New Jersey, along with other states across the country, is faced with a behavioral health and addiction counselor workforce crisis. In response to this crisis, DMHAS is committed to increasing credentialed alcohol and drug counselors through its Addiction Training and Workforce Development Initiative. The primary goals of the program are to provide alcohol and drug counselor training, develop a addiction workforce career path, expand workforce disciplines, and recruit new workers into the field. As a result, addiction treatment in New Jersey maintains a competent and culturally diverse workforce.
The employment of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is projected to grow 31% from 2012-2022 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014), much faster than the average for all occupations. Substance use disorder treatment agencies across New Jersey employ thousands of hard-working, dedicated individuals making a difference in the lives of those experiencing substance use disorders.
In support of these workforce development needs, DMHAS, through its contractees, provides scholarships to eligible individuals to participate in addictions training and/or university or college academic course work. For more information regarding these opportunities, please visit the New Jersey Prevention Network (NJPN) website at www.NJPN.org.
