E-3 Visa Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
Substance Abuse Counselor roles qualify for E-3 visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. The E-3 has no lottery and renews indefinitely in two-year increments, making it a practical path for Australian counselors building long-term careers in U.S. addiction treatment settings.
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Get Access To All JobsAs a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
Job Location (Full Address):
179 Sully’s Trl, Pittsford, New York, United States of America, 14534
Opening:
Worker Subtype: Regular
Time Type: Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Department: 500128 Psychiatry SMH Ambulatory Svcs
Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America)
Range: UR URC 211 H
Compensation Range: $28.47 - $39.84
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
To provide outpatient counseling services under direct supervision as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team caring for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) as well as patients with co-occurring mental health disorders (COD) and their families when indicated. Works on specific treatment goals as designed with supervision. Maintains productivity in accordance with program and departmental standards and complies with program and departmental policies and procedures. The substance use counselor 2 will have direct supervisory or mentoring responsibilities for counselor interns and new staff. Reports to the Clinical Supervisor of assigned clinic.
Subscribes to the Department’s goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patients/families, trainees, research subjects and co-workers in a sensitive and caring manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences. Participates in available cultural competence events and trainings.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Evaluation and Assessment:
- Performs intake evaluations by direct interview of persons applying for treatment. Assesses the history of chemical use including pattern, type, and amount of use of licit, prescription, or illicit substances. Assesses patients for symptoms of substance use disorder, psychosocial history including, motivation for change, and personal resources. Gathers family historical data concerning drug and alcohol usage, relationship, and current functioning; prepares oral and written clinical reports of interview. Prepares and submits written and oral reports with supervision.
- Percentage of time spent on this responsibility will vary based on role assignment.
Individual Counseling:
- Carries out counseling of SUD and COD patients within the structure of a comprehensive treatment plan. Demonstrates utilization of evidence-based practices and listening skills, empathy, confrontation and supportive skills, ability to monitor patient participation, engagement, and motivation. Demonstrates ability to communicate treatment with other members of interdisciplinary team. Establish long-term counseling relationships with patients.
Group therapy:
- Demonstrates ability to independently facilitate group therapy for persons with substance use disorders. Maintains a working knowledge of the concepts underlying group therapy. Develops creative group programming, organizing and managing group rosters and content specific documentation.
- Percentage of time spent on this responsibility will vary based on role assignment.
Collaboration of care:
- Coordination of care and support for persons with substance use disorders with entities such as family, other health-related agencies, employers, criminal justice programs, and social service. Adheres to rules of confidentiality when communicating with outside providers. Coordinates appropriate referrals to community providers.
Case records/documentation:
- Maintains active case records including written strength-based treatment plans, problem-oriented progress notes, periodic updates of treatment plans, and appropriate documentation of incidents, discharge summaries, interagency communications, and correspondence.
Staff development:
- Participates in program staff development and informational activities including:
- Maintains continuing education in knowledge and skills affecting the discipline of substance use disorder counseling, and COD treatment, including attendance at in-service meetings.
- Provides on-site teaching to multi-disciplinary students observing program components and therapy.
- May give lectures/talks on specific topics to patients, and their families.
- Reports to clinical supervisor regularly for supervision of all clinical activity.
- Regular program multidisciplinary staff/team meetings to review policy and procedures as well as conduct case reviews.
Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to:
- Works one evening per week
- Collaborative care sessions
- Mentor new staff and supervise interns
- Toxicology screen monitoring
- Assess patients for physical, behavioral signs of drug/alcohol use and perform BAC tests as needed.
- Preparing and administering toxicology screens
- Assist staff in assessing patient’s acting-out behavior and develop a plan of action to help maintain the safety of other patients and staff in clinic.
- Provides supervision and consultation to Interns as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Master's degree in a discipline related to human services required
- 1+ years of related experience in substance use disorder treatment required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Addiction treatment. Counseling theories and techniques. Clinical writing. Health and human services resources; preferred.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or (CASAC-T)
- If CASAC-T upon hire, successful completion of examination and required hours to obtain full CASAC credential to remove the (T (training)) designation must be completed within 18 months of hire.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.
As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
Job Location (Full Address):
179 Sully’s Trl, Pittsford, New York, United States of America, 14534
Opening:
Worker Subtype: Regular
Time Type: Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Department: 500128 Psychiatry SMH Ambulatory Svcs
Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America)
Range: UR URC 211 H
Compensation Range: $28.47 - $39.84
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
To provide outpatient counseling services under direct supervision as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team caring for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) as well as patients with co-occurring mental health disorders (COD) and their families when indicated. Works on specific treatment goals as designed with supervision. Maintains productivity in accordance with program and departmental standards and complies with program and departmental policies and procedures. The substance use counselor 2 will have direct supervisory or mentoring responsibilities for counselor interns and new staff. Reports to the Clinical Supervisor of assigned clinic.
Subscribes to the Department’s goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patients/families, trainees, research subjects and co-workers in a sensitive and caring manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences. Participates in available cultural competence events and trainings.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Evaluation and Assessment:
- Performs intake evaluations by direct interview of persons applying for treatment. Assesses the history of chemical use including pattern, type, and amount of use of licit, prescription, or illicit substances. Assesses patients for symptoms of substance use disorder, psychosocial history including, motivation for change, and personal resources. Gathers family historical data concerning drug and alcohol usage, relationship, and current functioning; prepares oral and written clinical reports of interview. Prepares and submits written and oral reports with supervision.
- Percentage of time spent on this responsibility will vary based on role assignment.
Individual Counseling:
- Carries out counseling of SUD and COD patients within the structure of a comprehensive treatment plan. Demonstrates utilization of evidence-based practices and listening skills, empathy, confrontation and supportive skills, ability to monitor patient participation, engagement, and motivation. Demonstrates ability to communicate treatment with other members of interdisciplinary team. Establish long-term counseling relationships with patients.
Group therapy:
- Demonstrates ability to independently facilitate group therapy for persons with substance use disorders. Maintains a working knowledge of the concepts underlying group therapy. Develops creative group programming, organizing and managing group rosters and content specific documentation.
- Percentage of time spent on this responsibility will vary based on role assignment.
Collaboration of care:
- Coordination of care and support for persons with substance use disorders with entities such as family, other health-related agencies, employers, criminal justice programs, and social service. Adheres to rules of confidentiality when communicating with outside providers. Coordinates appropriate referrals to community providers.
Case records/documentation:
- Maintains active case records including written strength-based treatment plans, problem-oriented progress notes, periodic updates of treatment plans, and appropriate documentation of incidents, discharge summaries, interagency communications, and correspondence.
Staff development:
- Participates in program staff development and informational activities including:
- Maintains continuing education in knowledge and skills affecting the discipline of substance use disorder counseling, and COD treatment, including attendance at in-service meetings.
- Provides on-site teaching to multi-disciplinary students observing program components and therapy.
- May give lectures/talks on specific topics to patients, and their families.
- Reports to clinical supervisor regularly for supervision of all clinical activity.
- Regular program multidisciplinary staff/team meetings to review policy and procedures as well as conduct case reviews.
Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to:
- Works one evening per week
- Collaborative care sessions
- Mentor new staff and supervise interns
- Toxicology screen monitoring
- Assess patients for physical, behavioral signs of drug/alcohol use and perform BAC tests as needed.
- Preparing and administering toxicology screens
- Assist staff in assessing patient’s acting-out behavior and develop a plan of action to help maintain the safety of other patients and staff in clinic.
- Provides supervision and consultation to Interns as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Master's degree in a discipline related to human services required
- 1+ years of related experience in substance use disorder treatment required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Addiction treatment. Counseling theories and techniques. Clinical writing. Health and human services resources; preferred.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or (CASAC-T)
- If CASAC-T upon hire, successful completion of examination and required hours to obtain full CASAC credential to remove the (T (training)) designation must be completed within 18 months of hire.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.
See all 3+ Substance Abuse Counselor jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Substance Abuse Counselor roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding E-3 Visa Sponsorship as a Substance Abuse Counselor
Verify your credentials meet U.S. licensing standards
Many U.S. states require Substance Abuse Counselors to hold a CADC or LCDC credential alongside a bachelor's degree. Get your Australian qualifications evaluated through a NACES-member service before applying so employers can confirm your specialty occupation status without delay.
Target publicly funded treatment programs first
Community health centers, Veterans Affairs facilities, and federally qualified health centers are federally funded and more accustomed to sponsoring work visas than private outpatient practices. Roles at these organizations also tend to have structured HR processes that make LCA filing smoother.
Frame your role as a specialty occupation in applications
The E-3 requires the position to meet the specialty occupation standard. Explicitly note in your cover letter and resume that your role requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field, not just any degree, to preempt employer concerns about whether counseling roles qualify.
Use Migrate Mate to search for E-3 sponsoring employers
Searching broadly wastes time on employers with no visa sponsorship history. Use Migrate Mate to find Substance Abuse Counselor roles where employers have active E-3 or LCA filing records, so you're only pursuing organizations already set up to sponsor.
Negotiate LCA filing before your start date is set
The DOL must certify your Labor Condition Application before you can attend your consulate appointment. Ask your employer to initiate the LCA process immediately after your offer is signed so certification doesn't delay your intended start date by several weeks.
Handle filing end-to-end with a dedicated service
Substance Abuse Counselor roles sometimes face employer unfamiliarity with the specialty occupation documentation required for E-3 petitions. Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service manages the entire process from offer to consulate appointment, reducing the burden on both you and your employer.
Substance Abuse Counselor jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Substance Abuse Counselor JobsSubstance Abuse Counselor E-3 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs that offer E-3 visa sponsorship?
Most general job boards don't filter by visa sponsorship history, so you'll spend significant time applying to employers who have never sponsored an E-3. Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search, letting you find Substance Abuse Counselor roles where employers have a demonstrated record of filing LCAs and supporting Australian visa holders through the process.
How much does it cost to get an E-3 visa?
Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service covers the entire process for $499, including the Labor Condition Application, visa document preparation, and consulate appointment guidance. Traditional immigration lawyers charge $2,000–$5,000+ for the same work. The E-3 has less paperwork than most work visas, so paying thousands for legal help is usually unnecessary.
Does a Substance Abuse Counselor role qualify as a specialty occupation for the E-3?
Yes, provided the position requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as counseling, social work, psychology, or a related discipline. The key is that the degree must be a genuine entry requirement for the role, not just a preference. Roles that accept any degree regardless of field are harder to qualify under the specialty occupation standard.
How does the E-3 compare to the H-1B for Substance Abuse Counselors?
The E-3 is available only to Australian citizens but has no annual lottery, no cap, and no random selection process. H-1B petitions for counseling roles compete in a lottery with a roughly 20 to 25 percent selection rate in recent years. For Australians, the E-3 offers a far more predictable path, with processing that can be completed in weeks rather than waiting for an annual lottery result.
What happens to my E-3 status if my employer closes or I need to change jobs?
Your E-3 status is tied to a specific employer and their certified LCA. If your employer closes or you accept a new role, your new employer must file a fresh LCA with the DOL and you'll need to attend a new consulate appointment or file for a change of status with USCIS before you can legally begin work at the new organization.
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