JUVENILE COUNSELOR

Under the supervision of the Counseling Supervisor, the Juvenile Counselor will provide counseling services including assessments, individual/group counseling, progress tracking and referrals to the Juveniles of the Detention/Residential and Probation Department.

• Learn and implement evidenced based treatment modalities that are consistent with the needs of the clients; including differences in educational abilities and ages
• Knowledge and discernment of DSM-IV-TR/DSM-V diagnosis and ability to address needs of clients as identified in Psychological testing results
• Conduct counseling sessions for clients to include individual, family and group counseling.  (These sessions will take place at the client’s home or school unless it is a group which is held at the department, post program or detention.)
• Contact parents/guardians at least once per week to discuss client’s progress (by phone or visit), i.e. status in program, eligibility for visitors, and incidents as informed by staff
• Collaborate and follow up with Placement and Probation Staff members to determine how the client is doing in the program and maybe areas of concern that can be additionally addressed in individual or group therapy
• Maintain and organize a daily record of activities and/or interactions that involve clients and/or parents.
• Participates in individual case discussions that are held for clients
• Contributes content to case plans, exit plans and aftercare contracts
• Knowledge of current community resources to aid in making referrals for clients and/or family members as needed
• Facilitate Client’s re-entry from placement/detention back into the home, school and community settings
• Knowledgeable in Case Management techniques and willing to provide case management to all families
• Provide 24-hour crisis intervention to clients as needed, especially to clients voicing suicidal ideation or engaging in suicidal behaviors
• Knowledge of and willingness to continually learn appropriate treatment plan development
• Facilitate continuity of care for clients and their families
• Knowledgeable of all techniques and implementations of engaging families
• Provide regular classes focused on coaching, training and offering resourceful techniques to assist parent’s in individual parenting approaches for their child’s specific needs
• Regular attendance and timeliness are required

 
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.EDUCATION:
Required:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or Psychology
• Master’s Degree Counseling License required and be in good standing with their respective Texas State professional board.

SKILLS ~ EXPERIENCE:
Required:

• Must have knowledge regarding of the evidenced based treatment modalities
• Must be skilled in diagnosing DSM-IV-TR/DSM-V 
• Must be knowledgeable in the compliance standards and best practices for Case Management techniques
• Must have abilities and training in crisis intervention practices
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills  
• Proven ability to continually learn about new program developments for providing treatment and care
• Ability to work with hostile “at risk” clients and their parents
• Current and valid Texas Driver’s License and a good driving record

Preferred:

• 1-year experience working with juvenile clients and their family
• Supervisory experience and training in parenting skills, family therapy and crisis intervention
• Bilingual

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Contact with “at risk” clients and persons accursed or adjudicated of misdemeanor and felony offenses, visitors and the general public.
• Work is performed mostly indoors in a 24-hour/7-day confined, security facility 
• Climate controlled facility

 
PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: 

• The individual must be able to physically restrain residents exhibiting disruptive behavior in a safe manner in accordance with the behavior management training
• Repetitive hand motions 
• Frequent sitting, some standing, occasional walking and light lifting 
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen

 
HOURS / SPECIAL CONDITIONS:  This position may be required to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the facility.

Salary : $62,600 - $64,725