Substance Abuse Counselor I
Listed compensation
$18 an hour
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Pay: $18.00 an hour
Location: 1000 Industrial Dr. Henderson, TX 75653
Status: Full Time, 8hrs
Benefit Package Includes
- Health/dental/vision/life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off (PTO)
- 9 paid holidays
- Opportunities for job advancement
Ready to add more meaning to your career? HOPE is a residential/outpatient chemical dependency treatment facility for justice-involved clients re-entering into the community. Located in Henderson, Texas the HOPE facility complies with HSSC Residential standards and provides a safe and secure environment for staff and client while utilizing employing state of the art treatment methods.
Position Summary
Reports to the substance abuse counselor II. Performs moderately complex substance abuse counseling. Work involves planning, coordinating, and implementing substance abuse counseling activities; and coordinating with other departments to ensure the maximum utilization of resources available for chemical dependency treatment and rehabilitation in compliance with Management & Training Corporation (MTC) and Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) directives.
Essential Functions
1. Provides substance abuse counseling and recovery skills training; participates in offender orientation, educational and individual and process counseling groups in compliance with program standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
2. Maintain case files for each offender with accurate and complete case records, reports, and
documentation required for compliance.
3. Interviews, screens, and evaluates offenders for potential program participation.
4. Provides a comprehensive evaluation from a battery of valid measurement tools to assess the recovery needs and the re-offense risk of offenders.
5. Participates in the Individual Treatment Plan based on the severity and characteristics of the offender as determined by intake information form, review of collateral information, and treatment progress.
6. Maintains offender records and other records regarding services provided to include workload statistics; and compiles data and submits reports and related documentation as appropriate.
7. Implements follow-up and after care plans for participants in the program and disseminates information on community resources for offenders.
8. Prepare and submit various reports for each offender on caseload to reflect the results together with comments about the offender’s level of participation and quality of completion.
9. Utilize approved curriculum and provide appropriate treatment programming and structured activities as required for contractual compliance.
10. Coordinate or participate in transition meetings, peer reflection meetings, treatment team meetings, and other required program driven support, recovery-based activities as required by contractor.
It is expected that the incumbent shall perform other duties as assigned within his/her capabilities as determined by management.
Education and Experience Requirements
Graduation from an accredited senior high school or equivalent or GED.
Must have a current letter of registration as a Counselor Intern from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), or current valid certification as Certified Criminal Justice Professional Applicant Status (CCJP-A) as approved by the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals.
Selected applicants must obtain the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) license or the Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP) certification within five (5) years from the date of their registration as a Counselor Intern or CCJP-A. Must sign a Credential Contingency Agreement that will remain in effect only until the initially established expiration date.
Failure to comply with this contingency statement will result in separation from employment. Credential Contingency Agreements will not be extended or renewed as a result of an employee’s separation from employment or acceptance of another position.
A valid driver’s license in the state of Texas with an acceptable driving record required, unless waived by management.
Post Hire Requirements
Must successfully complete annual in-service training requirements and pass an annual background check, both of which must be approved by TDCJ. Must maintain valid Counselor Intern status or CCJP-A certification for continued employment in position. Must complete preservice program and annual training requirements.
Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law.
MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com [customersupport@mtctrains.com] or 801-693-2888.
Learn more about Management & Training Corporation here
Key Responsibilities
The counselor plans, coordinates, and implements substance abuse counseling activities for justice-involved clients in a residential facility. They are responsible for maintaining accurate case files, conducting evaluations, and facilitating individual and group treatment sessions.
Requirements
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and hold a current Counselor Intern registration or CCJP-A certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Applicants must also possess a valid Texas driver's license and be able to pass a background check.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
Key Skills
Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 40% are remote, 26% have no call, 64% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Texas is 97.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$37k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $39k in an average-cost state. 57.7% of Texas clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$39k in purchasing power | Texas index 97.1 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Addiction Medicine listings in Texas | 50 active | —live on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| All substance use / addiction counselor listings in Texas | 726 active | 13,299 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 40% remote · 26% no call · 64% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Texas counselor listings (all specialties): 8% state a sign-on bonus · 23% offer loan repayment726 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Addiction Medicine listings | 440 in the last 30 days | 214 the 30 days before (+106%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
Location & Logistics
Texas has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$37k midpoint, that is roughly $1k–$3k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
Top Counselor Jobs
38 matches · ranked by paySalary Distribution
38 jobs · 29 employersAnnual compensation range
Benefits & Perks
29 jobsShare of similar jobs offering each benefit
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT, LPC, LCSW)
LifeStance Health · Brookfield, Wisconsin
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
Gotham Enterprises · Plentywood, Montana
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMFT, LCSW, LPC)
$115k-$120kResidential Behavioral Health Clinician (32-hour work week)
$109k-$116k