533 Substance Abuse Counselor - Helen Farabee Center

Works under the direct supervision of Substance Abuse Services (SAS) Clinical Manager and/or Program Director.

Responsibilities include, but are no...

Education, Training, and Experience

Must hold at least a high school diploma (an associate degree or more advanced degree preferred) and have current full licensure as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or LPC Intern, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or LMFT Associate, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the Texas Department of State Health Services. If a LPC Intern or LMFT Associate, individual must comply with terms of that supervision as outlined in the state of Texas licensure requirements. All individuals must meet the educational and experience exemptions/waivers as outlined in DSHS chapter 450.109, pass criminal history standards which includes fingerprints as described in 450.115, sign a written agreement to abide by the ethics contained in 450.121, and be worthy of public trust and confidence as determined by Department of State Health Services. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen to work with this population. Must have current driver’s license and be insurable under Center insurance. Must pass all Center and Substance Abuse Services department mandated trainings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of chemical dependency, chemical abuse that is inclusive of alcoholism and drug addiction as treatable diseases, workable knowledge of the DSM-5 TR to support diagnoses relating to substance abuse and mental health disorders, co-dependency, relapse prevention, family dynamics, support groups in the community setting, and related disorders. Possess knowledge of counseling techniques, importance of evidence-based practices, willingness to implement these practices, and knowledge of recovery processes.

Ability to interview, screen, build rapport with, and evaluate consumers; to counsel others; to instruct others; to aid in the implementation and the facilitation of chemical dependency treatment programs; to prepare concise reports; and to maintain records.

Ability to write progress notes according to standard, assessments, memos, letters, various complex reports and miscellaneous other documents with acceptable spelling and grammar.

Ability to relate verbal instructions, communicate in a courteous and effective fashion with co-workers, consumers, families, agencies, and the public.

Display a consumer service orientation; at all times treating consumers with respect and as partners in the recovery process.

Skilled in the use of personal and network computers, word processing, database, spreadsheet, and office management software (Microsoft Office), familiarity with CMBHS and/or Smartcare is a plus.

Ability to abide by the Centers’ and the specific SAS Department’s policies and procedures. Demonstration of knowledge of the Texas Administrative Codes specific to delivery of substance abuse services and the ability to abide by the guidelines set forth in the Texas Administrative Code.