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Prison Rape." Click this link for information on hiring and promotion prohibition requirements for all positions in the NC Dept. of Adult Correction: PREA Hiring and Promotion Prohibitions
ADA Accommodations
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), NCDAC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
High school or General Educational Development diploma; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Lisa Warren ByrdEmail: