• Performs specialized supportive counseling for consumers with substance use disorders or dual diagnoses.
• Performs screenings and clinical assessments to determine service needs and progress with consumer treatment goals.
• Participates in formulation of the consumer Care Plans.
• 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 services based on individual needs.
• Monitors current compliance with eligibility requirements for ongoing treatment (i.e. financial assessment, current diagnosis) using available Agency reports.
• Monitors consumer progress with treatment goals.
• Meet divisional productivity standards as outlined in the Behavioral Health Response Team’s policy and procedures.
• Provides substance use support services to consumers as a part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Provides substance use groups, education, and support to consumers, partners, or other community members as requested by BHRT management.
• The LCDC will be responsible for participating in designing a curriculum with other LCDC staff and Clinical Team Leaders.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Adapts to changing working requirements.
• Flexible to meet ongoing needs of the Agency.
• Demonstrates ethical conduct in all clinical and professional activities.
• Complies with Agency policies and procedures and accrediting/regulatory bodies.
• Enters data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• LCDC will assist with training new hires (shadowing, answering questions as appropriate, etc).
• The LCDC will remain in compliance with all Agency-required trainings and CEUs required to maintain Licensure.

What qualifications you will need:

• Bachelor’s degree in the Human Services field (psychology, sociology, etc.) preferred
• Certification as Alcoholism / Drug Abuse Counselor (TAADAC/NAADAC recognized by the State of Texas)
• Valid Texas Driver’s license
• LCDC license
• Preferably have at least two (2) years as an Alcoholism / Chemical Dependency Counselor.
• 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.
• Strong communication skills, listening and interpersonal skills above average; written documentation is clear, concise, well-constructed and grammatically correct.
• Able to work collaboratively with others in a teamwork environment.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Able to execute standard word processing software on the computer.
• Understanding of the dynamics of the homeless population.

What we have to offer:

The HARRIS CENTER offers competitive salary, excellent benefits package, retirement plans with company matching, prior service credit towards generous PTO accrual, outstanding wellness programs and professional development.

Employees can also take advantage of business casual dress code, corporate discounts, and gym memberships. New hire referral bonus, discounts are also available on an optional basis. These include mobile phone service, fitness centers and other wellness amenities.

What else you should know:

This posting is associated with position #83109

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 79,000 people in fiscal year 2019 and has an annual budget of over $275 million.

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 42 different languages as well as sign language in order 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 2,300 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.