What are the responsibilities and job description for the Therapist position at Harris County?
CORE (Creating Opportunities for Resilience and Emotional Stability):
The CORE unit is a supportive environment dedicated to Creating Opportunities for Resilience and Emotional Stability. It offers a secure, structured space that provides personalized mental health treatment, essential for addressing the psychological needs of youth who struggle with intense emotions that hinder their ability to regulate themselves and feel safe in general populations. As a part of the Health Services program within the broader mental health services continuum at HCJPD, the CORE unit combines tailored interventions, specialized treatment plans, a highly structured therapeutic environment, increased family engagement, and lower staff-to-youth ratios. This approach fosters an atmosphere of felt safety and acceptance, utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, effective therapeutic strategies, a skilled cohesive support team of specialized Youth Development Officers (YDOs), and a proficient clinical team comprised of master’s level therapists.
About the Position:
The therapist provides therapeutic activities and counseling services including individual, group, and family interventions to youth under the supervision of the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD). Furthermore, this position is expected to assist in providing safe and secure custody of youth to reduce the potentially negative effects of incarceration while accentuating socially acceptable behavior.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for providing individual, group, and family therapy to Harris County Juvenile Probation Department youth and their families.
- Conduct psychosocial/clinical assessments and supportive psychosocial counseling for youth.
- Plan and conduct fun and creative therapeutic activities with youth on the unit.
- Provide crisis intervention to youth and relevant clinical/administrative functions such as clinical staffing, medication monitoring, and staff training. Identify and refer youth for psychiatric services.
- Provides consultation to HCJPD Youth Development Coaches and Coordinators regarding behavioral, adjustment issues, case planning, and treatment needs including providing advocacy and collaborative efforts to ensure related services are provided to assigned youth.
- Maintain regular contact with the youth's guardian to provide updates on treatment.
- Maintains clear, timely, and concise documentation of treatment efforts in compliance with Health Services and Residential Services policies and procedures.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADA
Education and Experience:
MS/MA from an accredited college or university in clinical or counseling psychology and/or social work.
One (1) year of post master's clinical experience.
OR
Two (2) semesters of internship in the Psychological and Social Services Unit of Harris County Juvenile Probation or in Harris County Children's Forensic Unit.
Licensure:
Applicant must be fully licensed in clinical or counseling psychology and/or social work within three (3) years of date of hire.
Additional Requirements:
- Upon receiving a conditional job offer, each applicant must undergo a criminal background check, a tuberculosis (TB) skin test, and a drug screening, as well as provide certified copies of their educational transcripts.
- In the event of a declared public emergency by the county, staff may be reassigned to different duties, facilities, or placed under the supervision of another county department.
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
- This position involves working with challenging youth where use of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure the safety of both youth and staff.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
About Harris County Juvenile Probation (HCJPD):
The Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is committed to the protection of the public utilizing intervention strategies that are community-based, family-oriented, and least restrictive while emphasizing responsibility and accountability of both parent and child. HCJPD provides supervision and services to youth between the ages of 10 and 17, who are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. HCJPD is the largest juvenile probation department in Texas with approximately 1,100 employees and over 3,500 youth referred to the department annually.
- Make an impact: Working for HCJPD provides the opportunity to serve your community and be a positive role model for young people. Our pace of work enables fast learning and fosters an environment where you can make a positive impact.
- Professional Growth: We are committed to growing the capabilities of our staff by building a learning community where you can work with diverse individuals, explore new ways of thinking, and expand your skills. Our employees are Juvenile Justice Practitioners who share their knowledge to enhance each other’s growth.
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department - Be an Agent of Change:
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Regular Full-time
- Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.
Locations:
- CORE - 1200 Congress, Houston, TX 77002
Salary:
$65,062.40 - $85,550.40 Annually
- Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 Pay Periods
- Plus, benefits
Additional incentive for bilingual positions.
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Salary : $65,062 - $85,550
