Licensed substance abuse programs in the Commonwealth
of Virginia are reporting turnover rates for counselors of
up to 60%. Studies have indicated that low job satisfaction
can be a cause for turnover in the human services
professions. The entire population of substance abuse
counselors certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia was
surveyed by mail, using a Modified Minnesota satisfaction
Questionnaire and an Individual Information Form. Of the
496 possible responses, 365 were returned for a return rate
of 73.7%.
The study was conducted to answer three research
questions concerning the job satisfaction of these
counselors and to provide insight into the possible causes
of the high turnover rates. The answers to these questions
sought to describe and examine the level of job
satisfaction, the sources of job satisfaction and the
relationship between job satisfaction and clinical
supervisor and clinical supervision variables for this
population.
The results of the study indicate that these counselors are very satisfied with their jobs. The sources of the
greatest influence on job satisfaction are represented by
the scales Social service, Moral values and Creativity. The
scales Advancement, Policy and practices and Compensation
were the least influential on job satisfaction.
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