Adult and Adolescent Substance Abuse Recovery Outpatient Counselor

Position Summary

The Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) provides comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) counseling services in an outpatient setting to both adult and adolescent populations. This role includes assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, relapse prevention, and coordination of care in compliance with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) regulations.

The LCDC ensures delivery of evidence-based, trauma-informed care while maintaining adherence to all applicable state laws and ethical standards governing chemical dependency counseling.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Services

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for adolescents and adults with substance use disorders
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on client needs, DSM-5 criteria, and ASAM guidelines
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling services
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups (e.g., relapse prevention, coping skills, substance use education)
• Provide crisis intervention and risk assessment as needed
• Maintain appropriate caseload and documentation in accordance with agency and state standards

Care Coordination

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (medical, psychiatric, case management)
• Coordinate referrals to higher levels of care (detox, residential, inpatient) when appropriate
• Communicate with probation, CPS, schools, or other stakeholders as applicable

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely, accurate clinical documentation (assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, discharge summaries)
• Maintain compliance with HHSC, Medicaid, and accreditation standards
• Adhere to confidentiality laws including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2

Client & Family Engagement

• Provide family education and support services
• Engage adolescents using developmentally appropriate, evidence-based interventions
• Promote recovery-oriented systems of care and community resource linkage

Minimum Qualifications (Texas Requirements)

• Current Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the State of Texas (required)
• Must meet all requirements under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 504, which mandates licensure to practice chemical dependency counseling
• Completion of required licensure standards, including:
• Minimum associate degree or higher
• Completion of 4,000 hours of supervised work experience
• Successful completion of a state-approved licensing examination
• Must not be practicing under intern status (LCDC-I); fully licensed required
• Knowledge of Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 562 governing LCDC practice

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with both adolescents and adults in outpatient or intensive outpatient (IOP) settings
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices (CBT, MI, trauma-informed care)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Experience with co-occurring mental health disorders

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills
• Ability to engage diverse populations, including youth and families
• Knowledge of addiction, recovery models, and relapse prevention strategies
• Effective communication and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Work Environment

• Outpatient clinical setting
• May include evening or weekend hours to accommodate client needs
• Caseload may include both voluntary and court-mandated clients

Compliance Statement (Texas-Specific)

In accordance with Texas law, individuals providing chemical dependency counseling services must hold a valid LCDC license or qualify under a recognized exemption. Unlicensed individuals may not represent themselves as chemical dependency counselors or provide counseling services beyond education .

Physical & Other Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods and use a computer
• Ability to manage crisis situations
• Successful completion of background check and credential verification

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $50,000