Substance Abuse Counselor I
Listed compensation
$19-$21/hr
The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Pay
- Substance Abuse Counselor I (Intern): $19.00 per hour
- Substance Abuse Counselor I (Licensed): $21.00 per hour
Schedule: Full-Time, Monday – Friday, 8-hour shifts
Benefit Package Includes
- Medical, vision, and prescription drug benefits
- Dental benefits
- Life insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Paid holidays
- Bereavement leave
- Civic duty and military leave
Impact lives with Management & Training Corporation (MTC)! At the Ernestine Glossbrenner Unit in San Diego, Texas, our foundation is based upon the philosophies of caring about others, giving back, and making a social impact. We provide a safe and secure working environment for our staff while helping an at-risk population receive the treatment necessary for success on their road back to a healthy, productive life.
Position Summary
Reports to the substance abuse counselor II. Performs moderately complex substance abuse counseling work. 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 inmate orientation, educational and individual and process counseling groups in compliance with program standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
2. Provides a comprehensive evaluation from a battery of valid measurement tools to assess the recovery needs and the re-offense risk of DWI inmates.
3. Participates in the development and implementation of a comprehensive treatment plan (CTP) which is developed based on results of an evaluation battery designed to assess inmate needs and risk associated with recidivism.
4. Maintains accurate and complete case reports, records, and statistics necessary for the evaluation of the program. Maintain confidentiality of inmate records. Compiles data and submits reports and related documentation as appropriate.
5. Participates in sessions designed to teach and practice complex life skills such as assertiveness, anger management, goal setting, managing criminality and changing thinking errors.
6. Implements follow-up and after care plans for inmates that participate in the program prior to their release; and disseminates information on community resources for inmate placement in follow-up treatment.
7. Make available to all inmates, recovery oriented support groups.
8. Within 30 days of completion of the program, works with the treatment team to develop a comprehensive assessment plan (CAP) for each inmate on caseload to reflect the evaluation results together with comments about the inmate’s level of participation and quality of completion in the DWI programs.
9. Submit copy of the CAP to the Parole Division to be included in the Parole Case Summary.
10. Promote the development of positive social skills through modeling appropriate behaviors and intervening when inappropriate behaviors are observed; provide regular feedback to staff regarding social skills procedures and intervention techniques.
11. Maintain accountability of staff, inmates, and property; adhere to safety practices.
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 possess current valid letter of registration as Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor- Counselor Intern (LCDC-CI) from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or current valid certification as a Certified Criminal Justice Professional Applicant Status (CCJP-A) by the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals, or Treatment Specialist (must obtain LCDC-CI or CCJP-A within 180 days of hire date).
Must maintain valid registration or certification for continued employment in position.
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid licensure as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) or valid certification as a Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP) within five (5) years from the date of their registration as a LCDC-CI 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 of employment. Credential Contingency Agreement will not be extended or renewed as a result of an employee’s separation of employment or acceptance of another position.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required, unless waived by management.
WHY: Be the answer from the inside. Make a real difference every day!
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 performs substance abuse counseling, including planning and implementing treatment activities for inmates. They also maintain accurate case records and coordinate with other departments to ensure effective rehabilitation and compliance with program standards.
Requirements
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and hold a valid LCDC-CI or CCJP-A certification, or be able to obtain one within 180 days. A valid driver's license is also required for this role.
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, 28% are remote, 34% have no call, 68% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Texas is 97.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$42k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $43k in an average-cost state. 57.7% of Texas clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Substance Abuse Counselor I at Management and Training a 6.0 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 35% of all Addiction Medicine counselor listings evaluated on our platform. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements.
Location & Logistics
Texas has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$42k midpoint, that is roughly $2k–$3k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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