Admissions Counselor

Position Summary: Under direct supervision, the Counselor in Admissions is responsible for providing therapeutic interventions designed to assist patients to successfully complete the substance abuse program. This position is subject to working evenings and weekends. No smoking workplace.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Completes patient psychosocial assessment as required and develops and/or revises individual client treatment plans.


• Conducts admission screenings, intake and patient assessments daily.


• Creates client charts.


• Ensures the documentation of patient ID, SSN, child(ren)’s birth certificate(s), immunization, physicals and assessments are filed in the chart.


• Ensure that all forms are completed correctly by staff and patients.


• Maintains patient records in compliance with DSHS, HIPAA, other regulatory agencies and Santa Maria Hostel’s regulations.


• Develops referral linkages with community resources.


• Monitors and notifies staff of potential psychological crises with individual clients that may affect the operation of the program or the facility.


• Ensures services are documented accurately and within the required timeframe in CMBHS and client chart. Maintains treatment and other therapeutic records and ensures documentation accuracy and timeliness complies with licensing and funding regulations.


• Maintains treatment and other therapeutic records.


• Attend staff meetings and training.

Education/Experience:

Associate degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have current Counselor Intern license from Texas Department of State and Health Services. Understanding of Motivational Enhancement Therapy or motivational interviewing techniques; trauma, abuse and neglect, violence, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and related conditions; COPSD services; and Medicaid, TANF, and Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP) eligibility.

Certificates and Licenses:

Must have current LCDC Counselor license with State of Texas. If driving on SMH business, must have a valid Texas Driver’s License and provide proof of current insurance.

Approval Requirements:

TDCJ approval for Bambi clients

Santa Maria Hostel provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.