Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Texas
Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Texas are among the most active in the country, with strong and steady demand across community behavioral health centers, state-contracted treatment facilities, hospital systems, and Veterans Affairs programs, at every level from entry-level case aide through licensed senior clinician. Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio anchor most of the hiring, where large employers including the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Cenikor Foundation, and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System maintain consistent rosters. The most in-demand specialties are co-occurring disorders, adolescent treatment, and medication-assisted treatment programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 27+ Substance Abuse Counselor jobs
Substance Abuse Counselor I (Pay Dependent on Licensure): $19.00 - $21.00
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
Impact lives with Management & Training Corporation (MTC)! At the Henley State Jail in Dayton, 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.
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.
- 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.
- At the conclusion of the program, an Individual Progress Summary will be developed for each offender on caseload to reflect the evaluation results together with comments about the offender’s level of participation and quality of completion in the SAFPF/IPTC programs.
Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited senior 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.
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, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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.
Substance Abuse Counselor I (Pay Dependent on Licensure): $19.00 - $21.00
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
Impact lives with Management & Training Corporation (MTC)! At the Henley State Jail in Dayton, 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.
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.
- 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.
- At the conclusion of the program, an Individual Progress Summary will be developed for each offender on caseload to reflect the evaluation results together with comments about the offender’s level of participation and quality of completion in the SAFPF/IPTC programs.
Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited senior 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.
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, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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.
See All 27 Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Texas
Find roles in Texas that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSubstance Abuse Counselor Jobs by City in Texas
Where Texas roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Substance Abuse Counselor Job Market in Texas
A snapshot from current Texas openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Management & Training Corporation11
- CoreCivic4
- Community Medical Services4
- New Season1
- H.O.P. E.1H
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Texas Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substance abuse counselor jobs across Texas.
- Active LCDC credential issued by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Counselors or eligible registration
- Bachelor's or master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related behavioral health field
- Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions in a clinical or community setting
- Familiarity with evidence-based treatment models such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy
- Ability to complete accurate clinical documentation and maintain compliance with HIPAA standards
- Valid Texas driver's license and reliable transportation for outreach or field-based caseloads
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a substance abuse counselor in Texas?
The primary credential in Texas is the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, or LCDC, issued by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Counselors. To qualify, candidates must complete an approved education program in chemical dependency counseling, accumulate the required supervised practice hours, and pass the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals examination. Many employers will hire counselors working toward their LCDC under a registered intern status, making the credential attainable while employed full time.
Which companies hire substance abuse counselors in Texas?
Employers hiring substance abuse counselors in Texas right now include Management & Training Corporation, CoreCivic, and Community Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Texas's network of state-funded treatment programs, Veterans Affairs facilities, and nonprofit behavioral health agencies creates consistent year-round openings across the state.
Which Texas cities have the most substance abuse counselor jobs?
El Paso, Austin, and Del Valle account for the largest share of substance abuse counselor openings in Texas. Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth drive volume through their dense concentrations of hospital systems, nonprofit treatment centers, and county behavioral health programs, while San Antonio's strong military and Veterans Affairs presence adds a steady second layer of clinical demand that keeps smaller surrounding communities well represented in the listings.
Are there remote substance abuse counselor jobs in Texas?
Yes, but they're limited. Substance abuse counseling is largely a hands-on clinical role that depends on in-person sessions, group programming, and on-site assessments, so fully remote positions make up a small share of the market. About 0% of substance abuse counselor openings tied to Texas are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and where remote work does appear it is most common in care coordination, telehealth intake, and crisis line counseling roles.
How can I get hired as a substance abuse counselor in Texas with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is registering as a Counselor Intern with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Counselors and applying to supervised positions at community behavioral health centers or state-contracted residential programs, where Texas Health and Human Services Commission-funded agencies regularly onboard interns. Lateral moves from case management, peer recovery support specialist, or psychiatric technician roles are common ways to build clinical hours. Completing a practicum or field placement at a Texas facility and holding CPR and any basic substance abuse coursework gives candidates a clear edge over competitors without documented hours.
Where can I find and apply to substance abuse counselor jobs in Texas?
You can find and apply to substance abuse counselor jobs in Texas on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring across the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your credentials and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 27 Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Texas
Find roles in Texas that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs