Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor

USVETS Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

USVETS Houston is seeking a Substance Abuse Counselor to assess and counsel veterans and other clients with substance use and related mental health challenges. The role emphasizes harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care, with responsibilities to develop individualized treatment plans and coordinate with case managers.

You will conduct individual and group sessions, monitor progress, maintain confidential records, and collaborate with VA partners.

Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent documentation and record-keeping.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive substance use assessments and clinical evaluations.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling focused on recovery.
• Monitor and document client progress and treatment outcomes.
• Coordinate care with internal multidisciplinary teams and VA partners.

Skills

Communication

Documentation

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in counseling/ social work/ psychology

Associate degree or higher

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Substance Abuse CounselorThe Substance Abuse Counselor reports directly to the Program Coordinator or the Director of Behavioral Health at the U.S.VETS site. This individual is responsible for assessing and providing counseling to individuals with emotional, mental, or substance abuse difficulties, including the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.FLSA Classification: Non-ExemptResponsibilitiesInterview and assess clients in the program, review records and confer with other professionals.Conduct individual or group sessions to aid client’s to cope with addiction issues.Counsel and assist clients with understanding the addiction process utilizing harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and other therapeutic models.Monitor, evaluate and record client progress achieving treatment goals.Collaborate with Case Managers to coordinate and create treatment plans.Develop clients’ treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client historiesModify treatment plans based upon client’s progress.Provide referrals to community resourcesMaintain confidential and thorough client records.Assists with toxicology testing if neededResponsible for implementation of all safety and emergency proceduresConducts bed checks, room inspections and health and safety checks to ensure a safe and hazardless environmentConducts various administrative duties to include documentation of bed check, inspections, incident reports, client logs, etc.May provide daily shuttle van transportation to community agencies such as VA, DMV, Social Security, etc.Assists in the delivery of basic services (such as shelter, food, hygiene, etc.) to clients served at the facilityEnsures harmonious atmosphere at the facility by maintaining communication with clinical staff and maintaining a therapeutic milieuComplete and maintain accurate records and reports regarding the clients histories, progress, services provided and other required informationCounsel clients individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.Intervene as an advocate for clients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skillsParticipate in case conferences or staff meetingsPerforms other duties as requiredRequirementsCalifornia Certification for alcohol and drug counseling through California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educator – CAADE, California Association of DUI Treatment Programs – CADTP, California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals – CCAPP, California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors – CAADAC, or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor – CADC is requiredMinimum of one year experience providing counselingKnowledge of principles, procedures, and methods for rehabilitation of mental & physical dysfunctionsStrong oral and written communication skillsProfessional manner and appearanceAbility to work independently and within a teamAbility to take directionAbility to work effectively with diverse groups of clients, staff and community membersStrong desire to help veterans suffering from drug or alcohol abuse problemsAbility to identify and maintain professional boundariesComputer proficient in Microsoft Office and InternetPreferencesExperience working with mental health homeless or veterans preferredBachelors or Master’s in Social Service or related field preferredValid driver’s license preferred. If driving company vehicles, must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training courseADDENDUMSubstance Abuse Counselors in TexasEssential Duties and ResponsibilitiesConduct comprehensive substance use assessments and clinical evaluationsDevelop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plansProvide individual, group, and family counseling services focused on substance use recoveryFacilitate psychoeducational, relapse prevention, and recovery-oriented groupsMonitor and document client progress, treatment outcomes, and service deliveryMaintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with DSHS, VA, and U.S. VETS Houston standardsCoordinate care with internal multidisciplinary teams, including case management and housing servicesCollaborate appropriately with VA partners while maintaining internal communication protocolsProvide referrals to community-based, medical, psychiatric, and social service resourcesAdhere to confidentiality, ethical standards, HIPAA requirements, and agency policiesParticipate in clinical supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and quality assurance activitiesMaintain active LCDC licensure and complete required continuing educationMinimum QualificationsActive Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) license in good standing in the State of TexasAssociate degree or higher from an accredited institutionKnowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, and treatment modalitiesAbility to work with individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders and complex psychosocial needsStrong documentation, communication, and organizational skillsCommitment to trauma-informed, veteran-centered carePreferred QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related fieldExperience working with veterans, homeless populations, or justice-involved individualsExperience in VA-funded or grant-funded programs (e.g., GPD, HUD-VASH, SSVF)Familiarity with harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and evidence-based practicesLicensure & Compliance RequirementsMust maintain an active LCDC license in good standing throughout employmentMust complete all required continuing education per Texas DSHS regulationsAbility to pass background checks, drug screening, and other pre-employment requirementsMust comply with all U.S. VETS Houston policies, VA collaboration standards, and program requirementsWork Environment & Physical RequirementsOffice, residential, and community-based service environmentsAbility to sit, stand, walk, and engage in verbal communication throughout the workdayMay require occasional evenings or weekends based on program needs