Substance Use Disorder Counselor

The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor provides specialized, recovery-oriented services to HCBS-AMH participants experiencing substance use challenges. Substance Use Services are delivered in accordance with the participant’s Individual Recovery Plan (IRP) and are designed to support recovery goals, reduce substance use, and prevent any relapse

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct substance use assessments when indicated by nursing assessments, ANSA/UA results, or clinical presentation.
• Provide individualized and group counseling services to address substance use disorders.
• Deliver outpatient SUD services in accordance with HHSC guidelines and billing requirements.
• Ensure services are provided only after state plan SUD benefits are exhausted or determined not appropriate.
• Implement evidence-based or evidence-informed practices approved by HHSC, including: Motivational Interviewing, Individual, group, and family counseling, Psychoeducation, Harm reduction strategies,
• Relapse prevention planning and Medication management support (in coordination with medical providers)
• Tailor interventions to the participant’s needs, preferences, and recovery goals.
• Coordinate SUD services within the context of the participant’s Individual Recovery Plan (IRP).
• Assist participants in identifying recovery goals and developing strategies to achieve them.
• Ensure services support long-term recovery and relapse prevention.
• Document when participants decline SUD services and ensure ongoing monitoring of need.
• Support participants in identifying triggers and high-risk situations.
• Teach coping skills and strategies to prevent relapse.
• Assist participants in building healthy routines and support systems.
• Promote harm reduction and recovery-oriented approaches.
• Collaborate with peer support specialists, therapists, nurses, and case managers.

Qualifications

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor for the provision of SUD services, as defined by HHSC (SUD treatment programs shall be licensed by HHSC as Chemical Dependency Treatment Centers);
• Be licensed, or appropriately credentialed, to provide services and act within the scope of the licensure or credentialing
• Pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and applicable HHSC
• Current American Red Cross Adult First Aid, CPR Completion Certificate or agree
• to complete before start date.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience with substance use disorder (SUD) specific population.
• Previous experience in counseling, social work, or other related fields.
• Exercises mature judgment and projects a professional demeanor.
• Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated, in an often-ambiguous environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively work with individuals and groups.
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Competencies

• Interpersonal Skills: Maintains confidentiality, listens without interrupting, resolves conflict respectfully, remains open to feedback, and works effectively with clients, families, staff, providers, employers, and community partners.
• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly, listens for understanding, asks clarifying questions, responds professionally, participates in meetings, and communicates effectively in positive and challenging situations.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and accurately, completes documentation on time, edits work for spelling and grammar, and presents information in a professional and understandable manner.
• Teamwork: Balances individual and team responsibilities, supports team goals, contributes to a positive work environment, welcomes feedback, and collaborates with interdisciplinary team members.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates tact, respect, accountability, sound judgment, emotional stability, and follow-through on commitments.
• Attendance and Punctuality: Reports to work as scheduled, arrives on time for meetings and appointments, and ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to work in an office, residential, community, and employment-support environment.
• Ability to travel as needed to support appointments, community activities, employer outreach, and client services.
• Ability to walk or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb stairs multiple times per day and lift or carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit, rise, kneel, squat, twist, pull, bend, grasp, reach, and walk with items in hand as needed.
• Ability to perform repetitive maneuvers and tasks requiring manual dexterity.