JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT - CLINICAL - COUNSELOR

Master of Science or Master of Arts degree from an accredited college or university in the counseling field such as Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Child Therapy.

Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, and other requirements

In order to access into the County’s network and systems, a personal smart device is required by the hire start date.

May require or obtain by 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 coverage is required.

Must have telephone and report residence.

Must 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)

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Must meet and maintain licensing and/or certification standards and be in good standing with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.

Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of: current juvenile justice theories and practices; evidence based programs and practices as relevant treatment theories and practices for individuals with a substance use and/or mental health disorder; application of evidenced based and/or best practices in providing therapeutic services for youthful offenders as well as be culturally astute to this diverse population; Title III of the Texas Family Code, TBHE C, (HHSC) the TJJD standards and departmental policies and procedures; develop treatment recommendations, identification of services and interventions as well as apply a range of counseling practices, theories and modalities that will facilitate the rehabilitative process and the amelioration of identified symptoms/behaviors associated with a substance use and/or mental health disorders; counseling and crisis stabilization techniques; family systems and/or family therapeutic modalities; application of trauma specific services; effectively facilitate individual, groups and family sessions with maladjusted youth and their family members in both clinical and home/community based settings; legal terminology; English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products.                                                 

Skill/Ability to: learn and apply current juvenile justice theories and practices; evidence based programs and practices as relevant treatment theories and practices for individuals with a substance use and/or mental health disorder; administer substance use and mental health assessments and screening tools to aid in the development of treatment/recovery plans through the identification of the client’s strengths, risks and needs; utilize counseling and crisis stabilization techniques and resources as well as be well versed in family systems and/or family therapeutic modalities; effectively facilitate individual, groups and family sessions with maladjusted youth and their family members in both clinical and home/community based settings; testify in legal proceedings;  possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to engage juveniles and family members in the assessment and therapeutic processes as well as foster teamwork and partnerships with co-workers, departmental personnel and community stakeholders; possess a high degree of maturity coupled with interest in working with children/adolescents and their families and the ability to work positively and effectively with maladjusted youth to include violent offenders, victims of crime to include violent and sexual offenses and resistant and dysfunctional or high risk families; possess organizational and time management skills coupled with accurate record keeping in order to ensure that services are prioritized and adhere to Departmental, State and Federal standards and laws regarding treatment records; possess strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills and use de-escalation techniques and strategies to ensure a safe therapeutic environment; analyze situation, formulate recommendations and facilitate change with assigned cases, as a part of the multidisciplinary team, and within the organization; work efficiently both independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, clients, other County employees and officials, clinical service providers, law enforcement, the courts and the general public; be aware of self-care methods and practices; be flexible to the needs of the department and program and make required changes to fulfill those needs; successfully complete the department’s pre-employment requirements; pass a Criminal Background Check;

Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance: 

• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
• Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;
• Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
• Maintain strict confidentiality;
• Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times;
• Maintain and enhance the County’s commitment to customer service excellence.

Essential Duties

Provides a range of therapeutic services and interventions to youthful offenders and their families to ameliorate symptoms associated with a mental and/or behavioral health issues;

Administers screenings and assessments for youth and family members utilizing tools identified by the Department;

Develops and reviews treatment plans, progress notes, discharges plans and follow up reports as well as maintain records in accordance with departmental, Texas Health and Human Services Commission (THHSC), Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC) and Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) standards;

Conducts treatment plan updates/reviews and develops summaries as established by the department and TJJD standards;

Develops spreadsheets and maintains accurate data collection and statistical information regarding clinical services provided;

Documents treatment services, progress notes and any pertinent information in the client record maintained by the department in accordance with departmental, THHSC, TBHEC, and TJJD standards;

Attends and participates in staff and multidisciplinary meetings as required;

Develops curriculums for group sessions to include appropriate activities;

Providess individual, group, family, therapeutic and community educational sessions to address substance use and/or mental health disorders identified in youth and/or families and to increase skills and awareness regarding mental and/or behavioral health issues per program design and/or departmental need;

Provides phased treatment using strategies that address cognitions, motivation, and mental/behavioral health issues;

Identifies and assists in the coordination of adjunct care and/or community linkages as necessary to ensure a continuum of care and development of natural supports for youth/families receiving services;

Administers, scores, and analyzes non-projective, performance and psychometric tests as well as conducts clinical interviews to aid in the identification of mental/behavioral health issues to formulate diagnostic impressions and recommendation regarding services and/or levels of care;

Prepares and completes bio-psychosocial/behavioral health assessment reports which may be used for court purposes as well as to facilitate recommendations regarding services, levels of care and supervision;

Collaborates with multidisciplinary team and departmental personnel to aid in eligibility criteria determinations regarding services, level of care and supervision levels;

Collaborates with the Challenge Academy for phase assessments and reviews and/or monthly staffing with Special Programs and Probation personnel;

Conducts mental status examinations, assesses crisis situations to include determination of a child’s risk of harm to self and/or others as well as provide crisis counseling;

Conducts case staffing and engages in consultation to determine treatment needs and aid in the development and execution of treatment plans, treatment reviews, and discharge plans;

Documents all sessions and findings as well as review treatment notes, assessments, bio-psychosocial histories, assessments and collateral information in order to ensure that clinical records are maintained in accordance with departmental policies, TBHEC, THHSC and TJJD standards;

Maintains compliance with the mandatory training as per departmental, TBHEC, THHSC and TJJD guidelines;

Ensure treatment is provided in accordance with standards established through the TBHEC, THHSC and the TJJD;

Ensures that documentation conforms to Department, TBHEC, TJJD and THHSC guidelines and standards;

Reviews and adheres to the 42 CFR pertaining to release of confidential information and client records for substance abuse and 45 CFR as it applies to standards of privacy and client records of individual identifiable health information;

Adheres to ethical standards, guidelines and practices as outlined in federal, state and departmental standards regarding licensed/professional personnel;

Substitutes, if assigned, during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations;?? 

Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; ? 

Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills;?

Other Important Duties*

Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

Maintains a safe and healthy workplace environment.

Must be available to work non-traditional hours, more than 40 hours per week and be on call as necessary on official business. 

Must be on-call for crisis situations.

As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor. 

The Counselor I will provide, depending on area of assignment, a broad range of therapeutic modalities to high needs and/or at-risk juvenile justice involved youth including participants with co-occurring disorders as well as a history of violent and/or habitual delinquency acts in an inpatient, outpatient and/or community setting. 

Organizational Relationships

Reports to: Director of Clinical Services

Directs: This is a non-supervisory position

Other: Has contact with other employees, supervisors, court officials, community providers, and justice involved youth and families.

Physical Demands

While working in the office, the incumbent will sit for long periods of time in front of a computer terminal using a keyboard and mouse. The employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Must have the ability to see well enough to read documents and computer screens; Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. Lifting or carrying up to 24 pounds. 

Work Environment 

Office environment and field work. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be exposed to violent situations or the aftermath. Home visits may be with individuals with mental, behavioral health and substance abuse disorders. The employee is required to visit homes of youth located in in high crime areas and with a population prone to delinquent and criminal acts. This may entail extensive walking on different levels of terrain, as well as, climbing stairs. This requires the employee to be out in the physical elements of weather, including possible prolonged exposure to the sun, rain, etc.

Services may be provided in a secure correctional setting to include working in locked and/or secured spaces within the Challenge Academy and detention facility. The employee shall receive and apply specific training in the areas of security and correctional procedures. The position may be considered high stress while working with resistant youthful offenders, their families and correctional staff.

The above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Salary : $66,163 - $73,956