Substance Abuse Counselor

Work with the other counselor(s) in the CSCD and other CSOs to coordinate and implement a comprehensive outpatient substance abuse counseling program. The role incorporates a significant cognitive-behavioral component for offenders assigned to the outpatient substance abuse treatment program and other offender groups as time and caseload allow.

Responsibilities

• Use approved clinical measurements and screening tools, following department assessment procedures to identify the strengths, abilities, needs, and preferences of offenders.
• Work cooperatively and attend scheduled meetings with CSOs who supervise substance abuse caseloads to develop individual treatment plans in accordance with TDCJ-CJAD Standard 165.35(c)(5) on the Case Management or Treatment Plan. Update and monitor progress, problems, and needs of offenders with CSOs, providing appropriate reward/sanction recommendations as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation and prepare written reports on offenders regarding their attendance, progress, cooperation, and general participation in the treatment program.
• Record and maintain progress notes documenting counseling sessions, summarizing significant events throughout the treatment process for all assigned offenders. Progress notes must be updated at least once per week.
• Attend scheduled meetings with the counseling/treatment team to staff problem cases.
• Abide by all applicable TDCJ-CJAD Substance Abuse Treatment Standards for outpatient services.
• Attend Specialty Court staffing and court sessions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Education, or related fields.
• Qualified Credentialed Counselor in one of the following areas: L.M.S.W., L.P.C., or LPC-Associate, with an emphasis in drug/alcohol abuse, psychometrics, diagnostics, mental health, or counseling.
• At least two (2) years of full-time paid work experience in the respective field of study preferred.
• Must have a telephone number at which you can be reached and access to reliable transportation.
• May be required to travel out of the county to conduct substance abuse counseling sessions.
• A criminal history check will be conducted.

Skills

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in the use of a personal computer.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule.
• Leave hours available upon hire.
• Retirement match: 2 to 1.
• Lifetime retirement benefits (8-year vesting).

Pay

• LPC-A: $55,752.00
• LPC: $56,906.00

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Maintain the ability to:

• Occasionally stand, walk, kneel, and bend during the course of your shift.
• Reach, grip, and use fine dexterity; push and pull objects.
• Occasionally flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially at the knees.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Occasionally rotate upper trunk to the left or right while sitting or standing.
• Place arms above, at, or below shoulder height.
• Use vision and depth perception; talking and hearing.

The work environment is typically indoors, in an office setting, with a moderate noise level.