Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Substance abuse counselors can secure H-1B visa sponsorship through healthcare systems, addiction treatment centers, and nonprofit organizations. The role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation when requiring a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related field. Most positions also require state licensure or certification in addiction counseling. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsSubstance Abuse Counselor I (Pay Dependent on Licensure): $19.00 - $21.00
Schedule: Full-Time, Monday – Friday, 8-hour shift
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 Kyle Correctional Center Programs Unit in Kyle, 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 shift
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 Kyle Correctional Center Programs Unit in Kyle, 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 108+ 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 Visa Sponsorship as a Substance Abuse Counselor
Target healthcare systems and large treatment facilities
Major healthcare networks and established addiction treatment centers are more likely to sponsor visas due to their experience with immigration processes and dedicated HR departments for complex hiring.
Emphasize your specialized addiction counseling credentials
Highlight certifications like CADC, LCDC, or international equivalents. Specialized credentials in substance abuse treatment strengthen the specialty occupation argument for your H-1B petition.
Consider nonprofit and government-funded treatment programs
Many substance abuse programs receive federal or state funding and actively recruit qualified counselors. These employers often have experience with visa sponsorship for healthcare professionals.
Research state licensing requirements early
Each state has different requirements for substance abuse counselor licensure. Research requirements for your target states and begin the licensing process before your visa interview when possible.
Highlight bilingual skills and cultural competency
Many treatment programs serve diverse populations and value counselors who speak multiple languages or have experience working with specific cultural communities in addiction recovery settings.
Apply to positions requiring advanced degrees
Roles requiring master's degrees in counseling, psychology, or social work have stronger specialty occupation cases. Clinical supervisor positions often provide the clearest path to H-1B approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does substance abuse counseling qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, substance abuse counseling typically qualifies for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. The role must be classified as a specialty occupation, which is generally supported when state licensure or specialized addiction counseling credentials are required. Clinical positions and supervisory roles have particularly strong cases.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a substance abuse counselor?
You typically need a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, addiction studies, or a closely related field. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree in counseling or clinical psychology. If your degree is in a different field, you may need to demonstrate equivalent experience through the three-to-one rule or additional coursework in addiction counseling.
Do I need U.S. licensing before applying for substance abuse counselor positions?
Not necessarily before applying, but most states require substance abuse counselors to obtain licensure within a specific timeframe after hiring. Research licensing requirements for your target states early, as the process can take several months. Some employers will sponsor candidates who are license-eligible and commit to completing the licensing process.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor substance abuse counselors?
Large healthcare systems, established addiction treatment centers, nonprofit organizations, and government-funded programs are most likely to sponsor visas. Employers with existing immigration experience and dedicated HR departments typically have smoother sponsorship processes. Avoid very small private practices, as they rarely have the resources for visa sponsorship.
How to find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Substance Abuse Counselor positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate to search healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, and mental health organizations. These employers often sponsor H-1B or EB-3 visas for qualified counselors. Focus on hospitals, treatment centers, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations that frequently hire international candidates with addiction counseling credentials and relevant experience.
How do international addiction counseling credentials transfer to U.S. positions?
International credentials often require evaluation and may not directly transfer to U.S. licensing requirements. However, they strengthen your H-1B case by demonstrating specialized knowledge in addiction treatment. You'll typically need to complete additional coursework or supervised experience to meet U.S. state licensing requirements, which varies significantly by state.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Substance Abuse Counselor jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.