COUNSELOR

Job Title

Counselor

Job Description

Essential Job Functions:

• Develops and implements elements of treatment programming, utilizing a cognitive-behavioral model to include but not limited to issues of substance abuse, individual/family counseling, crisis intervention, and co-occurring disorders
• Carries a regular counseling caseload for the CSCD as assigned
• Meets CSCD and TDCJ-CJAD Standards on audits
• Documents probationer and/or defendant compliance and attendance according to requirements of the Group Contract agreement for the Substance Abuse Treatment Program or Treatment Alternatives to Incarceration Program
• Updates probationer and/or defendant data and information in CSCD designated case management software system
• Understands evidence-based programs and possesses the ability to implement them
• Provides screening, assessment, group/individual counseling services to address criminogenic needs of high risk/high needs probationers and/or defendants and makes referrals to community resources as appropriate
• Works closely and effectively to collaborate with specialized and regular community supervision officers (CSOs)
• Participates in specialized training relative to substance abuse, crisis management, group and individual and family counseling, cultural, ethnic and gender diversity topics
• Documents treatment sessions and contacts with participants / Delivers completed progress reports, discharge plans and summaries to the assigned CSO and/or other interested parties
• Provides assessment services to probationers and/or defendants temporarily incarcerated in the McLennan County Jail and testifies in court hearings as needed

Maintains and adheres to training requirements, credentialing, and compliance with all applicable policies and procedures to include the TDCJ-CJAD's Code of Ethics and the Ethical Standards established by the Texas Department of State Health Services or other agency overseeing respective licensure

Regular attendance and timeliness are required

Participates in special projects and performs other related duties as assigned by assigned Staff Operations Manager, Deputy Director and/or CSCD Director

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
• Advanced degree related to Texas Human Services conferred by an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Higher Texas Coordinating Board. Bachelor's degree may be accepted, Master's degree preferred

Skills ~ Experience:

• Experience with cognitive/behavioral models of treatment as well as the 12-step model, assessment instruments and clinical documentation. Counseling/teaching experience in a substance abuse treatment setting in addition to experience with offender and/or mental health populations preferred.
• Effective interpersonal skills in dealing with offenders, public, and co-workers
• Excellent oral and written communication/presentations skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple tasks with competing priorities and deadlines
• Ability to use sound analytical reasoning to solve difficult or complex problems
• Documented willingness to work and to exceed minimum expectations
• Ability and means to travel as needed
• Willingness to adhere to policies of the CSCD and support the CSCD Administration despite pressure exerted by others
• Effective conflict resolution skills
• Ability to cooperate and collaborate with others of diverse backgrounds, cultures, or interests
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with and emphasizes the CSCD's Mission, Vision, and Values
• Must have a valid Texas Driver's License
• Must provide proof of current automobile liability insurance
• Must have a working and reliable vehicle

Disclaimer: McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past ten years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.

Supplemental Information

All Employees:

• Must be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, always in service of the Courts, the county and community
• Must have ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community at large
• Must 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 who are on supervision for felony and/or misdemeanor offenses
• Requires a 40-hour week (Monday through Friday) under potentially stressful conditions

Physical Demand Requirements:

• 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.

McLennan County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical with an option to open a Health Saving Account (HSA) with a County-paid contribution of $2000 over a year. We offer dental and vision coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), life and long & short term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care accounts. Employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS) with a $2.50 County match for every $1.00 of employee contribution. In addition to these benefits we offer 12 paid holidays and a free gym membership program for health plan participants. *Note: These benefits are for full time McLennan County employees only. Part time Mclennan County employees are only eligible to participate in the Retirement System. Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) employees recieve a different benefit package through the state.