Chemical Dependency Counselor

Job Summary

Provides screening, assessment, intake and treatment, and discharge planning for clients. Screens and assesses the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients. Provides individual and group counseling, assists in developing counseling programs and intervention techniques, coordinates and monitors referral of clients to clinical and other resources and services and assists in providing related training for staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the first in a series of two chemical dependency counselor-related job classifications within the Social Services job family. This classification is responsible for assessing the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients, developing treatment and discharge plans, coordinating referral to resources and services and conducting related counseling programs. This classification is distinguished from the higher level by assisting in, rather than full development of counseling programs and related training. This classification typically does not function in a lead capacity. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs intake, screening and assessment of clients for substance abuse problems. Assesses the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients through screening instruments, personal interviews, observation and other methods to determine clinical and other education/treatment resources and services required. Administers various clinical and other screening tests.
• Conducts individual and group counseling and/or psycho-educational classes regarding substance abuse rehabilitation, cognitive skill development, and relapse prevention techniques. Provides crisis and substance abuse intervention services for clients. Identifies clients in at-risk situations and seeks treatment solutions and alternative environmental surroundings.
• Assists in developing treatment plans and intervention programs and recommending resources and services for clients. Coordinates referral of clients to clinical resources and other services and monitors client progress. Resolves obstacles to service delivery.
• Maintains primary responsibility for coordinating client services provided by clinical and social service professionals and community outreach service providers. Initiates and sustains ongoing advocacy for client.
• Prepares progress reports of client treatment, documents interviews, observations and evaluations for case file. Conducts and maintains analysis of treatment and service provider usage. Develops discharge plans, including referrals to counseling and social service programs in the community.
• Assists in planning, developing and conducting training sessions for staff and volunteers.
• Serves as liaison with advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers, community outreach services and law enforcement personnel. Conducts presentations related to substance abuse treatment and counseling for outside groups, agencies and organizations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND two (2) years experience in substance abuse counseling, social services or criminal justice work; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC); OR, Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) must be obtained within six (6) months of date of hire. Valid Texas Driver's License. Preferred: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of:

• Procedures for assessing the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients.
• Counseling theory techniques and resources.
• Substance abuse and crisis intervention techniques and resources.
• Policies, practices, procedures and standards within area of assignment.
• Advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers and community outreach services.
• Principles and procedures of case file documentation.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.

Skill in:

• Counseling and providing crisis and other assistance to clients.
• Screening and assessing the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients.
• Administering various clinical and other screening tests.
• Determining types of counseling, social service provider and other services indicated for clients.
• Obtaining information from clients and other sources.
• Developing treatment, intervention and discharge plans for clients.
• Developing and conducting training sessions.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Apply counseling theory, practice and procedures.
• Develop client advocacy programs.
• Work efficiently, both independently and as a team member.
• Manage time well and meet timelines.
• Communicate effectively.
• Maintain clear and legible documentation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, other County employees and officials, community outreach and other organizations, clinical service providers, law enforcement personnel and the general public.

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, driving, client/customer contact, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions. This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Work Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:30am-8:30pm. Wednesday 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

Department: Pretrial Services

Location: 411 W 13th St Austin TX 78701

Criminal, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

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Benefits

Employment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment. FY2026 Travis County Benefit Guide

In this valuable Travis County Benefits Guide you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.

Credit Union Employees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes and other benefits.

Deferred Compensation Employees may enroll in a tax- free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.

Direct Deposit Employees may sign up for direct bank deposit.

Employee Assistance Program Travis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.

Employee Organizations Membership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.

Employee Health & Wellness Clinic Employees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance costs.

Holidays An average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.

Insurance Employees may select from four plans: an Exclusive Physician Organization (EPO), Choice Plus Preferred Physician Organization (PPO), Consumer Choice or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). All four options include a Pharmacy Plan. Travis County's current policy is to pay 100% of the employee's health insurance premium for the Consumer Choice and HDHP. Employees will pay a premium for both the EPO and PPO. Other insurance benefits include $50,000 Basic Life and AD&D paid by the County.