Outpatient Counselor

NEXUS FAMILY RECOVERY CENTER • Dallas, TX

4d • $51,000 - $64,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Nexus Family Recovery Center is a Dallas-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women and families heal from substance use disorder. We provide a comprehensive continuum of care, from detox through residential and outpatient treatment, rooted in trauma-informed, evidence-based practice and a deep belief that recovery is possible for everyone we serve. At Nexus, our culture is built on the same values we bring to our clients: respect, compassion, and integrity. Our team is made up of professionals who are serious about the work and about each other, and we are committed to building a workplace where staff feel supported, valued, and able to grow. We back that commitment with meaningful benefits. Full-time employees receive fully covered health insurance premiums — no cost to you for your own coverage. Coverage is also available to dependents at a cost. Additionally, clinical and medical staff are eligible for student loan reimbursement through our HRSA-approved site designation, making Nexus an exceptional opportunity for those carrying the weight of graduate or professional school debt. If you're looking for work that matters, a team that shows up, and an organization that invests in the people doing the hard work, then we'd love to meet you.

Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
• Familiarity with various treatment levels of care (e.g., residential, outpatient, detox, MAT).
• Understanding relapse triggers, recovery stages, and strategies for long-term sobriety.
• Ability to determine the most appropriate level of care.
• The ability to prepare clinically sound concurrent reviews for continued care.
• Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients to support their recovery.
• Strong crisis intervention skills and ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations.
• Excellent listening and communication skills to facilitate therapeutic conversations and ensure client engagement.
• Counselors should have a deep understanding of how trauma (especially past experiences such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or sexual assault) can affect women.
• Ability to create a physically and emotionally safe environment where women can feel supported and empowered to address their trauma and substance use disorder without fear of re-traumatization.
• Proficiency in using trauma-specific therapeutic interventions as license allows, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) or EMDR and incorporating them into treatment plans.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and understand the impact of cultural, social, and economic factors on addiction and recovery.
• Ability to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and modify interventions based on ongoing assessment and progress.
• Capable of identifying and addressing underlying issues contributing to substance use, such as trauma or mental health conditions.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to treatment planning and coordination.
• Willingness to consult with peers, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible client care.
• Proficient in common office technology tools, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Detail-oriented and skilled in maintaining thorough, accurate, and confidential documentation.
• Familiarity with electronic health record systems (CMBHS and Welligent) and compliance with CFR 42 and HIPAA regulations.
• Understands and adheres to the agency’s quality management plan and code of conduct.
• Adhere to the agency’s clinical and personnel policies and procedures.
• Strong commitment to helping clients in their recovery journey with empathy, patience, and respect.
• Ability to provide emotional support and encouragement to clients struggling with the challenges of substance use disorder recovery.
• Associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree in social sciences or related field from an accredited college.
• LCDC, LPC-A, LPC, LCSW, LMSW, or LMFT required.
• LCDC-I with 2,000 hours minimum will be considered.
• Respects confidentiality always.
• Follows HIPAA and CFR 42 guidelines for disclosing information.
• Adheres to the agency’s compliance plan, code of conduct, and the Nexus policies & procedures.
• Treats all clients, visitors, and co-workers with dignity and respect.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to conduct instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to solve practical problems involving a variety of concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and responsibilities with neatness, accuracy, and a degree of excellence, promptly.
• Ability to work at the maximum capacity of all required expectations.
• As a condition of continued employment, you are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all training required to stay in compliance with state licensure rules and regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Two to four years’ experience preferred.
• For internal candidates, in addition to clinical experience, job performance must meet expectations in key areas including judgment, leadership, and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate the extent of the client’s substance use disorder, mental health conditions, and any other problem areas.
• Develop individualized treatment, plans based on assessment findings, client goals, and medical/psychosocial factors within 5 service days.
• Ensure that treatment plans and interventions are in line with the best practices in the field of substance use treatment.
• Regularly reassess client progress and modify treatment plans as necessary.
• Prepare Medicaid and MCO concurrent reviews for authorization of continued care.
• Provide one-on-one counseling sessions to clients to address personal challenges related to substance use, co-occurring disorders, and recovery.
• Help clients set and achieve recovery goals, develop coping mechanisms, and enhance life skills.
• Offer crisis intervention and emotional support as needed, especially during relapses or setbacks.
• Facilitate group therapy sessions on topics such as emotional regulation, coping skills, healthy relationships, understanding trauma, and emotional regulation.
• Facilitate regular process groups.
• Ensure a supportive and non-judgmental environment that fosters trust and open communication among participants.
• Monitor group dynamics, guide group conflicts, and encourage participation.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients about substance use, relapse prevention, the recovery process, anger management, and the effects of substances on physical and mental health.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of client interactions, assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and any relevant incidents within the required timelines.
• Complete intake and discharge summaries and prepare progress reports as required by facility protocols or licensing requirements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical standards in record-keeping and reporting.
• Work closely with other staff and counselors to coordinate care for clients with complex needs.
• Provide referrals to additional resources such as support groups, sober living environments, vocational training, and medical or mental health specialists when necessary.
• Develop and implement relapse prevention plans tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances.
• Assist clients with the transition from residential or intensive outpatient care to less intensive aftercare programs.
• Act as an advocate for clients within the healthcare system and community resources.
• Support clients in navigating insurance, legal matters, or housing issues as they pertain to their recovery journey.
• Adhere to all applicable laws, ethical standards, and professional guidelines, including confidentiality and mandated reporting laws.
• Other duties within the organization as assigned.

Benefits

• Fully covered health insurance premiums for full-time employees
• Health insurance coverage available to dependents at a cost
• Student loan reimbursement for clinical and medical staff through HRSA-approved site designation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level