Substance Abuse Counselor I

MTC Corrections•Huntsville, TX

26d•Onsite

About The Position

The Substance Abuse Counselor I provides substance abuse counseling and recovery skills training to offenders at the W. J. “Jim” Estelle Unit in Huntsville, Texas. The role supports offender orientation, educational activities, and individual and process counseling groups in accordance with program standards and facility policies. The counselor helps maintain a peer-driven Therapeutic Community in coordination with correctional staff and supports participants’ treatment and recovery needs, including planning for follow-up care after release. Compensation is $19.00–$21.00 and depends on licensure. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, with 8-hour shifts. Applicants must meet the education, counselor registration or certification, driver’s license, training, and background-check requirements stated in the posting. Select applicants must obtain the applicable full license or certification within five years of their initial registration or applicant certification and maintain Counselor Intern status or CCJP-A certification for continued employment.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited senior high school or equivalent (GED).
Current letter of registration as a Counselor Intern (LCDC-I) from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), or current valid Certified Criminal Justice Professional Applicant Status (CCJP-A) certification approved by the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals.
Select applicants must obtain an LCDC license or CCJP certification within five years from the date of Counselor Intern registration or CCJP-A certification.
Must sign a Credential Contingency Agreement (CCA); failure to comply will result in separation from employment. The agreement will not be extended or renewed because of separation from employment or acceptance of another position.
Valid Texas driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, unless waived by management.
Successfully complete Correctional Awareness Training (CAT), TDCJ-approved annual in-service training requirements, and background checks.
Maintain Counselor Intern status or CCJP-A certification for continued employment.

Responsibilities

Provide substance abuse counseling and recovery skills training.
Participate in offender orientation, educational activities, and individual and process counseling groups in compliance with program standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Maintain a Therapeutic Community within the facility, working closely with correctional staff to create a peer-driven living environment.
Interview, screen, and evaluate offenders for potential program participation.
Provide comprehensive evaluations using valid measurement tools to assess recovery needs and risk of re-offense.
Participate in developing Individual Treatment Plans based on comprehensive assessments, collateral information, and clinical interviews.
Maintain offender and service records, including workload statistics, and compile data and submit reports and related documentation.
Serve as a liaison to participants in training programs, workshops, and seminars.
Implement follow-up and aftercare plans for offenders before release and provide information about community resources for follow-up treatment.