Mental Health Counselor - Intern

Hays County • San Marcos, TX

3d

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Mental Health Manager, the Intern conducts and coordinates mental health services for residents assigned to their caseload. Services may include ongoing individual, group, and family counseling, crisis intervention, and assistance with assigned program activities. The role supports residents’ emotional well-being and addresses mental health symptoms and crises through on-site assessment, counseling, contract services, and community-based auxiliary services.

The Intern coordinates with the facility, the Mental Health Manager, probation officers, and social service agencies. The role also contributes to Individual Treatment Plans focused on safe family reunification, return to the county of origin, or transition to an alternative living arrangement. Duties are illustrative rather than comprehensive, and other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• Must successfully complete and pass a criminal history clearance using the Fingerprint Application Services of Texas (FAST).
• Must successfully complete and pass a Sex Offender Registration Database check.
• Must successfully complete and pass a check of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) central registry of reported cases of child abuse and neglect.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a social service field such as social work, psychology, criminal justice, or sociology.
• Volunteer or social service experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the immediate and ongoing mental health needs of residents on the assigned caseload are met through on-site assessment, counseling, contract services, and community-based auxiliary services.
• Promote residents’ emotional well-being, identify and treat mental health symptoms, and respond to mental health crises.
• Serve as a liaison between the facility, the Mental Health Manager, and assigned probation officers regarding classification problems, progress reports, release plans, and related matters.
• Conduct at least one individual counseling session per week for each resident on the assigned caseload, focusing on behaviors, concerns, and progress toward psychosocial functioning.
• Conduct group counseling sessions at least five times per week for residents on the assigned caseload, focusing on managing behaviors, improving social skills, and preparing for release.
• Collaborate with the Mental Health Manager and other social service agencies to ensure quality services for assigned residents.
• Participate in developing, implementing, and approving Individual Treatment Plans oriented toward safe family reunification, return to the county of origin, or transition to an alternative living arrangement.
• Counsel and assist residents in completing assigned program activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED