Substance Abuse Counselor I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

12d•$3,410 - $5,094•Onsite

About The Position

The Substance Abuse Counselor I performs routine, journey-level substance abuse counseling work involving specialized and comprehensive treatment and recovery for individuals with alcohol use and other substance abuse disorders. The role interviews and assesses individuals, provides counseling, psycho-educational classes and rehabilitative programming, and assists with structured follow-up and after-care to support continuity of care after discharge or program completion. The counselor maintains detailed, confidential client records documenting assessments, treatment plans, counseling sessions and progress in compliance with HHSC and DSHS standards. The position works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude to exercise initiative and independent judgment. The role is based at Terrell State Hospital in Terrell, Texas. The position is full-time, day shift, and not eligible for telework according to the posting’s job details. Travel may be up to 10%. Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours; alternate shifts or locations may also be assigned during disaster response, recovery or Continuity of Operations activation. The employee must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital procedures. Applicants must pass applicable background, drug-screen and registry checks; applicants to Terrell Center for Youth must be at least 21 years old, although this role is listed at Terrell State Hospital.

Requirements

At least six months of experience working in behavioral health settings; inpatient or residential treatment experience is preferred within this stated requirement.
Experience in individual counseling, group counseling and documentation.
Experience of COPSD.
Clinical Internship and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor; the posting lists these under registration, licensure or certification requirements.
Knowledge of basic counseling techniques and motivational approaches used in substance use treatment.
Knowledge of professional ethics, confidentiality and HIPAA requirements.
Knowledge of recovery principles and stages of change.
Skill in conducting substance-use screenings under supervision.
Skill in facilitating psycho-educational and support groups with guidance.
Skill in maintaining clear, accurate and timely documentation under supervision.
Ability to apply supervisory feedback and adapt interventions accordingly.
Ability to establish rapport while maintaining professional boundaries.
Ability to recognize when to consult or escalate concerns to a supervisor.
Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a state hospital setting.
Ability to demonstrate professional growth, pursue training and develop toward independent LCDC practice.
Must pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug screening and listed registry checks.
Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.

Nice To Haves

Inpatient or residential behavioral health treatment experience.

Responsibilities

Interview and assess individuals to determine eligibility for substance use treatment and rehabilitative services, using screening tools and clinical judgment to identify needs, readiness for change and barriers to participation and to recommend suitable services.
Provide individual and group substance abuse counseling, psycho-educational classes and rehabilitative programming using evidence-based methods, tailoring interventions with assistance while following treatment models and program standards.
Assist with follow-up after discharge or program completion, gather information for relapse prevention and recovery support, help monitor individualized relapse prevention plans, coordinate community-service referrals and monitor aftercare engagement.
Prepare and maintain required records, forms and reports in compliance with HHSC and Texas DSHS requirements, ensuring accurate, complete and timely documentation.
Monitor twelve-step recovery and peer support groups, assess participation and effectiveness, observe facilitation, evaluate progress toward recovery goals, maintain a supportive therapeutic environment and document engagement and progress.
Maintain confidential client records, collect information for ongoing service delivery, and organize and update clinical records and treatment documents for continuity of care and authorized treatment-team access.
Attend work regularly and perform other assigned duties, including supporting agency disaster response, recovery or Continuity of Operations activation, potentially at an alternate shift or location.