TJJD Substance Abuse Counselor I - III (MCL)

Texas A&M International; Mart (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Juvenile Justice Department seeks Substance Abuse Counselor I‑III to deliver AOD counseling to youth in secure facilities and community settings. Duties include assessment, individual and group therapy, and discharge planning using Texas Model 2.0 and DBT techniques.

You will collaborate with Halfway House PSW, Parole, and treatment providers to coordinate care, document progress, and support trauma‑informed, youth‑centered interventions.

Qualifications

• Degrees or licenses as required for Substance Abuse Counselor I/II/III, including LCDC or LCDC‑I licensure.
• Experience substitutions and multi‑disciplinary team experience preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years old and in good standing with licensing agency.

Responsibilities

• Interview, screen, and assess youth for program participation and services.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling plus psychoeducational classes.
• Develop and monitor treatment objectives using risk‑need‑responsivity principles.
• Coordinate with halfway house staff, parole officers, and contract providers to ensure service delivery.
• Document services weekly and ensure continuity of care and safety.

Skills

Knowledge of chemical dependency

Counseling techniques

Trauma‑informed care

Texas Model 2.0

DBT skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Clinical Psychology/ Psychology/ Sociology/ Social Work/ Guidance and Counseling

Master’s or Doctoral degree in related social sciences

Licensed in Texas as LCDC or LCDC‑I (or equivalent licensure)

Job description

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Job Title TJJD Substance Abuse Counselor I - III (MCL)

We are committed to transforming lives and building safter communities by working collaboratively, communicating openly, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Our team models accountability, transparency, and respect, taking proactive steps to ensure the physical and emotional safety of youth, staff, and the community. We strive for excellence through continuous growth, thoughtful decision making, and mission driven collaboration, supporting one another while embracing challenges that lead to meaningful, long-term impact.

Job Description

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) provides a trauma informed, holistic Alcohol or Other Drugs (AOD) Specialized Treatment Program to youth committed to the agency who have been assessed as needing AOD treatment in addition to participating in the agency’s Texas Model of Trauma Informed Corrections. The secure facility program consists o; (1) a high intensity treatment program offered at dorms dedicated for that purpose at the agency’s secure youth facilities; (2) a moderate intensity treatment program provided through an outpatient delivery model at the secure youth facilities and halfway houses; and (3) a continuity of care program upon release of youth into the community.

Performs substance abuse assessment and counseling for the Alcohol or Other Drugs (AOD) Specialized Treatment Program of youth who have been adjudicated delinquent of felony offenses, committed to the agency by a juvenile court, and placed in a high security correctional facility. Work involves AOD psycho-education/curriculum delivery; individual, family, and group counseling; discharge and release planning; and working with halfway house staff, parole officers, and contract treatment providers to ensure coordination of service delivery. You will also utilize Texas Model 2.0 principles and DBT skills to help youth regulate emotions, build interpersonal skills, and manage their treatment effectively.

May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per workweek, different shift patterns, be on-call, and travel (10%) occasionally.

Career Ladder Promotion Opportunity: This position is in the approved TJJD career ladder for Substance Abuse Counselors. Placement on the career ladder is dependent upon experience and education. Substance abuse counselors may be promoted based on meeting the established eligibility criteria per agency policy until they reach the top level of the ladder. Progression to the highest pay level on the career ladder is dependent upon experience and performance.

Pre-Service Training Academy Requirement: Newly hired substance abuse counselors or rehired substance abuse counselors who separated more than 18 months will be required to attend the pre-service training academy. Substance abuse counselors who have worked for TJJD and return to employment within 18 months of their separation date are not required to attend the pre-service academy and will be placed in full-time status on their date of employment.

Levels of Work Performed by Career Ladder Level:

Substance Abuse Counselor I: Performs routine (journey-level) work under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Substance Abuse Counselor II: Performs highly complex (senior-level) work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Substance Abuse Counselor III: Performs advanced (senior-level) work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Interviews, screens, and assesses clients for potential program participation and services; provides substance abuse counseling, psychoeducational classes, or rehabilitative programs both in individual and group formats; and completes weekly documentation of services provided for each participating youth in accordance with Case Management Standards (CMS) and AOD program requirements. Utilizes Texas Model 2.0 principles to guide the counseling process and fosters emotionally supportive environments for youth during counseling sessions.

Develops and monitors objectives/strategies to address AOD risk factors, increase protective factors and ensure treatment delivery according to the risk-need-responsivity principle. Applies an understanding of Texas Model 2.0 to support youth through trauma-informed care and emotional regulation.

Monitors youth progress in AOD specialized treatment; updates treatment objectives for assigned youth in accordance with CMS; and completes transition planning and discharge summaries to ensure continuity of care and management of risk factors for relapse.

Conducts program orientation sessions.

• Works in collaboration with the transitional placement staff (Halfway House PSW, Parole, and AOD Specialized Treatment Program Specialist) to identify appropriate services such as AOD aftercare. Utilizes Texas Model 2.0 principles to foster a cohesive, supportive team environment that encourages the youth's progress and emotional well‑being.

Conducts and facilitates required groups, individual counseling, AOD psycho‑educational groups, and family contacts for assigned caseload; and plans for scheduled and unanticipated leaves of absence to ensure the provision of group services by an approved group alternate.

Participates in staff development relating to the agency’s approved treatment program, group facilitation, CMS, AOD specific training, substance abuse training, and renews annual mandatory training requirements.

Reads, reviews, and properly applies information found in youth records related to youth health, safety, and security; provides appropriate information to other staff; and complies with policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Prepares and maintains records, forms, and reports, as required by CMS and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Assists the case manager during the time the youth is enrolled in treatment by developing individual treatment goals, maintaining constant communication with the case manager to ensure the youth is progressing in treatment, including development of goals, progress, transition plans etc.

Performs a variety of related duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.

Performs all duties in compliance with agency safety policies and procedures:

• Reports safety hazards and corrects hazards when possible.
• Completes required documentation in the event of an accident/injury within requested timeframes.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requirements for Substance Abuse Counselor I:

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree with major course work in Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Family Relations, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, or other related social sciences* field, and

Licensed in the State of Texas as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor – Intern (LCDC-I) and working towards LCDC licensure.

No experience required.

OR

Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree, with an unrelated major, and

Licensed in the State of Texas as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor – Intern (LCDC-I) and working towards LCDC licensure, and

One (1) year of full‑time wage‑earning experience providing chemical dependency treatment services in a licensed capacity.

Requirements for Substance Abuse Counselor II:

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree with major course work in Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Family Relations, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, or other related social sciences* field, and

Licensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), or

One (1) year of full‑time wage‑earning experience providing chemical dependency treatment services, in a licensed capacity.

Licensed in the State of Texas as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor – Intern (LCDC-I) and working towards LCDC licensure.

No experience required.

OR

Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree, with an unrelated major, and

Licensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), or

• Licensed Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) based on another qualifying licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker under a TSBSWEs approved clinical supervision plan, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Physician, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN), or Advanced Practice Nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psych‑mental health (APN‑P/MH)).

AND

Two (2) years of full‑time wage‑earning experience providing chemical dependency treatment services in a licensed capacity.

Requirements for Substance Abuse Counselor III:

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree with major course work in Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Family Relations, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, or other related social sciences* field, and

Licensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:

• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), or
• Licensed Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) based on another qualifying licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker under a TSBSWEs approved clinical supervision plan, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Physician, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN), or Advanced Practice Nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psych‑mental health (APN‑P/MH)).

AND

Three (3) years of full‑time wage‑earning experience providing chemical dependency treatment services.

OR

Master’s or Doctoral degree with major course work in Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Family Relations, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, or other related social sciences* field, and

Licensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:

• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), or
• Licensed Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) based on another qualifying licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker under a TSBSWEs approved clinical supervision plan, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Physician, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN), or Advanced Practice Nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psych‑mental health (APN‑P/MH)).

OR

Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree, with an unrelated major, and

Licensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), or

• Licensed Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) based on another qualifying licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker under a TSBSWEs approved clinical supervision plan, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Physician, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN), or Advanced Practice Nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psych‑mental health (APN‑P/MH)).

AND

Four (4) years of full‑time wage‑earning experience providing chemical dependency treatment services in a licensed capacity.

The following applies to Substance Abuse Counselor I, II, and III:

Any degree, diploma, high school equivalent, or course hours required to meet minimum qualifications must be from an accredited educational institution.

Requirements:

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Must be in good standing with the licensing agency.

Preferred:

Experience working with multi‑disciplinary teams.

Experience in AOD programs within a correctional setting.

Experience providing AOD services to adolescents.

Experience and Education Substitutions:

• Pro‑rated part‑time experience may satisfy the experience requirements.

* Social Science degrees include:Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Family Relations, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, Criminal Justice, Education (or education certification).

• finger printing, criminal records check, and TB testing;
• Fitness‑for‑Duty Assessment which may include both physical and behavior evaluations.

Requirements for Continued Employment:

Failure to obtain LCDC license and maintain required license will result in termination of employment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of chemical dependency and alcoholism, addiction, co‑dependency, and related disorders.
• Knowledge of counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of recovery processes.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of case management principles, objectives, standards, and methods.
• Knowledge of AOD program policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of adolescent behavior and counseling and guidance techniques.
• Skill in interviewing, in listening, and in counseling clients and patients.
• Skill in acting quickly in emergencies.
• Skill in using a computer and applicable software.
• Skill in maintaining accurate records and files.
• Ability to screen, evaluate, counsel, and instruct clients.
• Ability to implement rehabilitative and chemical dependency treatment programs.
• Ability to assess youth needs.
• Ability to coordinate client services.
• Ability to monitor program effectiveness.
• Ability to maintain written files and records.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to organize workloads and set priorities to carry out assigned tasks.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability and willingness to physically restrain youth in the appropriate manner.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.

Ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders and maintain a professional, courteous demeanor.

• Ability to work more than 40 hours per workweek, different shift patterns, be on-call, and travel occasionally.

Physical Requirements

The following physical demands and working conditions are representative of those encountered when performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Analyzing

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing

Ability to see

Ability to hear (with or without aid)

Ability to perform tactile discernment

Depth perception

Operate motor equipment

Lifting up to 25 lbs.

Carrying up to 25 lbs.

Restraining combative youth

Climbing ladders

Pulling

Pushing

Repeated bending

Reaching above shoulder

Walking

Standing

Twisting

Kneeling

Stooping

Dual simultaneous grasping

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov .Benefits include: Retirement plan, paid group health & life insurance for employee, paid holidays, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, longevity pay, educational assistance program, employee assistance program. Optional add‑on benefits include: Dental, Vision, Optional Life Insurance, Voluntary AD&D Insurance, Dependent Health & Life insurance, Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts, etc. Additionally, certain designated positions are eligible for hazardous duty pay, and career ladder advancements.

In order to receive veteran’s preference, a copy of your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), VA disability rating (if applicable), or a DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty) must be attached to your application.

If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview. Whenever possible, please give the hiring representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls.

If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting “My Job Applications” on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services

Thank you for considering employment with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SPONSORSHIP

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.