H-1B Visa Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
Substance Abuse Counselor roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. Employers in community health centers, hospital systems, and residential treatment programs regularly file LCAs with DOL to hire internationally trained counselors.
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This posting will be used for on-going recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once. New Mexico Rehabilitation Center (NMRC) is a Joint Commission accredited specialty hospital providing rehabilitation services to citizens of the State of New Mexico.
Preference will be given to candidates with any license related to this position, a minimum of LSAA Licensed Substance Abuse Associate.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?
As part of interdisciplinary team, provide a safe therapeutic environment in a clinically managed, substance abuse (mental health enhanced) residential treatment facility that optimizes the client’s opportunity to maintain sobriety and an enhanced quality of life.
How does it get done?
Functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team by participating in and contributing to clinical staffing. Engages clients in the therapeutic process and involves interested others (such as family and agencies) in their treatment progress.
Who are the customers?
Individuals with mental, emotional and substance abuse problems seeking treatment at NMRC.
Ideal Candidate
Individuals with mental, emotional and substance abuse problems seeking treatment at NMRC.
Minimum Qualification
High School diploma or Equivalency and two (2) years of experience in a substance abuse and or behavioral disorder counseling environment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required experience.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated a safety sensitive. Employment requires successful completion of criminal background and is conditional pending results. Employment is subject to preemployment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing.
Working Conditions
This position will perform work in a rehabilitation center and in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Lifting up to fifty (50) pounds may be required.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Mariko Morales 575-347-3417 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Posting Details
This posting will be used for on-going recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once. New Mexico Rehabilitation Center (NMRC) is a Joint Commission accredited specialty hospital providing rehabilitation services to citizens of the State of New Mexico.
Preference will be given to candidates with any license related to this position, a minimum of LSAA Licensed Substance Abuse Associate.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?
As part of interdisciplinary team, provide a safe therapeutic environment in a clinically managed, substance abuse (mental health enhanced) residential treatment facility that optimizes the client’s opportunity to maintain sobriety and an enhanced quality of life.
How does it get done?
Functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team by participating in and contributing to clinical staffing. Engages clients in the therapeutic process and involves interested others (such as family and agencies) in their treatment progress.
Who are the customers?
Individuals with mental, emotional and substance abuse problems seeking treatment at NMRC.
Ideal Candidate
Individuals with mental, emotional and substance abuse problems seeking treatment at NMRC.
Minimum Qualification
High School diploma or Equivalency and two (2) years of experience in a substance abuse and or behavioral disorder counseling environment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required experience.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated a safety sensitive. Employment requires successful completion of criminal background and is conditional pending results. Employment is subject to preemployment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing.
Working Conditions
This position will perform work in a rehabilitation center and in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Lifting up to fifty (50) pounds may be required.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Mariko Morales 575-347-3417 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
See all 37+ Substance Abuse Counselor jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Substance Abuse Counselor
Verify your credentials meet specialty occupation standards
USCIS requires your degree to directly relate to substance abuse counseling. A psychology, social work, or clinical counseling degree typically qualifies. A general business or unrelated degree will likely trigger an RFE, so gather transcript evaluations before applying.
Target employers with active LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to filter Substance Abuse Counselor roles by employers who have filed LCAs for this occupation. That history signals an established sponsorship process rather than a first-time filing that may stall.
Check required state licensure before accepting an offer
Most states require a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential. Confirm you can obtain the license before your start date, since employers often list licensure as a condition of employment and H-1B approval.
Confirm the employer pays DOL prevailing wage for your level
Run the OFLC Wage Search for SOC code 21-1011 in your target metro area. Your offered wage must meet or exceed the Level I through Level IV threshold for that location, and the LCA certifies this before USCIS adjudicates the petition.
Ask the employer about cap-exempt status during outreach
Hospitals, nonprofit community health centers, and university-affiliated clinics may qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers. Filing outside the annual lottery means faster sponsorship and no October 1 start-date constraint, which matters for clinical roles with immediate patient caseloads.
Request premium processing if your start date is firm
Substance Abuse Counselor positions often have hard caseload coverage deadlines. Premium processing moves USCIS adjudication to 15 business days. Confirm with the employer upfront whether they'll cover this fee, since USCIS requires it to be filed alongside the I-129 petition.
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Find Substance Abuse Counselor JobsSubstance Abuse Counselor H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Substance Abuse Counselor role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, provided the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a directly related clinical field. Roles that accept any bachelor's degree, regardless of field, can fail the specialty occupation test. Review the O*NET profile for SOC code 21-1011 to confirm the degree requirement before an employer files the LCA.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Substance Abuse Counselors?
Hospital systems, federally qualified health centers, residential treatment facilities, and university-affiliated behavioral health programs are the most consistent sponsors. Nonprofit community health centers often qualify as cap-exempt employers, which lets them file year-round without competing in the annual H-1B lottery. You can browse roles filtered by employer LCA history on Migrate Mate.
Does my state counseling license affect H-1B sponsorship?
It can. Many employers list a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor or Licensed Professional Counselor credential as a condition of hire, and USCIS may treat the license requirement as part of the specialty occupation analysis. If you're still in the licensure process, clarify with the employer whether supervised hours completed abroad count toward your state's requirements before the petition is filed.
How does the DOL prevailing wage requirement apply to this role?
Before filing the H-1B petition, the employer must certify an LCA with DOL stating the offered wage meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for Substance Abuse Counselors in the specific work location. Prevailing wages vary significantly by metro area and experience level. You can look up the applicable threshold using the OFLC Wage Search with SOC code 21-1011 and your target city.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new Substance Abuse Counselor employer?
Yes. Under H-1B portability rules, you can start working for a new employer once they file a new I-129 petition, without waiting for USCIS approval, as long as your previous H-1B was approved and you've maintained valid status. The new employer must file a fresh LCA and confirm the role still meets specialty occupation standards under their organization's structure.
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