Counselor II

Juvenile Justice Center Mental Health Counselor

The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center Mental Health Counselor provides screening, assessment, crisis intervention, individual/group counseling, and support services to juvenile offenders. This position requires a high degree of contact with juvenile offenders, other Facility personnel and outside professionals. The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Center Mental Health Counselor is directly responsible to the Juvenile Justice Center's Mental Health Counselor/Coordinator, or his/her designee.

With the aid of approved policies/procedures, provides mental health treatment to juvenile offenders. Recognizes juvenile offender care priorities, multi-disciplinary treatment plans, and potential juvenile offenders care problems. Ability to assess and provide diagnostic impression of juvenile offenders through personal interviews, observation and other methods to determine clinical need. Develop and implement plans based on identified client needs and goals. Knowledge of evidence based counseling practices. Conducts individual, group, and family counseling. Conducts skills training in individual and group settings. Conducts individual and group counseling for juveniles currently in Detention. Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely documentation of all client encounters. Ability to form and maintain effective counseling relationships with juvenile offenders, to monitor juvenile offender's movement in the therapy process, and terminate the relationship in appropriate ways. Manages a juvenile offender caseload and maintains up-to-date files on juvenile offenders. Is able to effectively communicate and interact with supervisors, members of the general public, and other groups involved in the operation of the Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center. Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions/methods/procedures related to the Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center. Requires the ability to write reports with the proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar. Is able to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner. Has good organizational, management, interpersonal, and technical skills. Knowledge of and adherence to existing professional ethical standards. Assists in developing treatment and intervention programs and recommends service plans for juvenile offenders. Maintains detainee's privacy and confidentiality regarding information and records at all times. Prioritizes and organizes work so that required assignments are completed within specified time frame. Attends/participates in program meetings and activities. Obtains required number of continuing education/in-service hours to maintain licensure. Promotes positive interpersonal relationships among co-workers and security. Maintains procedures for accomplishing administrative requirements directed by the Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center. Is able to use independent judgment and discretion including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. Perform any and all other duties as assigned by the Juvenile Justice Center's Mental Health Counselor/Coordinator or his/her designee.

Education and Experience

Master's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field. Preferred: At least one (1) year of experience. Mandatory – Complete and pass a background investigation to meet Juvenile Probation Officer certification/recertification standards of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Basic skill in using a computer. May require some evenings. Bilingual. Certificates, Licenses and Registrations: Must be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas or have a License Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A). Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license. Must be able to be insured by the County's insurance carrier.