Job Description
Substance Abuse Counselor
The Substance Abuse Counselor reports directly to the Program Coordinator or the Director of Behavioral Health at the U.S.VETS site. This individual is responsible for assessing and providing counseling to individuals with emotional, mental, or substance abuse difficulties, including the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Responsibilities - Interview and assess clients in the program, review records and confer with other professionals.
- Conduct individual or group sessions to aid client's to cope with addiction issues.
- Counsel and assist clients with understanding the addiction process utilizing harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and other therapeutic models.
- Monitor, evaluate and record client progress achieving treatment goals.
- Collaborate with Case Managers to coordinate and create treatment plans.
- Develop clients' treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories
- Modify treatment plans based upon client's progress.
- Provide referrals to community resources
- Maintain confidential and thorough client records.
- Assists with toxicology testing if needed
- Responsible for implementation of all safety and emergency procedures
- Conducts bed checks, room inspections and health and safety checks to ensure a safe and hazardless environment
- Conducts various administrative duties to include documentation of bed check, inspections, incident reports, client logs, etc.
- May provide daily shuttle van transportation to community agencies such as VA, DMV, Social Security, etc.
- Assists in the delivery of basic services (such as shelter, food, hygiene, etc.) to clients served at the facility
- Ensures harmonious atmosphere at the facility by maintaining communication with clinical staff and maintaining a therapeutic milieu
- Complete and maintain accurate records and reports regarding the clients histories, progress, services provided and other required information
- Counsel clients individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
- Intervene as an advocate for clients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills
- Participate in case conferences or staff meetings
- Performs other duties as required
Requirements - California Certification for alcohol and drug counseling through California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educator - CAADE, California Association of DUI Treatment Programs - CADTP, California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals - CCAPP, California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors - CAADAC, or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor - CADC is required
- Minimum of one year experience providing counseling
- Knowledge of principles, procedures, and methods for rehabilitation of mental & physical dysfunctions
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Professional manner and appearance
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Ability to take direction
- Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of clients, staff and community members
- Strong desire to help veterans suffering from drug or alcohol abuse problems
- Ability to identify and maintain professional boundaries
- Computer proficient in Microsoft Office and Internet
Preferences - Experience working with mental health homeless or veterans preferred
- Bachelors or Master's in Social Service or related field preferred
- Valid driver's license preferred. If driving company vehicles, must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course
ADDENDUM Substance Abuse Counselors in Texas Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Conduct comprehensive substance use assessments and clinical evaluations
- Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans
- Provide individual, group, and family counseling services focused on substance use recovery
- Facilitate psychoeducational, relapse prevention, and recovery-oriented groups
- Monitor and document client progress, treatment outcomes, and service delivery
- Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with DSHS, VA, and U.S. VETS Houston standards
- Coordinate care with internal multidisciplinary teams, including case management and housing services
- Collaborate appropriately with VA partners while maintaining internal communication protocols
- Provide referrals to community-based, medical, psychiatric, and social service resources
- Adhere to confidentiality, ethical standards, HIPAA requirements, and agency policies
- Participate in clinical supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and quality assurance activities
- Maintain active LCDC licensure and complete required continuing education
Minimum Qualifications - Active Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) license in good standing in the State of Texas
- Associate degree or higher from an accredited institution
- Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, and treatment modalities
- Ability to work with individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders and complex psychosocial needs
- Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills
- Commitment to trauma-informed, veteran-centered care
Preferred Qualifications - Bachelor's or Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field
- Experience working with veterans, homeless populations, or justice-involved individuals
- Experience in VA-funded or grant-funded programs (e.g., GPD, HUD-VASH, SSVF)
- Familiarity with harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and evidence-based practices
Licensure & Compliance Requirements - Must maintain an active LCDC license in good standing throughout employment
- Must complete all required continuing education per Texas DSHS regulations
- Ability to pass background checks, drug screening, and other pre-employment requirements
- Must comply with all U.S. VETS Houston policies, VA collaboration standards, and program requirements
Work Environment & Physical Requirements - Office, residential, and community-based service environments
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and engage in verbal communication throughout the workday
- May require occasional evenings or weekends based on program needs
Job Tags
Work at office, Afternoon shift