What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bilingual Behavioral Health Counselor, (Pasadena) position at Harris County?
Position Description
If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.
About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.
Position Overview:
The Behavioral Health Counselor plays a crucial role within the Community Health and Wellness Division, offering direct mental health support to individuals seeking services. Responsibilities include conducting behavioral health assessments, making referrals, and conducting both individual and group counseling sessions. This position collaborates with an interdisciplinary team as part of the Behavioral Health Services program, aimed at enhancing access to comprehensive mental health resources for those facing mental illness and various social determinants of health. The Counselor is dedicated to providing exceptional services tailored to meet the individual needs of clients.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide trauma-informed therapeutic counseling, mental health resource navigation, assessment, preliminary diagnosis (if credentialed), and treatment planning, both in-person and virtually, to individuals referred for Behavioral Health Services
- Serve as a vital member of the behavioral health team within an integrated care model, collaborating closely with clinic providers. Conduct thorough screenings for behavioral and social determinants of health to address clients' physical, emotional, and mental well-being comprehensively.
- Utilize solution-focused evidence-based counseling styles to engage clients in self-reflection and self-determination during brief counseling interactions, fostering empowerment and resilience.
- Conduct individual and group counseling sessions as required, diligently monitoring the progress of each client's care plan.
- Facilitate referrals to community behavioral health resources and ensure timely follow-up for high-risk individuals and families
- Evaluate and meticulously document clients' overall program progress, including assessments, progress notes, referrals, and follow-up interactions, utilizing the electronic medical record (EMR) system. Maintain accurate records of weekly scheduled appointments within the EMR system.
- Cultivate and nurture trusted relationships with program participants, partners, stakeholders, and administrators. Engage in outreach activities to educate community groups and agencies about the services offered by HCPH Behavioral Health Services, promoting accessibility and awareness.
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or emailADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education:
- Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Health Education, or related field
- Two (2) years' experience providing direct mental health services OR one (1) year providing services to high-risk vulnerable populations
- Valid TX Driver’s License (upon hire)
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Maintain necessary licensure and certifications required to practice in the State of Texas.
- Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Excellent communication skills (verbal & written)
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information
- Ability to work well with public and staff members
Organizational Leadership
- Understands the organizational mission
- Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
- Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
- Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
- Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
- Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs
- Ability to adapt to change
- Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
- Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
- Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
- Uses sound judgment
- Self-motivated
- Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity
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Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Preferences
Licenses/Certifications:
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist (LMFT), or Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) preferred
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Full-Time | Regular
- Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5 pm.
- Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including weekends.
- Able to travel within Harris County as needed.
- This job operates in a professional office and clinic environment with occasional visits to private residential homes, and community organizations. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
- This is a largely sedentary role; however, some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.
- 3737 Red Bluff Rd, Pasadena, TX 77503
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
- Accrual rates increase based on years of service
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
- Professional development opportunities
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Healthcare Reimbursement Account
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
- Flexible schedule (varies by department)
- Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
