Adult Outpatient Chemical Dependency Counselor or Counselor Intern

There is a $500 signing bonus for this position, paid with the first paycheck. Employee must remain employed for a full year in order to retain the bonus.

Job Purpose

Provide alcohol and drug education and counseling for qualified clients in an individual and group setting, including screening, intake, intervention, assessment, referral, and related counseling services. Counselor Interns will provide these services under clinical supervision of a Qualified Credentialed Counselor.

Job Description

• Perform designed alcohol and drug education, information, intervention, assessment, referral, group, and individual counseling services as well as client information and intake.
• Conduct all appropriate services within substance abuse treatment program.
• Access needed ancillary services for clients when possible and/or needed.
• Maintain client files in accordance with federal and state laws/standards and BVCASA Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with federal confidentiality laws and BVCASA Policies and Procedures.
• Provide structured program and activities for clients and family members.
• Demonstrate and model appropriate living skills and healthy lifestyles for clients, including 12-Step recovery if appropriate.
• Observe and report inappropriate client behavior to the counseling staff.
• Coordinate with the other staff to assure clients’ needs are met and that clients are in compliance with program expectations.
• Assure that safety policies are carried out and report any concerns to the Director or designee.
• Coordinate with other service providers, medical services, transportation services, etc., as directed by staff.
• Manage any emergency situation or crisis according to Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain high standards of care for all clients consistent with HHSC Contract and Counselor Code of Ethics.
• Maintain strict compliance with BVCASA and HHSC policies, procedures, rules, directives, standards, and contractual requirement.
• Meet all deadlines required for trainings, billing, documentation, and other deadlines as directed by supervisory staff in order to maintain compliance.
• Respond to all communication from both internal and external sources in a timely manner.
• Participate in agency wide activities as needed in order to meet the goals and objectives of the organization in furthering its mission.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisory staff.

Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements

Qualifications

Licensed as an LPC, LPC-I, LCSW, LCDC, or CI in the State of Texas.  An LCDC who holds a master’s or other advanced degree must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education during each two-year licensure period.  An LCDC who does not hold a master’s or other advanced degree must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education.

Graduation from an accredited senior high school (or GED Equivalent) required. Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or two (2) years’ work experience in substance abuse and counseling or related area. Counselor Interns must have a current letter of registration as a Counselor Intern with the Department of State Health Services, and must be supervised and receive weekly progress reports by QCC to maintain registration. Counselor Interns must complete 4000 hours of a practicum prior to licensure. Licensed Counselors must be currently licensed in the State of Texas as an LPC, LPC-I, LCSW, LCDC, or CI.  The employee is responsible for meeting all continuing education requirements, paying any required fees, and submitting paperwork in a timely manner as needed for maintaining their license.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to represent BVCASA with a positive image
• Must have a high standard of professional ethics and integrity with all clients, within the community and with BVCASA personnel
• Must have and maintain a general level of good health; physical, mental and emotional
• Ability to enforce policy and procedures of BVCASA
• In-depth knowledge of community resources, assessments, interventions, and referrals sources
• Experience with clients in a treatment setting is desirable
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and relate well to individuals and groups
• Ability to establish rapport with clients, their children and family members
• Skills in facilitating group counseling and individual sessions
• Must have good case management skills and after care follow-up techniques
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, organizations, and general public
• Willingness to receive and to respond positively to supervision
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) capabilities are preferred, but not required

Other Requirements

Reliable transportation and telephone required.