1. Knowledge of and ability to learn and apply current juvenile justice theories and practices; evidence-based programs and practices as relevant treatment theories and practices for individuals with a substance use and/or mental health disorder. 
2. Ability to assess and administer substance use and mental health assessments and screening tools to aid in the development of treatment/recovery plans through the identification of the client’s strengths, risks, and needs.
3. Must have knowledge of 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. 
4. Possess knowledge and adhere to Title III of the Texas Family Code, Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC), the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) standards and departmental policies and procedures. 
5. Knowledge and ability to develop treatment recommendations, identification of services and interventions as well as apply a range of counseling practices, theories and modalities that will facilitate the rehabilitative process and the amelioration of identified symptoms/behaviors associated with a substance use and/or mental health disorders.
6. Knowledge and ability to effectively apply and utilize counseling and crisis stabilization techniques and resources as well as be well versed in family systems and/or family therapeutic modalities.
7. Must be skilled and knowledgeable in the application of trauma specific services.
8. Knowledge and ability to effectively facilitate individual, groups and family sessions with maladjusted youth and their family members in both clinical and home/community-based settings. 
9. Must possess knowledge of legal terminology and that ability to testify in legal proceedings. 
10. Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage juveniles and family members in the assessment and therapeutic processes as well as foster teamwork and partnerships with co-workers, departmental personnel and community stakeholders. 
11. 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.
12. Must possess organizational and time management skills coupled with accurate record keeping to ensure that services are prioritized and adhere to Departmental, State and Federal standards and laws regarding treatment records. 
13. Must possess strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills and use de-escalation techniques and strategies to ensure a safe therapeutic environment.
14. Ability to analyze situation, formulate recommendations and facilitate change with assigned cases, as a part of the multidisciplinary team, and within the organization. 
15. Must be able to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team. 
16. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, clients, other County employees and officials, clinical service providers, law enforcement, the courts, and the general public. 
17. Must be aware of and regularly engage in self-care methods and practices.
18. Ability to be flexible to the needs of the department and program and make required changes to fulfill those needs. 
19. Ability to work weekends, extended non-traditional hours and holidays.

Essential Duties

1. Provide a range of therapeutic services and interventions to youthful offenders and their families to ameliorate symptoms associated with a mental and/or behavioral health issues. 
2. Administer screenings and assessments for youth and family members utilizing tools identified by the Department.
3. Develop and review treatment plans, progress notes, discharges plans and follow up reports as well as maintain records in accordance with departmental, TDSHS, TBHEC and TJJD standards.
4. Conduct treatment plan updates/reviews and develop summaries as established by the department and TJJD standards.
5. Develop spreadsheets and maintain accurate data collection and statistical information regarding clinical services provided. 
6. Document treatment services, progress notes and any pertinent information in the electronic record of the juvenile information system maintained by the department in accordance with departmental, TDSHS, TBHEC, and TJJD standards. Attend and participate in staff and multidisciplinary meetings as required. 
7. Develop curriculums for group sessions to include appropriate activities. 
8. Provide individual, group, family, therapeutic and community educational sessions to address substance use and/or mental health disorders identified in youth and/or families and to increase skills and awareness regarding mental and/or behavioral health issues per program design and/or departmental need.
9. Provide phased treatment using strategies that address cognitions, motivation, and mental/behavioral health issues.
10. Identify and assist in the coordination of adjunct care and/or community linkages as necessary to ensure a continuum of care and development of natural supports for youth/families receiving services.
11. Administer, score, and analyze non-projective, performance and psychometric tests as well as conducts clinical interviews to aid in the identification of mental/behavioral health issues to formulate diagnostic impressions and recommendation regarding services and/or levels of care. 
12. Prepare and complete bio-psychosocial/behavioral health assessment reports which may be used for court purposes as well as to facilitate recommendations regarding services, levels of care and supervision. 
13. Collaborate with multidisciplinary team and departmental personnel to aid in eligibility criteria determinations regarding services, level of care and supervision levels.
14. Collaborate with the Challenge Academy for phase assessments and reviews and/or monthly staffing with Special Programs and Probation personnel.
15. Conduct mental status examinations, assess crisis situations to include determination of a child’s risk of harm to self and/or others as well as provide crisis counseling. 
16. Conduct case staffing and engage in consultation to determine treatment needs and aid in the development and execution of treatment plans, treatment reviews, and discharge plans. 
17. Document all sessions and findings as well as review treatment notes, assessments, bio-psychosocial histories, assessments and collateral information in order to ensure that clinical records are maintained in accordance with departmental policies, TBHEC, TDSHS and TJJD standards. 
18. Maintain compliance with the mandatory training as per departmental, TBHEC, TDSHS and TJJD guidelines. 
19. Ensure treatment is provided in accordance with standards established through the TBHEC, TDSHS and the TJJD.
20. Ensure that documentation conforms to Department, TBHEC, TJJD and DSHS guidelines and standards.
21. Review and adhere to the 42 CFR pertaining to release of confidential information and client records for substance abuse and 45 CFR as it applies to standards of privacy and client records of individual identifiable health information.
22. Adhere to ethical standards, guidelines and practices as outlined in federal, state and departmental standards regarding licensed/professional personnel.

Other Important Duties

1. Performs other duties as assigned.
2. Must be able to work extended non-traditional hours to include evenings, shift work, weekends and holidays. 
3. Must be on-call for crisis situations
4. Maintains a safe and healthy workplace environment. 

The Counselor will provide, depending on area of assignment, a broad range of therapeutic modalities to high needs and/or at risk juvenile justice involved youth including participants with co-occurring disorders as well as a history of violent and/or habitual delinquency acts in an inpatient, outpatient and/or community setting. 

Accountability

The Counselor is accountable to the Clinical Program Supervisor, Director of Clinical Services, Deputy Chief of Probation 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. 

 Work Environment 

Office environment and field work. While performing the duties of the 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 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.

 The above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Job Location (Place(s) where work is performed)

El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department and various locations through the County.