LICENSED COUNSELOR

Department: Inpatient – Hope Ranch

Reports To: Program Director FLSA

Status: Exempt Employment Status: Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY

Hope Ranch is seeking a dedicated Licensed Counselor to serve as a key member of our multidisciplinary clinical team. The Licensed Counselor provides comprehensive counseling and therapeutic services to patients navigating substance use disorders and recovery within our 24/7 residential treatment facility.

This position balances direct clinical care with timely and accurate documentation to ensure treatment is safe, individualized, evidence-based, and consistent with applicable regulatory and professional standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Therapy

· Provide individual counseling sessions and lead psychoeducational and therapeutic groups in accordance with each patient’s treatment plan.

· Utilize evidence-based practices and therapeutic approaches appropriate for substance use and co-occurring disorders.

· Establish appropriate therapeutic relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.

Assessment & Treatment Planning

· Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments and identify patient strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.

· Apply appropriate ASAM criteria when assessing patient needs and level-of-care considerations.

· Develop individualized, measurable treatment plans and update plans based on patient progress and clinical needs.

· Monitor treatment progress and modify clinical interventions as appropriate.

Crisis Intervention

· Identify and respond appropriately to behavioral health concerns and crisis situations.

· Utilize de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to support patient and facility safety.

· Coordinate with nursing, medical, supervisory, or emergency personnel when a patient’s needs require additional intervention.

Team Collaboration

· Collaborate with counselors, nurses, medical providers, psychiatrists, direct care staff, recovery support staff, and other members of the multidisciplinary treatment team.

· Participate in weekly clinical reviews, treatment team meetings, case consultations, and other required meetings.

· Communicate significant changes in patient status to appropriate treatment team members.

Discharge & Continuing Care

· Develop individualized relapse prevention and continuing-care plans.

· Coordinate appropriate outpatient treatment, recovery support, community resources, and other referrals prior to discharge.

· Educate patients regarding recovery supports and strategies for maintaining progress following residential treatment.

Documentation & Compliance

· Complete timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR), including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge documentation, and other required records.

· Maintain documentation consistent with state licensing requirements, organizational policies, payer requirements, and professional standards.

· Protect patient confidentiality and comply with applicable HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements.

· Participate in required training, quality improvement activities, and clinical supervision as applicable.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Degree and educational requirements necessary to maintain the applicable professional license or credential.

Licensure: Must hold a current and valid Texas credential appropriate for the position, such as:

· Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)

· Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

· Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

· Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Experience: Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of direct experience in substance use treatment, behavioral health, or a residential treatment setting preferred.

Other Requirements:

· Knowledge of ASAM criteria and DSM-5 classifications.

· Understanding of evidence-based treatment approaches, including CBT and DBT.

· Knowledge of substance use disorders, relapse prevention, and co-occurring behavioral health conditions.

· Understanding of HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, patient confidentiality, and professional ethics.

· Ability to successfully complete required background and drug screening.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

· Strong clinical assessment and counseling skills.

· Individual and group counseling facilitation.

· Crisis intervention and de-escalation.

· Treatment planning and clinical documentation.

· Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.

· Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.

· Ability to maintain appropriate professional and therapeutic boundaries.

PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates within a 24/7 residential substance use treatment environment and requires regular interaction with patients, staff, and other healthcare professionals. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.