Substance Abuse Counselor III

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Substance Abuse Counselor III
Job Title: Substance Abuse Counselor III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Chld /orAdolPsych Social Svs
Posting Number: 20106
Closing Date: 09/01/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $4,450.00- $5,921.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Terrell Center for Youth
Job Location City: TERRELL
Job Location Address: 1200 E BRIN
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 0149,42SX,4C0X1,66R,68X,73A,HM

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Substance Abuse Counselor III oversees substance abuse counseling work involving specialized and comprehensive treatment and recovery for individuals grappling with alcohol use and other substance abuse disorders. Key responsibilities within this role encompass various functions, such as monitoring individuals' progress in substance abuse counseling by regularly reviewing treatment objectives and updating them in accordance with HHSC policy, participating in staff development activities related to the agency’s approved substance abuse counseling program, collaborating with discharge placement staff to identify and arrange appropriate aftercare services, including intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and community-based counseling, developing individualized individual objectives and communicate them to the treatment team for inclusion in the Recovery Plan, and facilitating Substance Use and Co-Occurring Psychiatric and performs other duties as assigned

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Provides advanced substance use disorder assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and case management services for individuals with complex behavioral health and co-occurring conditions. Develops, implements, and reviews individualized treatment plans; evaluates treatment progress; and recommends modifications based on clinical needs and evidence-based practices. Interprets assessment findings and formulates clinical recommendations regarding treatment interventions, level of care, and service delivery, provides consultation regarding diagnostic impressions, consults with treatment team members regarding diagnostic considerations, treatment recommendations, and service coordination. 20%

Participate in staff development activities related to the agency’s approved substance abuse counseling program. Attend and contribute to training sessions in group facilitation and substance abuse-specific practices and maintain compliance with annual mandatory training requirements to ensure up-to-date knowledge and effective service delivery. 15%

Collaborate with discharge placement staff to identify and arrange appropriate aftercare services, including intensive out programs (IOP) and community-based counseling. Ensure that individuals leaving the program are connected with support services that reinforce recovery and reduce the likelihood of relapse.10%

Prepare and maintain required records, forms, and reports in compliance with HHSC and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) regulations. Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted within required timelines to support accountability, licensing, and program evaluation needs. 10%

Develop individualized objectives and communicate them to the treatment team for inclusion in the Recovery Plan. Record and track the progress of group activities and individual participation in HER (electronic health record) to ensure documentation reflects ongoing progress toward recovery goals. Monitors individual's progress toward treatment goals and identifies barriers impacting recovery and treatment engagement; recommends modifications to treatment approaches based on participant progress and clinical needs. 10%

Complete and finalize COPSD assessments in accordance with agency standards, ensuring assessments are completed within seven days of admission or notification of a physician’s order. Provide timely and accurate evaluations to inform individualized treatment planning and integrated care approaches. 10%

Perform assigned responsibilities as part of the Recovery Team, Quality Improvement Team (QIT), and Substance Use Discipline meetings. Attend required meetings and in-services, contribute to group discussions, and support ongoing quality improvement efforts. 10%

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of evidence-based practices in substance use treatment (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive

Behavioral Therapy, relapse prevention, and integrated COPSD interventions).

Knowledge of HHSC/TAC standards, state/federal regulations, and documentation requirements for behavioral

health and substance use services.

Knowledge of the impact of co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, and how to integrate care

within a hospital setting.

Skill in conducting bio-psychosocial and substance use assessments.

Skill in group facilitation and individual counseling with diverse populations.

Skill in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and motivational enhancement strategies.

Skill in maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation in compliance with hospital policy.

Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with individuals while setting professional boundaries.

Ability to integrate substance use treatment into a multidisciplinary treatment team, including psychiatry,

nursing, psychology, and social work.

Ability to recognize, assess, and respond to withdrawal symptoms, risk of relapse, or psychiatric crisis.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, families, and treatment team

members.

Ability to adapt evidence-based interventions to meet the cultural, developmental, and clinical needs of individuals

in a state hospital setting.

Ability to model professionalism, support recovery-oriented care, and promote individual engagement in treatment

and discharge planning.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) through the Texas Department of State Health Services

Initial Screening Criteria:

Minimum of three (3) years of full-time chemical dependency counseling experience after obtaining LCDC licensure required.

Three (3) years’ experience should include assessment, treatment planning, individual counseling, group counseling, case management, and documentation required.

Must have no current disciplinary action that would prohibit supervision responsibilities.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC .

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on aiapply.co. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.