What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Mental Health Services position at Covenant House Texas?
Position Summary:
- Position: Director of Mental Health Services
- Department: Mental Health
- Understands, practices, and promotes the vision, mission, and five principles of Covenant House Texas.
- Demonstrates an enthusiastic commitment to the position, organization, and youth we serve.
General Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the daily operations of the Mental Health Services department.
- Provides oversight of support staff and community partners to ensure mental health services are provided for our youth.
- Provides face-to-face support, intervention, and direct therapy services to youth with emotional, behavioral, or substance abuse issues.
- Provides crisis intervention services to resolve youth conflicts and helps youth develop appropriate problem solving and coping skills.
- Completes mental health screenings on youth coming into the program that have been flagged for mental health issues.
- Updates records, case notes, paperwork, and data entry for clients; provides statistical data and monthly reporting on mental health and clients.
- Completes psychosocial assessments for all youth and any youth referred to professional counseling; may supervise contract mental health therapists.
- Works closely with staff, medical personnel, case managers, and program managers to monitor youth through therapy.
- Maintains a professional and positive relationship with clients, service providers, medical partners, and social service agencies.
- Facilitates both group and individual therapy sessions on a variety of mental health, substance abuse, anger management, and various coping mechanisms.
- Coordinates, links, and refers youth to intra/inter-agency services, follow-up for compliance and resources.
- Monitors youth’s compliance with therapy and psychotropic medication.
- Participates in multi-disciplinary meetings, team, and staff meetings.
- Conducts monthly Trauma Informed Care staff training and may also address topics on Separation and Loss.
- Must have a solid understanding of Adolescent Mental Health, Mental Health Interventions, Suicide Prevention, Substance Abuse, and Understanding LGBTQIA .
- Assists in the development of service plans for assigned youth.
- Provides oversight for those under "training supervision" for fellow staff members completing their licensure training hours.
- Performs other duties/responsibilities or special projects as necessary by supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or counseling.
- Must be licensed in the State of Texas – LCMHC, LCSW, LBSW, LMSW, LCMFT, LICSW, or LPC-S preferred.
- Ability to provide supervision instruction to interns, practicum participants, and those seeking licensures
- Five plus years of experience working with youth with emotional, mental health, and substance abuse issues.
- Understand, comply, and implement Trauma Informed Care concepts and a Strengths-Based Approach.
- Maintain confidentiality and presents straightforward truth.
- Self-motivation, initiative, sound judgment, and commitment to ongoing learning are essential.
- Must have a calm, even temperament
- Excellent oral and written communication skills including organizational skills.
- Support equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all; tolerant of people and processes.
- Ability to work independently, using good judgment and common sense.
- Must be dependable and able to report to work promptly and work a flexible schedule if necessary.
- Strong ability to relate effectively with a diverse group of staff, youth, and community agencies.
- Is approachable, builds rapport well, and practices attentive and active listening.
- Understand and comply with all Agency policies and procedures, including Child Protection Policies.
- Ability to address conflict well and manage difficult youth in a supportive and non-threatening manner; able to respond quickly and safely and serve as a settling influence in crises and emergencies.
- Ability to serve and collaborate with people of varied cultural backgrounds and tolerate differences in behavior.
- Current (valid) license and successful pass of federal, local, and state background check required.
- Must be able to perform the physical activities and mental abilities of the job with or without accommodation.
Working Conditions:
Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate a computer, fax, and telephone. Ability to lift to 25 lbs. Ability to drive to or access transportation to required off-site events, meetings, and training.
Covenant House Texas is a vaccinated employer. As such, prospective new hires will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered, unless an exemption has been requested and approved.