Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: USVETS Houston Main - Houston, TX 77070Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Not SpecifiedSalary Range: $21.78 - $27.73 HourlyTravel Percentage: Up to 50% Job Category: Nonprofit - Social ServicesSubstance Abuse Counselor

The Substance Abuse Counselor reports directly to the Program Coordinator or the Director of Behavioral Health at the U.S.VETS site. This individual is responsible for assessing and providing counseling to individuals with emotional, mental, or substance abuse difficulties, including the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Responsibilities

Interview and assess clients in the program, review records and confer with other professionals.
Conduct individual or group sessions to aid client’s to cope with addiction issues.
Counsel and assist clients with understanding the addiction process utilizing harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and other therapeutic models.
Monitor, evaluate and record client progress achieving treatment goals.
Collaborate with Case Managers to coordinate and create treatment plans.
Develop clients’ treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories
Modify treatment plans based upon client’s progress.
Provide referrals to community resources
Maintain confidential and thorough client records.
Assists with toxicology testing if needed
Responsible for implementation of all safety and emergency procedures
Conducts bed checks, room inspections and health and safety checks to ensure a safe and hazardless environment
Conducts various administrative duties to include documentation of bed check, inspections, incident reports, client logs, etc.
May provide daily shuttle van transportation to community agencies such as VA, DMV, Social Security, etc.
Assists in the delivery of basic services (such as shelter, food, hygiene, etc.) to clients served at the facility
Ensures harmonious atmosphere at the facility by maintaining communication with clinical staff and maintaining a therapeutic milieu
Complete and maintain accurate records and reports regarding the clients histories, progress, services provided and other required information
Counsel clients individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
Intervene as an advocate for clients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills
Participate in case conferences or staff meetings
Performs other duties as required

QualificationsRequirements

California Certification for alcohol and drug counseling through California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educator – CAADE, California Association of DUI Treatment Programs – CADTP, California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals – CCAPP, California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors – CAADAC, or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor – CADC is required
Minimum of one year experience providing counseling
Knowledge of principles, procedures, and methods for rehabilitation of mental & physical dysfunctions
Strong oral and written communication skills
Professional manner and appearance
Ability to work independently and within a team
Ability to take direction
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of clients, staff and community members
Strong desire to help veterans suffering from drug or alcohol abuse problems
Ability to identify and maintain professional boundaries
Computer proficient in Microsoft Office and Internet

Preferences

Experience working with mental health homeless or veterans preferred
Bachelors or Master’s in Social Service or related field preferred
Valid driver’s license preferred. If driving company vehicles, must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course

ADDENDUM

Substance Abuse Counselors in Texas

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive substance use assessments and clinical evaluations
Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans
Provide individual, group, and family counseling services focused on substance use recovery
Facilitate psychoeducational, relapse prevention, and recovery-oriented groups
Monitor and document client progress, treatment outcomes, and service delivery
Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with DSHS, VA, and U.S. VETS Houston standards
Coordinate care with internal multidisciplinary teams, including case management and housing services
Collaborate appropriately with VA partners while maintaining internal communication protocols
Provide referrals to community-based, medical, psychiatric, and social service resources
Adhere to confidentiality, ethical standards, HIPAA requirements, and agency policies
Participate in clinical supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and quality assurance activities
Maintain active LCDC licensure and complete required continuing education

Minimum Qualifications

Active Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) license in good standing in the State of Texas
Associate degree or higher from an accredited institution
Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, and treatment modalities
Ability to work with individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders and complex psychosocial needs
Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills
Commitment to trauma-informed, veteran-centered care

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field
Experience working with veterans, homeless populations, or justice-involved individuals
Experience in VA-funded or grant-funded programs (e.g., GPD, HUD-VASH, SSVF)
Familiarity with harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and evidence-based practices

Licensure & Compliance Requirements

Must maintain an active LCDC license in good standing throughout employment
Must complete all required continuing education per Texas DSHS regulations
Ability to pass background checks, drug screening, and other pre-employment requirements
Must comply with all U.S. VETS Houston policies, VA collaboration standards, and program requirements

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Office, residential, and community-based service environments
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and engage in verbal communication throughout the workday
May require occasional evenings or weekends based on program needs