Substance Abuse Counselor

Works under the direct supervision of Substance Abuse Services (SAS) Clinical Manager and/or Program Director.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Performs moderately complex substance abuse counseling work. Work involves planning, coordinating, and implementing substance abuse counseling activities, and coordinating with other departments, divisions, agencies, and community organizations to ensure the maximum utilization of resources available for chemical dependency treatment and rehabilitation. Facilitates substance abuse program services as directed and approved by the SAS Program Director and the counselors immediate supervisor - SAS Clinical Manager. Screens and coordinates admissions into Center outpatient adolescent and adult substance abuse services. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. HFC incorporates principles of trauma-informed care, which includes cultural sensitivity, in all areas of service delivery. All job descriptions include the responsibility to learn about and implement trauma-informed practices within the scope of work for the position. Reassignment is a condition of employment that may occur at the employers discretion. Your work location and hours could change based on program needs.

Education, Training, and Experience (including licensure and certification)

Must hold at least a high school diploma or GED (an associate degree or more advanced degree preferred) and have current full licensure as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or LPC Intern, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or LMFT Associate, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the Texas Department of State Health Services. If a LPC Intern or LMFT Associate, individual must comply with terms of that supervision as outlined in the state of Texas licensure requirements. All individuals must meet the educational and experience exemptions/waivers as outlined in DSHS chapter 450.109, pass criminal history standards which includes finger prints as described in 450.115, sign a written agreement to abide by the ethics contained in 450.121, and be worthy of public trust and confidence as determined by Department of State Health Services. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen to work with this population. Must have current drivers license and be insurable under Center insurance. Must pass all Center and Substance Abuse Services department mandated trainings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of chemical dependency, chemical abuse that is inclusive of alcoholism and drug addiction as treatable diseases, workable knowledge of the DSM-5 to support diagnoses relating to substance abuse and mental health disorders, co-dependency, relapse prevention, family dynamics, support groups in the community setting, and related disorders. Possess knowledge of counseling techniques, importance of evidence based practices, willingness to implement these practices; and knowledge of recovery processes.
• Ability to interview, screen, build rapport with, and evaluate consumers; to counsel others; to instruct others; to aid in the implementation and the facilitation of chemical dependency treatment programs; to prepare concise reports; and to maintain records.
• Ability to write progress notes according to standard, assessments, memos, letters, various complex reports and miscellaneous other documents with acceptable spelling and grammar. 
• Ability to relate verbal instructions, communicate in a courteous and effective fashion with co-workers, consumers, families, agencies and the public.
• Display a consumer service orientation; at all times treating consumers with respect and as partners in the recovery process. 
• Skilled in the use of personal and network computers, word processing, database, spreadsheet and office management software (Microsoft Office), familiarity with CMBHS and/or Smartcare is a plus.
• Ability to abide by the Centers and the specific SAS Departments policies and procedures. Demonstration of knowledge of the Texas Administrative Codes specific to delivery of substance abuse services and the ability to abide by the guidelines set forth in the Texas Administrative Code.