The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) provides a trauma informed, holistic Alcohol or Other Drugs (AOD) Specialized Treatment Program to youth committed to the agency who have been assessed as needing AOD treatment in addition to participating in the agency¿s Texas Model of Trauma Informed Corrections. The secure facility program consists o; (1) a high intensity treatment program offered at dorms dedicated for that purpose at the agency¿s secure youth facilities; (2) a moderate intensity treatment program provided through an outpatient delivery model at the secure youth facilities and halfway houses; and (3) a continuity of care program upon release of youth into the community.
Performs substance abuse assessment and counseling for the Alcohol or Other Drugs (AOD) Specialized Treatment Program of youth who have been adjudicated delinquent of felony offenses, committed to the agency by a juvenile court, and placed in a high security correctional facility. Work involves AOD psycho-education/curriculum delivery; individual, family, and group counseling; discharge and release planning; and working with halfway house staff, parole officers, and contract treatment providers to ensure coordination of service delivery.You will also utilize Texas Model 2.0 principles and DBT skills to help youth regulate emotions, build interpersonal skills, and manage their treatment effectively.
May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per workweek, different shift patterns, be on-call, and travel (10%) occasionally.
Career Ladder Promotion Opportunity: This position is in the approved TJJD career ladder for Substance Abuse Counselors. Placement on the career ladder is dependent upon experience and education. Substance abuse counselors may be promoted based on meeting the established eligibility criteria per agency policy until they reach the top level of the ladder. Progression to the highest pay level on the career ladder is dependent upon experience and performance.
Pre-Service Training Academy Requirement: Newly hired substance abuse counselors or rehired substance abuse counselors who separated more than 18 months will be required to attend the pre-service training academy. Substance abuse counselors who have worked for TJJD and return to employment within 18 months of their separation date are not required to attend the pre-service academy and will be placed in full-time status on their date of employment.
Levels of Work Performed by Career Ladder Level:
Substance Abuse Counselor I: Performs routine (journey-level) work under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Substance Abuse Counselor II: Performs highly complex (senior-level) work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Substance Abuse Counselor III: Performs advanced (senior-level) work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Interviews, screens, and assesses clients for potential program participation and services; provides substance abuse counseling, psychoeducational classes, or rehabilitative programs both in individual and group formats; and completes weekly documentation of services provided for each participating youth in accordance with Case Management Standards (CMS) and AOD program requirements. Utilizes Texas Model 2.0 principles to guide the counseling process and fosters emotionally supportive environments for youth during counseling sessions.
Develops and monitors objectives/strategies to address AOD risk factors, increase protective factors and ensure treatment delivery according to the risk-need-responsivity principle. Applies an understanding of Texas Model 2.0 to support youth through trauma-informed care and emotional regulation.
Monitors youth progress in AOD specialized treatment; updates treatment objectives for assigned youth in accordance with CMS; and completes transition planning and discharge summaries to ensure continuity of care and management of risk factors for relapse.
Conducts program orientation sessions.
- Works in collaboration with the transitional placement staff (Halfway House PSW, Parole, and AOD Specialized Treatment Program Specialist) to identify appropriate services such as AOD aftercare. Utilizes Texas Model 2.0 principles to foster a cohesive, supportive team environment that encourages the youth's progress and emotional well-being.
Conducts and facilitates required groups, individual counseling, AOD psycho-educational groups, and family contacts for assigned caseload; and plans for scheduled and unanticipated leaves of absence to ensure the provision of group services by an approved group alternate.
Participates in staff development relating to the agency¿s approved treatment program, group facilitation, CMS, AOD specific training, substance abuse training, and renews annual mandatory training requirements.
Reads, reviews, and properly applies information found in youth records related to youth health, safety, and security; provides appropriate information to other staff; and complies with policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Prepares and maintains records, forms, and reports, as required by CMS and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Assists the case manager during the time the youth is enrolled in treatment by developing individual treatment goals, maintaining constant communication with the case manager to ensure the youth is progressing in treatment, including development of goals, progress, transition plans etc.
Performs a variety of related duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.
Performs all duties in compliance with agency safety policies and procedures:
- Reports safety hazards and corrects hazards when possible.
- Completes required documentation in the event of an accident/injury within requested timeframes.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requirements for Substance Abuse Counselor I:
Associate¿s or Bachelor¿s Degree with major course work in Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Family Relations, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, or other related social sciences* field, and
Licensed in the State of Texas as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor ¿ Intern (LCDC-I) and working towards LCDC licensure.
No experience required.
OR
Associate¿s, Bachelor¿s, or Master¿s Degree, with an unrelated major, and
Licensed in the State of Texas as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor ¿ Intern (LCDC-I) and working towards LCDC licensure, and
One (1) year of full-time wage-earning experience providing chemical dependency treatment services in a licensed capacity.
Requirements for Substance Abuse Counselor II:
Associate¿s or Bachelor¿s degree with major course work in Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Family Relations, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, or other related social sciences* field, and
Licensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), or
- Licensed Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) based on another qualifying licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker under a TSBSWEs approved clinical supervision plan, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Physician, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN), or Advanced Practice Nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psych-mental health (APN-P/MH).
AND
One (1) year of full-time wage-earning experience providing chemical dependency treatment services, in a licensed capacity.
OR
Master¿s or Doctoral degree with major course work in Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Family Relations, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, or other related social sciences* field, and
Licensed in the State of Texas as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor ¿ Intern (LCDC-I) and working towards LCDC licensure.
No experience required.
OR
Associate¿s, Bachelor¿s, or Master¿s Degree, with an unrelated major, and
Licensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), or
- Licensed Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) based on another qualifying licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker under a TSBSWEs approved clinical supervision plan, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Physician, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN), or Advanced Practice Nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psych-mental health (APN-P/MH).
AND
Two (2) years of full-time wage-earning experience providing chemical dependency treatment services in a licensed capacity.
Requirements for Substance Abuse Counselor III:
Associate¿s or Bachelor¿s degree with major course work in Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Family Relations, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, or other related social sciences* field, and
Licensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), or
- Licensed Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) based on another qualifying licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker under a TSBSWEs approved clinical supervision plan, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Physician, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN), or Advanced Practice Nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psych-mental health (APN-P/MH).
AND
Three (3) years of full-time wage-earning experience providing chemical dependency treatment services.
OR
Master¿s or Doctoral degree with major course work in Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Family Relations, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, or other related social sciences* field, and
Licensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), or
- Licensed Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) based on another qualifying licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker under a TSBSWEs approved clinical supervision plan, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Physician, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN), or Advanced Practice Nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psych-mental health (APN-P/MH).
OR
Associate¿s, Bachelor¿s, or Master¿s Degree, with an unrelated major, and
Licensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), or
- Licensed Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) based on another qualifying licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker under a TSBSWEs approved clinical supervision plan, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Physician, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN), or Advanced Practice Nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psych-mental health (APN-P/MH).
AND
Four (4) years of full-time wage-earning experience providing chemical dependency treatment services in a licensed capacity.
The following applies to Substance Abuse Counselor I, II, and III:
Any degree, diploma, high school equivalent, or course hours required to meet minimum qualifications must be from an accredited educational institution.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Must be in good standing with the licensing agency.
Preferred:
- Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Experience in AOD programs within a correctional setting.
- Experience providing AOD services to adolescents.
Experience and Education Substitutions:
- Pro-rated part-time experience may satisfy the experience requirements.
* Social Science degrees include: Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Family Relations, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, Criminal Justice, Education (or education certification).
Pre-employment conditions require acceptable results from mandatory:
- pre-employment drug test;
- finger printing, criminal records check, and TB testing;
- Fitness-for-Duty Assessment which may include both physical and behavior evaluations.
Requirements for Continued Employment:
- Failure to obtain LCDC license and maintain required license will result in termination of employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of chemical dependency and alcoholism, addiction, co-dependency, and related disorders.
- Knowledge of counseling techniques.
- Knowledge of recovery processes.
- Knowledge of community resources.
- Knowledge of case management principles, objectives, standards, and methods.
- Knowledge of AOD program policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of adolescent behavior and counseling and guidance techniques.
- Skill in interviewing, in listening, and in counseling clients and patients.
- Skill in acting quickly in emergencies.
- Skill in using a computer and applicable software.
- Skill in maintaining accurate records and files.
- Ability to screen, evaluate, counsel, and instruct clients.
- Ability to implement rehabilitative and chemical dependency treatment programs.
- Ability to assess youth needs.
- Ability to coordinate client services.
- Ability to monitor program effectiveness.
- Ability to maintain written files and records.
- Ability to prepare reports.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to organize workloads and set priorities to carry out assigned tasks.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability and willingness to physically restrain youth in the appropriate manner.
- Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
- Ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders and maintain a professional, courteous demeanor.
- Ability to work more than 40 hours per workweek, different shift patterns, be on-call, and travel occasionally.
The following physical demands and working conditions are representative of those encountered when performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Analyzing
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Ability to see
Ability to hear (with or without aid)
Ability to perform tactile discernment
Identify colors
Depth perception
Operate motor equipment
Lifting up to 25 lbs.
Carrying up to 25 lbs.
Restraining combative youth
Climbing stairs
Climbing ladders
Pulling
Pushing
Repeated bending
Reaching above shoulder
Walking
Standing
Sitting
Twisting
Kneeling
Stooping
Finger/manual dexterity
Dual simultaneous grasping
Benefits
State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov. Benefits include: Retirement plan, paid group health & life insurance for employee, paid holidays, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, longevity pay, educational assistance program, employee assistance program. Optional add-on benefits include: Dental, Vision, Optional Life Insurance, Voluntary AD&D Insurance, Dependent Health & Life insurance, Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts, etc. Additionally, certain designated positions are eligible for hazardous duty pay, career ladder advancements, and free meals while on duty.
Military/Veteran Information
In order to receive veterans preference, a copy of your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), VA disability rating (if applicable), or a DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty) must be attached to your application.
Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditors Office at Criminal Justice
Additional Information
If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview. Whenever possible, please give the hiring representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.
Thank you for considering employment with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Texas Juvenile Justice Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services
SPONSORSHIP
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
How to Apply
Your job application must be completely filled out and include all employment, do not limit employment to the past 10-15 years. Your application must contain complete job histories, which include job titles, name of employer, dates of employment (month & year), supervisors name and phone number, and a description of duties performed, and whether it was full-time or part-time and hours per week. If any of this information is not provided, your application may be rejected as incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $3,793.41 - $5,921.25 per month
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you 21 or older?
- Do you have any felony arrests?
- Are you currently on parole?
- Are you currently required to register as a sex offender?
- What is the major course work of your degree?
Education:
Experience:
- chemical dependency treatment services: 4 years (Required)
License/Certification:
Ability to Commute:
- Giddings, TX 78942 (Required)
Work Location: In person
