Counselor-OSAR (Ellis)
Listed compensation
$55k-$60k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
- Level: Experienced
- Job Location: Ellis Living Room - Waxahachie, TX
- Position Type: Full Time
- Education Level: 2 Year Degree
- Salary Range: $55000.00 - $60000.00Salary
- Travel Percentage: Up to 25%
Position Role Summary: North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) is in search of Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDC) to join our OSAR (Outreach, Screening, Assessment & Referral) Team! The OSAR program is typically the first point of contact for individuals seeking substance abuse treatment services.
The OSAR program provides confidential screenings and assessments for substance use disorders to determine the level of care needed. OSAR /LCDC Responsibilities: Provide Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral screenings for individuals in need of substance abuse treatment services.
Conduct eligibility screening for children and adults, determining financial eligibility into services. Provide motivational interviewing and/or crisis intervention, referral and follow-up to community treatment and related services.
Monitor computer databases and manage interim services for clients on Region 3 waiting list for residential treatment. Complete required documentation. Outreach and support education in the community as needed.
Communicate information to supervisor and other Agency staff members; and assist with special projects or assignments as requested. The OSAR Counselor will conduct a brief screening to determine a preliminary diagnosis utilizing the DSM 5 criteria and provide referrals to appropriate recovery support services.
The OSAR Counselor will also provide assistance throughout the individual’s continuum of care and/or treatment episode, to include offering brief interventions and motivational counseling in addition to case management services.
Coordination with community partners and linkage to community-based services, eliminating barriers, and identifying available resources and recovery supports in the community. Travel can vary from 20% to 100% per day.
This would include all counties within NTBHA Catchment area (Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro & Rockwall Counties). This role may be required to use a fleet vehicle and and/or a personal vehicle for business needs.
This may include, but not limited to field & home visits, offsite meetings, co-located sites and/or pick up items for business needs, etc. If your program requires transport of individuals, this would only be allowed with a company vehicle and approval from management.
Qualifications
Qualifications required: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in human services or related field. Must be a fully licensed LPC, LCSW or LCDC. Interns are not eligible.
Must have familiarity with DSHS rules and guidelines with respect to eligibility screening and availability or HHSC-funded substance use disorder treatment services.
LCDCs who conduct mental health screenings independently must have 45 hours of continuing education in the treatment of clients with psychiatric disorders and 2000 hours of post-licensure supervision. Possess and maintains a valid driver’s license.
Pass and maintain a clear background record as required for healthcare organization under state and federal contracts. Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills - Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc., with an ability to become familiar with company-specific programs and software.
Must be able to work on and have knowledge of a PC (personal computer). We are responsible for developing a collaborative system of care for individuals in crisis in the NTBHA service area. We are focused on trauma-informed, resilience-oriented care in all services provided. This is not an employment contract; it is an overview of duties and responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
The OSAR Counselor provides outreach, screening, assessment, and referral services for individuals seeking substance abuse treatment. They also conduct crisis interventions, manage interim services for waiting lists, and coordinate with community partners to eliminate barriers to care.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in human services or a related field and possess a valid LPC, LCSW, or LCDC license. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a valid driver's license are required, along with the ability to pass a background check.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Substance Use Counseling — Counselor Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Texas is 97.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$58k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $59k in an average-cost state. 57.7% of Texas clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Of the 47 active Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 11% are remote, 57% have no call, 77% require no weekends.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $55k–$60k | Counselor median $78k (middle half $58k–$88k)26 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$59k in purchasing power | Texas index 97.1 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| All counselor listings in Texas | 721 active | 13,272 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 11% remote · 57% no call · 77% no weekends47 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Texas counselor listings (all specialties): 8% state a sign-on bonus · 23% offer loan repayment721 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| Counselor pay trend (all specialties) | −1.3% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
Location & Logistics
Texas has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$58k midpoint, that is roughly $2k–$4k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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