Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs for OPT Students
Substance Abuse Counselor roles can qualify for OPT authorization under social work, psychology, or counseling degree programs. Many positions require state licensure, which takes time to obtain, so start that process early. STEM OPT extension is not available for this field, making your 12-month window critical to plan around.
See All Substance Abuse Counselor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 43+ 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 43+ 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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Impact lives with Management & Training Corporation (MTC)! At the Stringfellow Unit in Rosharon, Texas, our foundation is based upon the philosophies of caring about others, giving back, and making a social impact. We provide a safe and secure working environment for our staff while helping an at-risk population receive the treatment necessary for success on their road back to a healthy, productive life.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties:
- Provides substance abuse counseling and recovery skills training; participates in offender orientation, educational and individual and process counseling groups in compliance with program standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Maintain a Therapeutic Community (TC) within the facility working closely with correctional staff to create a living environment that is peer driven.
- Interviews, screens, and evaluates offenders for potential program participation.
- Provides a comprehensive evaluation from a battery of valid measurement tools to assess the recovery needs and the re-offense risk of offenders.
- Participates in the Individual Treatment Plan based on the severity and characteristics of the offender as determined by the comprehensive assessment, review of collateral information, and the Clinical interview.
- Maintains offender records and other records regarding services provided to include workload statistics; and compiles data and submits reports and related documentation as appropriate.
- Provides liaison to participants of training programs, workshops, and seminars.
- Implements follow-up and after care plans for offenders that participate in the program prior to their release; and disseminates information on community resources for offender placement in follow-up treatment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent (GED) required.
- Must have a current letter of registration as a Counselor Intern (LCDC-I) from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) OR current valid certification as a Certified Criminal Justice Professional Applicant Status (CCJP-A) as approved by the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals.
- Select applicants must obtain the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) license or the Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP) certification within five (5) years from the date of their registration as a Counselor Intern or CCJP-A.
- Must sign a Credential Contingency Agreement (CCA) that will remain in effect only until the initially established expiration date. Failure to comply with the CCA will result in separation from employment. CCAs will not be extended or renewed as a result of an employee’s separation from employment or acceptance of another position.
- Valid driver’s license in the state of Texas with an acceptable driving record, unless waived by management.
- Must successfully complete Correctional Awareness Training (CAT) as well as TDCJ approved annual in-service training requirements and background checks.
- Must maintain Counselor Intern status or CCJP-A certification for continued employment.
COMPENSATION
- Substance Abuse Counselor I (Intern): $19.00 per hour
- Substance Abuse Counselor I (Licensed): $21.00 per hour
Schedule: Full-Time, Monday – Friday, 8-hour shifts
Benefit package includes:
- Medical, vision, and prescription drug benefits
- Dental benefits
- Life insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Paid holidays
- Bereavement leave
- Civic duty and military leave
Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.
INTRODUCTION
Impact lives with Management & Training Corporation (MTC)! At the Stringfellow Unit in Rosharon, Texas, our foundation is based upon the philosophies of caring about others, giving back, and making a social impact. We provide a safe and secure working environment for our staff while helping an at-risk population receive the treatment necessary for success on their road back to a healthy, productive life.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties:
- Provides substance abuse counseling and recovery skills training; participates in offender orientation, educational and individual and process counseling groups in compliance with program standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Maintain a Therapeutic Community (TC) within the facility working closely with correctional staff to create a living environment that is peer driven.
- Interviews, screens, and evaluates offenders for potential program participation.
- Provides a comprehensive evaluation from a battery of valid measurement tools to assess the recovery needs and the re-offense risk of offenders.
- Participates in the Individual Treatment Plan based on the severity and characteristics of the offender as determined by the comprehensive assessment, review of collateral information, and the Clinical interview.
- Maintains offender records and other records regarding services provided to include workload statistics; and compiles data and submits reports and related documentation as appropriate.
- Provides liaison to participants of training programs, workshops, and seminars.
- Implements follow-up and after care plans for offenders that participate in the program prior to their release; and disseminates information on community resources for offender placement in follow-up treatment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent (GED) required.
- Must have a current letter of registration as a Counselor Intern (LCDC-I) from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) OR current valid certification as a Certified Criminal Justice Professional Applicant Status (CCJP-A) as approved by the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals.
- Select applicants must obtain the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) license or the Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP) certification within five (5) years from the date of their registration as a Counselor Intern or CCJP-A.
- Must sign a Credential Contingency Agreement (CCA) that will remain in effect only until the initially established expiration date. Failure to comply with the CCA will result in separation from employment. CCAs will not be extended or renewed as a result of an employee’s separation from employment or acceptance of another position.
- Valid driver’s license in the state of Texas with an acceptable driving record, unless waived by management.
- Must successfully complete Correctional Awareness Training (CAT) as well as TDCJ approved annual in-service training requirements and background checks.
- Must maintain Counselor Intern status or CCJP-A certification for continued employment.
COMPENSATION
- Substance Abuse Counselor I (Intern): $19.00 per hour
- Substance Abuse Counselor I (Licensed): $21.00 per hour
Schedule: Full-Time, Monday – Friday, 8-hour shifts
Benefit package includes:
- Medical, vision, and prescription drug benefits
- Dental benefits
- Life insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Paid holidays
- Bereavement leave
- Civic duty and military leave
Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Substance Abuse Counselor
Target employers familiar with OPT
Community health centers, nonprofit treatment facilities, and hospital systems hire internationally trained counselors regularly. These organizations are more likely to understand OPT work authorization and have HR processes in place to support it without requiring lengthy internal approvals.
Get your state licensure process started immediately
Most Substance Abuse Counselor roles require a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential or state-specific license. Applications take months. Starting the process before graduation protects your OPT timeline and signals to employers that you are ready to practice without delays.
Clarify your OPT authorization in your cover letter
Many behavioral health employers are unfamiliar with OPT. A single sentence explaining that you are authorized to work for any employer for 12 months without employer sponsorship removes the most common objection before it becomes a barrier during the hiring process.
Frame your degree field clearly on your resume
OPT must be directly related to your degree. If your degree is in social work, psychology, or counseling, state that clearly and connect it to the counselor role. Ambiguity about the degree-to-role connection can create compliance concerns for cautious employers or DSO reviewers.
Pursue supervised hours during OPT intentionally
Many licensure pathways require 2,000 to 4,000 supervised clinical hours. OPT employment counts toward those hours if the role qualifies. Choosing an employer that offers formal supervision structures lets you build toward licensure while simultaneously fulfilling your OPT employment requirement.
Apply to government and publicly funded programs
County behavioral health agencies, VA-affiliated facilities, and federally qualified health centers regularly hire substance abuse counselors. These employers operate under clear HR policies, are accustomed to verifying work authorization, and often offer more stable onboarding timelines than smaller private practices.
Substance Abuse Counselor jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Substance Abuse Counselor JobsSee all 43+ 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 JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Substance Abuse Counselor role qualify as OPT-eligible employment?
Yes, if your degree is in a directly related field such as social work, counseling, psychology, or behavioral health. OPT employment must be directly related to your major area of study, and your DSO will assess that connection. A clinical counseling or addiction studies degree connects clearly. A degree in an unrelated field would not qualify, regardless of the job title.
Can I work as a Substance Abuse Counselor on OPT without a state license?
It depends on your state and the employer. Some entry-level or associate-level counselor roles allow you to work under supervision while pursuing licensure. Others require full licensure before your start date. Check your state's credentialing board requirements before applying, and ask employers during interviews whether they hire counselors who are license-eligible but not yet licensed.
Is the STEM OPT extension available for Substance Abuse Counselor positions?
No. Substance Abuse Counseling falls under social work and behavioral health, not a STEM-designated field. You are limited to the standard 12-month OPT period. Planning for H-1B sponsorship or another visa pathway before your OPT expires is essential. Some employers in this field will sponsor H-1B petitions, particularly larger hospital systems and nonprofit networks.
Where can I find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists behavioral health and counseling jobs from employers open to candidates on OPT and visa sponsorship. Filtering by job type lets you focus on roles where work authorization has already been confirmed, saving you time compared to applying broadly and discovering OPT restrictions late in the hiring process.
Does supervised clinical work during OPT count toward licensure hours?
Yes, in most states. If your OPT employment involves direct client services under a licensed supervisor, those hours typically count toward your state licensure requirements. Confirm with your state's credentialing board that the role and supervisor both meet their standards. Structured supervision documentation from your employer will be required when you apply for licensure.
See which Substance Abuse Counselor employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs