BIPP Counselor

Chemical Dependency Counselor

Provides screening, assessment, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, and support services to clients for a battering intervention and prevention program. Screens and assesses the medical, psychosocial and environmental status of clients, and coordinates and monitors referral of clients to clinical and other resources and services. Assists in developing counseling programs and interventions and provides related training for staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the first in a series of two chemical dependency counselor-related job classifications within the Social Services job family. This classification is responsible for assessing the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients, developing treatment and discharge plans, coordinating referral to resources and services and conducting related counseling programs. This classification is distinguished from the higher level by assisting in, rather than full development of counseling programs and related training. This classification typically does not function in a lead capacity. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs intake, screening and assessment of clients for substance abuse problems. Assesses the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients through screening instruments, personal interviews, observation and other methods to determine clinical and other education/treatment resources and services required. Administers various clinical and other screening tests.
• Conducts individual and group counseling related to intimate partner violence, mental and behavioral problems, substance abuse, personal and other problems. Provides crisis intervention services for clients. Identifies clients in at-risk situations and seeks treatment solutions and alternative environmental surroundings.
• Assists in developing treatment plans and intervention programs and recommending resources and services for clients. Coordinates referral of clients to clinical resources and other services and monitors client progress. Resolves obstacles to service delivery.
• Maintains primary responsibility for coordinating client services provided by clinical and social service professionals and community outreach service providers. Initiates and sustains ongoing advocacy for client.
• Prepares progress reports of client treatment, documents interviews, observations and evaluations for case file. Conducts and maintains analysis of treatment and service provider usage. Develops discharge plans, including referrals to counseling and social service programs in the community.
• Assists in planning, developing and conducting training sessions for staff and volunteers.
• Serves as liaison with advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers, community outreach services and law enforcement personnel. Conducts presentations related to substance abuse treatment and counseling for outside groups, agencies and organizations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND two (2) years experience in substance abuse counseling, social services or criminal justice work; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC); OR, Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC) must be obtained within six (6) months of date of hire. Valid Texas Driver's License. Preferred: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Bilingual in English and Spanish Knowledge of: Procedures for assessing the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients. Counseling theory techniques and resources. Substance abuse and crisis intervention techniques and resources. Policies, practices, procedures and standards within area of assignment. Advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers and community outreach services. Principles and procedures of case file documentation. Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.

• Skill in: Counseling and providing crisis and other assistance to clients. Screening and assessing the substance abuse, psychosocial and environmental status of clients. Administering various clinical and other screening tests. Determining types of counseling, social service provider and other services indicated for clients. Obtaining information from clients and other sources. Developing treatment, intervention and discharge plans for clients. Developing and conducting training sessions. Problem-solving and decision-making. Both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to: Apply counseling theory, practice and procedures. Develop client advocacy programs. Work efficiently, both independently and as a team member. Manage time well and meet timelines. Communicate effectively. Maintain clear and legible documentation. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, other County employees and officials, community outreach and other organizations, clinical service providers, law enforcement personnel and the general public.

Preferred: Experience and knowledge of dynamics and best practices involved with intimate partner violence.

Work Environment & Other Information:

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, driving, client/customer contact, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions. This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Work Hours: M-F 8am-5pm, occasional nights 12pm-9:30 pm and possible Saturday hours.

Department: TCCES

Location: 5501 Airport Blvd. Ste 102, Austin, TX 78701

Criminal Background Check Required.