Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is currently seeking a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor to become a valued member of our team. Reporting to the Clinical Team Leader or assigned Supervisor, the LCDC will be responsible for coordinating and delivering specialized supportive counseling for individuals with substance use disorders and behavioral health diagnoses. Monitoring and evaluating clients' substance use progress, contributing to treatment planning, conducting substance use groups at different community sites, and maintaining detailed documentation to meet Agency standards are among the key responsibilities. This position involves community travel to clients' homes or other locations for service delivery.

Your role in Action:

• Performs specialized supportive counseling for consumers with substance use disorders or dual diagnoses.
• Performs screenings and clinical assessments to determine service needs and progress with consumer treatment goals.
• Participates in formulation of the consumer treatment plans and assures treatment plan is written and authorized with QCC and/or supervisor signature for consumers on caseload.
• Ensures all services provided meet eligibility criteria and are authorized in accordance with agency and regulatory guidelines.
• Provides training/education on the nature of substance use addressing the symptom related problems, the triggers that interfere with the individuals functioning and coping mechanisms.
• Performs activities to assist consumers in gaining and coordinating access to necessary care and services based on individual needs.
• Monitors current compliance with eligibility requirements for ongoing treatment (i.e. financial assessment, current diagnosis) using available Agency reports.
• Monitors consumer progress with treatment goals.
• Meet divisional productivity standards as outlined in the Mental Health division's operational guidelines.
• Performs related work as assigned. Adapts to changing working requirements. Flexible to meet ongoing needs of the Agency.
• Demonstrates ethical conduct in all clinical and professional activities.
• Complies with Agency policies and procedures and accrediting/regulatory bodies.

What qualifications you will need:

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent, require d.
• Bachelor's degree in the Human Services field (psychology, sociology, etc.) preferred.

Experience:

• Preferably have at least two (2) years as an Alcoholism / Chemical Dependency Counselor.

Other Key Qualifications:

• Certification as Alcoholism / Drug Abuse Counselor (TAADAC/NAADAC recognized by the State of Texas)
• Valid Texas Driver's license
• LCDC license

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Basic understanding of what mental illness is, substance use and its effects on mental illness, common signs and symptoms and able to identify difficulties with coping in community settings.
• Strong communication skills, listening and interpersonal skills above average; written documentation is clear, concise, well-constructed and grammatically correct.
• Able to work collaboratively with others in a teamwork environment.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Able to execute standard word processing software on the computer.
• Understanding of the dynamics of the homeless population.

What we have to offer:

The HARRIS CENTER offers competitive salary, excellent benefits package, retirement plans with company matching, prior service credit towards generous PTO accrual, outstanding wellness programs and professional development.

Employees can also take advantage of business casual dress code, corporate discounts, and gym memberships. New hire referral bonus, discounts are also available on an optional basis. These include mobile phone service, fitness centers and other wellness amenities.

What else you should know:

• Your work week: Enjoy a flexible schedule Monday - Friday.
• Your workplace: Position requires community-based engagement. Location of assigned clinic can vary based on program need .
• The environment: Be prepared to navigate challenging situations - you may occasionally encounter unfavorable conditions. Must be able to manage staff effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Your interactions: Engage with a diverse range of individuals, some of whom may be emotional, physically hostile, agitated or uncooperative. This is an opportunity to employ your strong interpersonal skills and patience to make a real impact in their lives.
• This posting is associated with position # 70118

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The HARRIS CENTER provided care to over 79,000 people in fiscal year 2019 and has an annual budget of over $275 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 42 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,300 employees, The HARRIS CENTER is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.