Substance Abuse Counselor Green Card Jobs
Substance Abuse Counselor roles can qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process, where employers file on your behalf for permanent residency. Clinical licensure, supervised hours, and state credentialing requirements shape how employers document your qualifications for PERM. Finding employers who understand this sponsorship pathway is the practical starting point.
See All Substance Abuse Counselor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 12+ Substance Abuse Counselor jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 12+ 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 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 12+ 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 Green Card Sponsorship as a Substance Abuse Counselor
Verify your state license transfers across borders
PERM requires your credentials to meet the job's minimum requirements at filing. If your counseling license was issued in a different state or country, confirm it's either portable or that you can obtain reciprocal licensure before your employer submits the labor certification.
Target employers already using PERM for counselors
Behavioral health networks, federally qualified health centers, and VA-affiliated facilities have established HR processes for PERM sponsorship. These organizations have filed for clinical staff before and won't need to build the compliance workflow from scratch around your case.
Distinguish EB-3 from H-1B before your interviews
Unlike H-1B, PERM-based green card sponsorship has no annual lottery and leads to permanent residency. Employers unfamiliar with the difference may assume sponsorship means H-1B risk. Clarifying the EB-3 path early removes a common objection before it stalls your offer.
Check the prevailing wage for your license level
DOL sets prevailing wage by occupation, location, and experience tier using the OFLC Wage Search. Substance Abuse Counselors with LCDC, LPC, or LCSW credentials often fall into different wage levels, which directly affects what your employer must offer in the PERM filing.
Use Migrate Mate to filter employers with green card history
Search on Migrate Mate to identify Substance Abuse Counselor roles at organizations with documented PERM filing history, so you're pursuing employers who've already sponsored workers in clinical roles rather than educating hiring managers about the process from scratch.
Prepare your supervised hours documentation before PERM begins
Many counseling licenses require thousands of documented supervised clinical hours. Gather those records now because your employer's attorney will need them to support the PERM job description and demonstrate you meet the stated minimum requirements at the time of filing.
Substance Abuse Counselor jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Substance Abuse Counselor JobsSubstance Abuse Counselor Green Card Sponsorship: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Substance Abuse Counselor roles qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Most Substance Abuse Counselor positions qualify under EB-3, which covers skilled workers and professionals with at least a bachelor's degree. Roles requiring a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related clinical field can qualify under EB-2. The employer's job description and your credentials both factor into which category USCIS approves.
How does PERM green card sponsorship differ from H-1B for this role?
PERM sponsorship leads to permanent residency, not a temporary work visa. There's no annual lottery and no cap at the EB-3 level for most nationalities, which removes the uncertainty H-1B applicants face each April. The tradeoff is timeline: the PERM labor certification, I-140 petition, and adjustment of status process typically takes two to four years depending on your country of birth and priority date.
What credentials do employers typically require before filing PERM for a counseling role?
Employers generally require active state licensure (LCDC, LPC, LMHC, or LCSW depending on the state), a qualifying degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, and documented supervised clinical hours. PERM regulations require the job offer to reflect the employer's actual minimum requirements, so your credentials must meet whatever the labor certification states at the time of filing.
How do I find employers who will sponsor a Substance Abuse Counselor for a green card?
Migrate Mate lets you search specifically for Substance Abuse Counselor roles at employers with PERM filing history, filtering out organizations that have never sponsored foreign workers. Behavioral health networks, federally qualified health centers, hospital systems, and correctional health contractors are among the employer types that regularly file PERM for licensed clinical staff.
Can I switch employers after my I-140 is approved without losing my green card priority date?
Under AC21 portability rules, you can change employers after your I-140 is approved and your adjustment of status application has been pending for at least 180 days, as long as the new role is in the same or a similar occupational classification. For Substance Abuse Counselors, a move to a comparable licensed counseling position at a different facility generally qualifies. USCIS makes the portability determination case by case.
See which Substance Abuse Counselor employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs