COUNSELOR

Job Title

Essential Functions

Essential job functions include developing and implementing treatment programming, utilizing a cognitive-behavioral model to address issues such as substance abuse, individual/family counseling, crisis intervention, and co-occurring disorders. The role involves carrying a regular counseling caseload, meeting CSCD and TDCJ-CJAD standards on audits, documenting compliance and attendance for treatment programs, updating probationer and/or defendant data in case management software, and understanding evidence-based programs to implement them. The position also requires providing screening, assessment, and counseling services to address criminogenic needs, collaborating with community supervision officers, participating in specialized training, and delivering progress reports and discharge plans.

The job also includes maintaining training requirements, credentialing, and compliance with policies, regular attendance, and participation in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Must hold and maintain a professional counseling license (LCDC, LPC, LPC-I, LCSW) issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services and maintain current license and/or alternative licensure as appropriate. An advanced degree related to Texas Human Services conferred by an accredited institution of higher education is required, with a bachelor's degree accepted, and a master's degree preferred.

Skills and Experience: Experience with cognitive/behavioral models of treatment, assessment instruments, and clinical documentation in a substance abuse treatment setting is preferred. Effective interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, sound analytical reasoning, willingness to work and exceed minimum expectations, ability to travel, adherence to CSCD policies, conflict resolution skills, cooperation with diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the CSCD's mission are required. A valid Texas Driver's License, proof of current automobile liability insurance, and a working and reliable vehicle are also necessary.

Supplemental Information

All employees must be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, in service of the Courts, the county, and community. They must have the ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community, be approachable, and ready to help fellow employees and the general public.

Environmental Factors: Works primarily indoors, conducts face-to-face visits with inmates in County Jail, comes in contact with criminal courts, courthouse personnel, law enforcement, and community agencies, works with individuals on supervision for felony and/or misdemeanor offenses, and requires a 40-hour week under potentially stressful conditions.

Physical Demand Requirements: Includes reading procedures, policies, standards, case files, reports, etc., reading, bending, sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, speaking, hearing, lifting case files, significant computer data entry, ability to manage stress in meeting deadlines and change, and other physical efforts as required. May be required to travel to County Jail to conduct substance abuse assessments. The duties of a Counselor include office work which both require substance abuse treatment of criminal offenders who may present physical danger to the counselor and to the public. In the treatment of probationers and/or defendants, essential duties require moderate to arduous physical exertion, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity and coordination, and use of self-defense tactics. Office work requires prolonged periods of sitting and standing, moderate lifting, and walking.

Hours/Special Conditions: Regular schedule is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position may be required to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the facility.