Juvenile Probation Department - Clinical - Counselor

County of El Paso•Tx 79905, TX

About The Position

The Counselor I provides a broad range of therapeutic modalities to high-needs and at-risk juvenile justice-involved youth, including participants with co-occurring disorders and histories of violent or habitual delinquency. Services may be provided in inpatient, outpatient, community, clinical, home-based, and secure correctional settings. The Counselor works with youth and their families to address mental and behavioral health and substance use concerns, support rehabilitation, and coordinate appropriate services and community resources. This is a non-supervisory position reporting to the Director of Clinical Services.

Requirements

Master of Science or Master of Arts degree from an accredited college or university in a counseling-related field, such as Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Child Therapy.
Possess one of the following licenses: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT), Licensed Professional Associate (LPCA), or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Meet and maintain applicable licensing and certification standards and remain in good standing with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
A personal mobile smart device is required by the hire start date to access the County's network and systems.
May be required to obtain by the date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso; proof of automobile liability insurance is required.
Must have a telephone and report residence.
Successfully complete the Department's pre-employment requirements and pass a criminal background check.
Knowledge of juvenile justice theories and practices, evidence-based treatment practices, substance use and mental health disorders, culturally astute services, applicable statutes and standards, counseling and crisis stabilization, family systems, trauma-specific services, legal terminology, office procedures, and Windows and Microsoft-based products.
Ability to administer substance use and mental health assessments; develop treatment and recovery plans; facilitate individual, group, and family sessions; testify in legal proceedings; and use crisis stabilization, de-escalation, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution techniques.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with youth, families, colleagues, community stakeholders, service providers, law enforcement, courts, and the public; maintain accurate records; work independently and as part of a team; and adapt to departmental needs.
Ability to work with children and adolescents, including violent offenders, victims of crime, and resistant, dysfunctional, or high-risk families.
Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance, teamwork, courteous and respectful interactions, strict confidentiality, support for County organizations, and commitment to customer service.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Provide therapeutic services and interventions to youthful offenders and their families to address mental and behavioral health issues.
Administer screenings and assessments for youth and family members using tools identified by the Department.
Develop and review treatment plans, progress notes, discharge plans, follow-up reports, and treatment summaries.
Maintain clinical records, treatment documentation, spreadsheets, and statistical data in accordance with departmental, state, and federal standards.
Conduct individual, group, family, therapeutic, and community education sessions, and develop curricula and activities for group sessions.
Provide phased treatment addressing cognitions, motivation, and mental and behavioral health issues.
Coordinate adjunct care, community linkages, and natural supports to promote continuity of care for youth and families.
Administer, score, and analyze tests; conduct clinical interviews; and prepare behavioral health assessment reports and recommendations regarding services, level of care, and supervision.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and departmental personnel on eligibility, treatment needs, service levels, supervision, and treatment planning.
Conduct mental status examinations, assess crisis situations and risk of harm to self or others, and provide crisis counseling.
Participate in case staffing, consultation, staff meetings, multidisciplinary meetings, and required assessments and reviews.
Maintain compliance with applicable training requirements, licensing and ethical standards, and documentation and confidentiality rules.
Substitute during temporary absences when assigned and perform delegated duties to maintain continuity of operations.
Maintain a safe and healthy workplace and provide customer service through cooperative team and individual efforts.
Be available for non-traditional hours, work more than 40 hours per week, and be on call for official business and crisis situations.
As a County employee designated as a Disaster Service Worker, train for and/or perform emergency services when directed.