CSCD COUNSELOR

Counselor

Various

Division Manager

ATRS

JOB TITLE

LOCATION

REPORTS TO

UNIT

Job Summary

Provide outpatient group and individual counseling to adult probation clients who have been evaluated with substance abuse issues. Develop, implement and monitor intervention plans. Provide counseling services to IOP clients and their families. Ensure that work meets established CJAD substance abuse standards, federal, state and local regulations and funding requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct trauma informed group substance abuse treatment on an intensive outpatient level with individual and at times family/conjoint session.

Monitor deadlines and participates in caseload staffings and audits to ensure completeness, accuracy and compliance with policy, grant standards, funding and licensure requirements, special conditions of community supervision, and CJAD general and substance abuse standards. Complete documentation of daily work activities in departmental and ATRS-specific databases in a timely manner.

Recommend assessment referrals or progressive treatment plans for clients with significant non-compliance issues. Monitor processes and procedures to ensure that conditions of probation are being met.     Provides case consultation to probation officers regarding clients with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems.

Prepare and submit monthly reports per defined policies and procedures. Submit quarterly statistical reports upon request. Complete and submit written evaluation reports to probation officers and courts in a timely manner.

Build cooperative relationships with court and field personnel, the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office for the purpose of information sharing, problem solving, and positive public relations.

May represent the department in oral presentations, hearings, trials, interacting with the judiciary, law enforcement and other agencies to communicate ideas and solve problems.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Work Experience

Education equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or a related field from an accredited college or university.  Must be licensed as a LCDC, LMSW, or license-eligible (passed the State exam highly desirable) as an LPC, LMSW, or LPA in the State of Texas. Work experience providing substance abuse treatment or other group counseling to an adult forensic population is preferred.

Special Requirements / Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to consistently perform at an effective level in the following areas:

• Ethical Judgment
• Clinical Knowledge
• Effective Communication Skills in a Forensic Setting (verbal and written)
• Organizational Skills
• Division & Team Relationships
• Setting High Personal Standards & Goals
• Concern for Accuracy & Effectiveness
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Flexibility & Dependability
• Initiative / Innovation

Ability to demonstrate a thorough and / or working knowledge in the following:

• Evidence-based practices
• Community supervision laws
• CJAD standards and rules
• Interviewing, conducting investigations, and preparing clear, accurate, and impartial reports
• Entering and retrieving data and information using the designated client management systems, County systems, and e-mail systems

Ability to model a positive, professional attitude while working effectively under sometimes stressful and emotion-charged conditions. Ability to gain the confidence and cooperation of others.  Emotional maturity, resourcefulness, and initiative. 

Ability to adapt to changing priorities, expectations, and inflexible deadlines. Strong observation, perception, and judgment skills.  Effective interpersonal, time management, problem solving, and listening skills. Ability to demonstrate discretion, sound work ethics, cultural awareness, and sensitivity.  Ability to deal effectively with a diverse workforce; manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize time-sensitive activities.  

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and professional boundaries with employees, departments, probationers, and the general public. 

Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License, with a good driving record, and pass an extensive background check.

Physical / Environmental Requirements

Performs work inside a standard office environment.  Ability to travel to various work site locations within Dallas County is required.  Requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and the ability to lift files, boxes, and other materials up to 15 lbs., unassisted.