Chemical Dependency Counselor

Job Summary

Counseling and Education Services has been serving Travis County as a department within the Justice and Public Safety Division for decades. Travis County Counseling and Education Services (TCCES) promotes public safety and crime reduction through assessment and rehabilitative programs for adults referred by various criminal justice affiliates. This counselor position serves as both a chemical dependency/family violence counselor.

CES is a multi-licensure department where our counselors work daily to assess the needs of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. We determine what will help our clients reduce their risk of recidivism and relapse and increase their chances of becoming a productive member of the community. Our counselors know that continuous clinical development is essential to providing excellent services and look forward to opportunities to receive feedback about their work and increase their counseling skills.

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

• Licensed counselor to provide screening, assessment, case management, referrals and discharge planning for client's who have been arrested for family violence assault and alcohol/drug offenses.

• Makes recommendations based on clients' needs for substance use and/or battering intervention, prevention programs and any other service/resource needed and reported to the courts.

• Uses the DVI assessment for family violence counseling recommendations and the ASI in conjunction with the DSM-5 to determine presence or absence of substance use disorder and/or dependence.

• Facilitates alcohol/drug classes and/or groups for persons who have been referred by the legal system.

• 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 psycho-educational classes regarding substance use disorders rehabilitation, cognitive skill development, and relapse prevention techniques.

• Provides crisis and substance use 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. Resolves obstacles to service delivery.

• Maintains primary responsibility for coordinating client services provided by clinical and social service professionals and community outreach service providers.

• 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 use treatment and counseling for the department.

• 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 Professional Counselor (LPC); OR

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT).

Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Procedures for assessing substance use disorders, psychosocial and environmental status of clients.

• Counseling theory techniques and resources.

• Clinical documentation language.

• DSM V substance use criteria.

• Clinical theories and modalities related to counseling and substance use.

• Crisis intervention and de-escalation 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.

• Motivational Interviewing.

• Apply multiple facets of how your values and experiences advance diversity, equity, disabilities and inclusion in your work.

Skill in:

• Counseling and providing crisis and other assistance to clients.

• Screening and assessing the substance use, 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.

• Reflect the values and importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Disabilities.

• Develop client advocacy programs.

• Discuss DSM V diagnostics and substance use criteria

• 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.

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: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Monday through Friday; Occasional nights 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Department:Travis County Counseling & Education Services

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

Criminal Background Check Required

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