H-1B Visa Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
Substance Abuse Counselor roles qualify for H-1B visa 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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Cornerstone at Helping Up Mission is seeking a Casual (10-12 hrs/week) Substance Abuse Counselor to be responsible for providing counseling and coordinating counseling activities according to protocol for clients age 18 and over.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide rehabilitation counseling to clients with a substance use disorder using multiple treatment modalities including Reinforcement-Based Treatment which is an evidence-based treatment approach that integrates motivational interviewing with structured involvement in work and social activities.
- Create person-centered treatment plans, and maintain updated plans according to COMAR regulations, JHU policies and CARF standards.
- Coordinate clients’ engagement in attending events consistent with treatment goals, including clinic appointments, NA/CA/AA meetings, employment appointments and recreational activities.
- Initiate and maintain contact with the client’s family members and/or significant other.
- Coordinate access to community resources including job training, housing, recreation, and drug-free social contacts.
- Monitor caseload’s urine results and make adjustment to client’s treatment plan accordingly.
- Enter client activity data.
- Inform appropriate staff member of supplies and equipment needs that relate to client services.
- Comply with reporting requirements of state and local agencies, and according to Department of Psychiatry, and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
- Serve as backup for other research and administrative duties.
- Will complete other duties as assigned by the Director and/or Clinical Supervisor.
Special knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to interact effectively with clients, management, Helping Up Mission personnel and partners, in addition to individuals from diverse cultures.
- Computer experience required.
- Flexible hours required, including some evenings and weekends.
- Excellent organizational skills to work effectively in an environment that requires balancing multiple assignments.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree required in Psychology, Social Work or another related field.
- At the time of hire, qualified candidates must possess one or more of the following which are recognized by the MD Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists: Alcohol and Drug Trainee status, CSC-AD, CAC-AD, LGADC, LCADC, LGPC, LCPC, or LCSW. Must maintain credentials throughout employment.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience providing counseling services to adult population desirable.
Classified Title: Substance Abuse Counselor
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: $20.04 - $35.03 HRLY ($55,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: M-F Varies
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview
Department name: SOM Psy Bay Cornerstone
Personnel area: School of Medicine
Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit: https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.
Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.
The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
INTRODUCTION
Cornerstone at Helping Up Mission is seeking a Casual (10-12 hrs/week) Substance Abuse Counselor to be responsible for providing counseling and coordinating counseling activities according to protocol for clients age 18 and over.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide rehabilitation counseling to clients with a substance use disorder using multiple treatment modalities including Reinforcement-Based Treatment which is an evidence-based treatment approach that integrates motivational interviewing with structured involvement in work and social activities.
- Create person-centered treatment plans, and maintain updated plans according to COMAR regulations, JHU policies and CARF standards.
- Coordinate clients’ engagement in attending events consistent with treatment goals, including clinic appointments, NA/CA/AA meetings, employment appointments and recreational activities.
- Initiate and maintain contact with the client’s family members and/or significant other.
- Coordinate access to community resources including job training, housing, recreation, and drug-free social contacts.
- Monitor caseload’s urine results and make adjustment to client’s treatment plan accordingly.
- Enter client activity data.
- Inform appropriate staff member of supplies and equipment needs that relate to client services.
- Comply with reporting requirements of state and local agencies, and according to Department of Psychiatry, and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
- Serve as backup for other research and administrative duties.
- Will complete other duties as assigned by the Director and/or Clinical Supervisor.
Special knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to interact effectively with clients, management, Helping Up Mission personnel and partners, in addition to individuals from diverse cultures.
- Computer experience required.
- Flexible hours required, including some evenings and weekends.
- Excellent organizational skills to work effectively in an environment that requires balancing multiple assignments.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree required in Psychology, Social Work or another related field.
- At the time of hire, qualified candidates must possess one or more of the following which are recognized by the MD Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists: Alcohol and Drug Trainee status, CSC-AD, CAC-AD, LGADC, LCADC, LGPC, LCPC, or LCSW. Must maintain credentials throughout employment.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience providing counseling services to adult population desirable.
Classified Title: Substance Abuse Counselor
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: $20.04 - $35.03 HRLY ($55,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: M-F Varies
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview
Department name: SOM Psy Bay Cornerstone
Personnel area: School of Medicine
Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit: https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.
Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.
The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
See all 31+ H-1B Visa Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs.
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.
H-1B Visa Substance Abuse Counselor: 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.