Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

Pay is determined by relevant experience, work history, education and internal equities. As part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices, MHMR offers the maximum compensation for candidates based on their experience, education and internal equities of the agency. This practice removes biases in compensation and assist hires and/or promotions on pay equity in their appropriate position(s) at MHMR.

I) Job Purpose

To provide Substance Use Disorder services to individuals enrolled in Behavioral Health programs with MHMR of Tarrant County. Direct care services involve conducting intake assessments, individual counseling, group therapy, and case coordination services. Will Develop all SUD (Substance Use Disorder) programming and treatment. Minimal direct care services will be no less than 50% of available work time. Counselor will coordinate peer recovery services at appointed behavioral health clinic. The position is to provide SUD services and coordinate integrated services with individuals with a SUD diagnosis at behavioral health clinics in Tarrant County using evidence-based practices such as Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

II) Essential Functions

A) Provides assessment, individual counseling, group therapy, screening, information and education to persons requesting help with substance use disorder and document services.

Performance Standards:
1. Assessment using the Addiction Severity Index in CMBHS
2. Document all services in CMBHS and the electronic health record.
3. Coordinate all SUD services with integrated care referrals and coordination if warranted.

B) Conducts assessments and performs therapeutic interventions in outpatient or inpatient treatment as directed or indicated. Makes referrals to appropriate follow-up services, including medication-assisted treatment.

Performance Standards:
1. Assessments must be completed face to face with client at the first client contact or as soon as possible from initial contact.
2. The assessment documentation must meet or exceed DSHS/CARF standards and conform to BH quality management requirements.

C) Documents all client contacts in Progress Note format in both EHR and CMBHS.

Performance Standards:
1. Progress notes must be in client chart in CMBHS and the EHR within 48 hours of any client contact.

D) Develops SUD treatment jointly with client family and MH team members. Include problems, goals ,measurable objectives, and evidenced based interventions in the CMBHS treatment plan. Ensures all required paperwork is completed and signed by all team members and meets HHSC standards. The treatment plans must contain the clinician's credentials and signature as well as the client's signatures in black ink or have a verified digital signature.

Performance Standards:
1. Treatment goals and objectives must be completed within 5 service days of the initial assessment and incorporated into CMBHS treatment plan.

E) Provides on-going case coordination services to clients including; documentation of client follow-up and staff interaction with other service providers (i.e., parole, probation, and other substance programs). Regularly participate in BH clinic staff and team meetings.

Performance Standards:
1. Must have knowledge of 448 rules and statements of work requirements and meet all such requirements.
2. Must present staffing notes to team at least twice a month.
3. Coordinate client SUD services with BH staff and peer recovery coaches if warranted.
F) Develops discharge plans and summaries per HHSC/CARF standards and refers clients to other community resources as clinically indicated.

Performance Standards:
1. Discharge plans will be developed during the entire treatment process.
2. Discharge summaries must be completed within 5 working days of discharge.
3. All referrals should include specific locations; dates and times services will be delivered and should be written on the discharge summary or recorded in the BH client chart as directed.
G) Ensures that a minimum of 60% of available time is spent providing direct care services to the target populations.

Performance Standards:
1. A full-time Licensed Counselor/SUD Counselor must spend a minimum of 30 hours a week on group therapy, education, assessments and individual sessions.
H) Conducts group and individual sessions as assigned or indicated by the client's treatment plan. The course of treatment should conform to the goals and objectives of each client's plan.

Performance Standards:
1. Progress notes must reflect treatment plan objectives in an integrated MH/SUD setting.

I) Performance standards are performed as applicable with MHMR's We CARE values "We Connect People in Our Community. We Provide Access to Services. We Link People to Resources. We Empower People."
J) Perform other job duties or responsibilities as requested or assigned.

III) Knowledge of Laws, Regulations, Policies/Procedures, Skills, and Abilities

A) Knowledge of MHMRTC and BH-SUD Services Operating Procedures
B) Knowledge of HHSC/CARF standards
C) Knowledge of the treatment of substance abuse.
D) Ability to provide counseling for substance abuse in individual and group sessions.
E) Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms.
F) Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
G) Specific knowledge of family, vocational, legal, cultural, and other sociological problems associated with substance abuse.
H) Ability to conduct screenings, referrals, intakes, assessments and unit orientations.
I) Ability to provide crisis intervention when needed.
J) Ability to provide substance abuse education to BH-SUD Services clients.
K) Ability to complete proper documentation/ paperwork required for client chart.

IV) Internal & External Customer Service

A) Extensive internal and external contact is required. The employee will demonstrate advanced written and verbal skills while maintaining a positive image.

V) Travel

A) Minimal inter-agency travel may be required. Employee is responsible for making their own accommodations for inter-agency travel.Minimum Requirements

Required Education

High School Diploma / GED

Required Experience

Three (3) years with a professional License, 6 months with an intern license

Defined Experience

Experience in the treatment of substance abuse or with dully diagnosed and/or mentally ill clients

Substitutions

None

License/Certifications

Valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record

LCDC, LCDC intern, LPC, LPC-A, LMSW, LCSW, LMFT, LMFT-A (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) in Texas. Provisional licenses for any of the above listed licenses must receive supervision from a QCC (Qualified Credentialed Counselor) for both counseling activities and documentation requirements.

Supervisory Experience

None

Testing Requirements
Pre-employment tests including drug and TB Screening, Physical Exam including balance and lift test.
Satori Alternatives to Managing Aggression (SAMA)

Lifting Requirements
55 pounds

Additional Requirements

All staff are required to participate in agency Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Safety programs and may be assigned by their departments as a key/essential staff level function during critical events or for the purpose of sustaining business continuity.

This position may require temporary or permanent re-assignment to any MHMR Tarrant facility as determined by program needs and /or the Division/Director.

Assigned work hours may change as the needs of the agency change.

The functional Title of this position may change as the needs of the agency change.

All work will be complete within the scheduled work hours. All non-exempt (hourly) employee are expected to clock In and out for each work shift, no work done should be done off the clock.

Prior approval from supervisor is required for all Paid Time Off (PTO) and Overtime.

MHMR reserves the tight to change, and to or eliminate a position as it deems appropriate.

Employment is at will, as well as agency needs may change.

Agency dress code is to be followed at all times.

Physical on-site presence, including regular attendance and punctuality is an essential function of this position. Any change or adjustments to your assigned work schedule or shift hours must be approved by your supervisor in advance.

Our Benefits:

All staff are required to participate in agency Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Safety programs and may be assigned by their departments as a key/essential staff level function during critical events or for the purpose of sustaining business continuity.

This position may require temporary or permanent re-assignment to any MHMR Tarrant facility as determined by program needs and /or the Division/Director.

Assigned work hours may change as the needs of the agency change.

The functional Title of this position may change as the needs of the agency change.

All work will be complete within the scheduled work hours. All non-exempt (hourly) employee are expected to clock In and out for each work shift, no work done should be done off the clock.

Prior approval from supervisor is required for all Paid Time Off (PTO) and Overtime.

MHMR reserves the tight to change, and to or eliminate a position as it deems appropriate.

Employment is at will, as well as agency needs may change.

Agency dress code is to be followed at all times.

Physical on-site presence, including regular attendance and punctuality is an essential function of this position. Any change or adjustments to your assigned work schedule or shift hours must be approved by your supervisor in advance.

Our Benefits:

Our total rewards program offers benefits* to full time employees beginning 1st of the month following hire date including but not limited to:

• Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision)

• Life insurance and additional supplemental accident and hospitalization plans

• 401a match and 457 deferred compensation plans

• Paid vacation and holidays; varied flexible work environment locations

• Annual tuition reimbursement program

• Student Loan Forgiveness

• Professional development programs and training

• And more.....

Insurance eligibility:

• Full time employees begin 1st of the month following hire date

• Market driven positions (full time or part time) begin immediately after hire date

• Select part time market driven positions are eligible for most insurance plans

• Substitute status jobs are not eligible for benefits

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Additional Information
*MHMR of Tarrant County ("MHMR") and its affiliates and subsidiaries have an internal recruiting department. MHMR may supplement that internal capability from time to time with assistance from temporary staffing agencies, placement services, and professional recruiters herein after referred to collectively as "Recruiters"). Recruiters are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact MHMR employees directly in an attempt to present candidates – MHMR recruiting team or other authorized MHMR personnel must present ALL candidates to hiring managers. For more information please visit our website