Substance Abuse Counselor I

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Substance Abuse Counselor I

• Job Title: Substance Abuse Counselor I Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: Adult Education Posting Number: 22614 Closing Date: 11/27/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational
• Category: Healthcare Support
• Salary Range: $3,409.83 - $5,094.16 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-16
• Shift: Day Additional
• Shift: Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
• Travel: Up to 10% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility
• Location: Terrell State Hospital Job Location City: TERRELL Job
• Location Address: 1200 E BRIN Other Locations: MOS Codes: 0149,42SX,4C0X1,66R,68X,73A, HM Brief

Job Description

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork?

HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers.

Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based.

If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Substance Abuse Counselor I performs routine (journey-level) substance abuse counseling work involving specialized and comprehensive treatment and recovery for individuals grappling with alcohol use and other substance abuse disorders.

Key responsibilities within this role encompass various functions, such as interviewing and assessing individuals, providing substance abuse counseling, psycho-educational classes, and rehabilitative programming, conducting structured follow-up and after-care programs to ensure continuity of care following discharge or program completion, and maintaining detailed and confidential client records documenting assessments, treatment plans, counseling sessions, and progress updates in compliance with HHSC and DSHS standards.

Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Interview and assess individuals to determine eligibility for substance use treatment programs and available rehabilitative services. Utilize screening tools and clinical judgment to identify individual needs, readiness for change, potential barriers to treatment participation, and recommend appropriate program participation and services in accordance with established policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines. 20%

Provide substance abuse counseling, psycho-educational classes, and rehabilitative programming through both individual and group sessions. Utilize evidence-based counseling methods to promote understanding of addiction, foster recovery skills, and encourage personal accountability. Tailor interventions to individual needs with assistance while maintaining fidelity to treatment models and program standards. 20%

Assists with individual's follow-up activities to ensure continuity of care following discharge or program completion. Assists in gathering information needed for relapse prevention planning and recovery support activities. Supports counselors in monitoring treatment participation for individualized relapse prevention plans, coordinate referrals to community-based services, and monitor engagement in aftercare activities. 20%

Prepare and maintain required records, forms, and reports in compliance with HHSC and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) regulations. Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted within required timelines to support accountability, licensing, and program evaluation needs. 10%

Monitor twelve-step recovery and peer support groups to assess participation, engagement, and group effectiveness. Observe group facilitation to enhance knowledge and learn therapeutic objectives. Evaluate progress toward recovery goals and identify areas requiring additional intervention or support. Maintain a therapeutic and supportive environment, ensuring adherence to program guidelines, and documenting client engagement and progress toward recovery objectives. 20%

Maintain detailed and confidential client records documenting assessments, treatment plans, counseling sessions, and progress updates in compliance with HHSC and DSHS standards. Collects information needed for ongoing service delivery. Organizes and maintains clinical records to support continuity of care and treatment planning activities, and ensure treatment-related documents are filed, updated, and accessible to authorized treatment team members. 15%

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of basic counseling techniques and motivational approaches used in substance use treatment.
• Knowledge of professional ethics, confidentiality, and HIPAA requirements.
• Knowledge of recovery principles and stages of change.
• Skill in conducting substance-use screenings under supervision.
• Skill in facilitating psycho-educational and support groups with guidance.
• Skill in maintaining clear, accurate, and timely documentation under supervision.
• Ability to apply feedback from supervisors and adapt interventions accordingly.
• Ability to establish rapport with individuals while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to recognize when to seek consultation or escalate concerns to a supervisor.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams in a state hospital setting.
• Ability to demonstrate professional growth, pursue training, and develop toward independent LCDC practice.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Clinical Intership and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

Initial Screening Criteria

Six months’ experience working in behavioral health settings, preferably in-patient or residential treatment required.

• Experience in individual counseling, group counseling, and documentation required.
• Experience of COPSD required.

Additional Information

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza.

All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures. Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position.

For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

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