Minimum Qualifications

M.S or M.A. degree from an accredited college or university in a counseling field such as Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Counseling and Child Therapy.

Possess one of the following licenses: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); License Professional Counselor Intern (LPC-Intern); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) ORLicensed Psychologist or Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) in the State of Texas.

• Qualified licenses from other states must be eligible for reciprocity in the state of Texas and obtain full licensure from the state of Texas within six months of hire date.

Possess knowledge and experience administering psychometric tests and assessments, working with youthful offenders that have been diagnosed with severe mental, emotional and/or behavioral health issues as well as adjudicated for sexual offenses.

Must meet and maintain licensing and/or certification standards and be in good standing with the Health and Human Services Commission.

Bilingual in (Spanish/English) is desirable.

Must have telephone and report residence.

Must have vehicle for transportation and show proof of automobile liability insurance coverage.

Must successfully complete the department's pre-employment requirements and background investigation.

Typical Duties

Job Summary

Additional Information

Possess knowledge of and the 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.

Knowledge in report writing and ability to write compressive clinical reports and assessments in an objective, clear and concise manner, utilizing clinical and legal terminology.

Possess excellent oral and written skills and work effectively with others.

Knowledge of and ability to administer, score, and analyze non projective, performance and psychometric tests to accurately identify medical, psychosocial, and/or environmental factors as well as strengths, risks and needs in the formulation of a diagnostic impression and assessment report for youth involved in juvenile justice.

Knowledge and ability to complete semi-structured clinical interviews with youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

Knowledge and ability to develop treatment recommendations, identification of services and interventions that will facilitate the rehabilitative process and the amelioration of identified symptoms/behaviors associated with a mental and/or behavioral health issue.

Must possess good communication and interpersonal skills in order to engage youth and family members in the assessment and therapeutic processes to include the ability to engage in active listening, interpretation of non-verbal communication as well as knowledge and application of Motivational Interviewing (MI) strategies.

Organizational and time management skills coupled with accurate record keeping ensuring services are prioritized and adhere to Departmental, State and Federal Standards and/or laws regarding record keeping and treatment files.

Must be skilled and knowledgeable in the application of trauma specific services.

Must possess strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills and use de-escalation techniques and strategies to ensure a safe therapeutic environment.

Ability to formulate recommendations and facilitate change not only with assigned cases, but as a part of the multidisciplinary team and within the organization.

Knowledge and ability to effectively apply and utilize counseling and crisis stabilization techniques and resources.

Knowledge and ability to apply a range of counseling practices, theories and modalities to facilitate the rehabilitative process and the amelioration of symptoms.

Knowledge and ability to effectively facilitate individual, groups and family sessions with juvenile justice involved youth and/or families.

Knowledge of and ability to adhere to Departmental, TJJD and State licensing standards.

Ability to be flexible to the needs of the department and program and make required changes to fulfill those needs.

Ability to work extended non-traditional hours and holidays.

Must 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.

Must be aware of self-care methods and practices.

Must be able to work efficiently, both independently and as a team.

Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, clients, other County employees and officials, clinical services providers, law enforcement, the courts and the general public.

Accountability
The Licensed Therapist is accountable to the Clinical Program Supervisor, Director of Clinical Services, Deputy Chief of Juvenile Services and Operations and Chief Juvenile Probation Officer.

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
Office environment. While performing the duties of this 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 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.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EdAP)
Reimbursement up to $2000 per calendar year for eligible education expenses.

EMPLOYEE FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTER
The Employee Fitness and Wellness Center opened in October 2021 at the County Courthouse. The cost is $5 per employee per month.