Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is currently seeking a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) to become a valued member of our team. Under the general direction of the Program Director, this position allows Community Health Workers (CHW) to assist Texas residents living with substance use disorders (SUD) to increase access and retention in substance use, mental health, and medical services. Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor will be responsible for coordinating and providing specialized supportive counseling in the treatment and rehabilitation of substance use to eligible population in a variety of settings in the community not limited to homeless encampments, shelters, drug treatment facilities. Will work with members of the team of Care Coordinators and Psychiatric Technicians. Monitors and assesses consumer behavior and progress. Provides input for treatment planning and implementation. Documents services provided to meet Agency requirements. This position requires travel via agency vehicle and flexible hours.

Your role in Action:

• Performs specialized supportive counseling, screenings, and assessments for consumers with substance use disorders or dual diagnoses
• Provides outreach services with the team to eligible population to increase their access to substance use, mental health, and medical services
• Maintains familiarity of current community resources for target population
• Ensures all services provided meet eligibility criteria and are authorized in accordance with agency and regulatory guidelines
• Provides training/education on the nature of substance use addressing the symptom related problems, the triggers that interfere with the individuals functioning and coping mechanisms
• Performs activities to assist consumers in gaining and coordinating access to necessary care and 7. Monitors current compliance with eligibility requirements for ongoing treatment (i.e. financial assessment, current diagnosis) using available Agency reports
• Flexible to meet ongoing needs of the Agency.
• Demonstrates ethical conduct in all clinical and professional activities
• Builds working relationships with various agencies in the community
• Enters data into required systems (i.e. the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS; Anasazi) services based on individual needs.

What qualifications you will need:

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent, required.
• Bachelor's degree in the Human Services field (psychology, sociology, etc.) preferred.

Experience:

• Preferably have at least two (2) years as an Alcoholism / Chemical Dependency Counselor.
• Outreach and engagement experience preferred

Other Key Qualifications:

• Valid Texas Driver's license
• LCDC license

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Basic understanding of what mental illness is, substance use and its effects on mental illness, common signs and symptoms and able to identify difficulties with coping in community settings
• Knowledgeable and competent in discussing HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), and other communicable diseases associated with substance use
• Ability to discuss sexuality openly and comfortably
• Knowledgeable and competent in discussing opioid overdose
• Local Community Resource knowledge
• Strong communication skills; listening and interpersonal skills above average;
• Able to work collaboratively with others in a team
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Able to execute word processing and Excel software on the computer

What we have to offer:

The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.

Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.

Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education

What else you should know:

• Your work week: Enjoy a flexible schedule Monday - Friday.
• Your workplace: Position requires community-based engagement. Location of assigned clinic can vary based on program need .
• The environment: Be prepared to navigate challenging situations - you may occasionally encounter unfavorable conditions. Must be able to manage staff effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Your interactions: Engage with a diverse range of individuals, some of whom may be emotional, physically hostile, agitated or uncooperative. This is an opportunity to employ your strong interpersonal skills and patience to make a real impact in their lives.
• This posting is associated with positions #2724-83603

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provided care to over 96,000 people in fiscal year 2023!

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.