Cscd Counselor I

Job Summary

Provides routine screening, assessment, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, and support services to clients. Screens and assesses the medical, psychosocial and environmental status of clients, and coordinates and monitors referral of clients to clinical and other resources and services. Assists in developing counseling programs and interventions and provides related training for staff. Works under general supervision with limited latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This classification is responsible for assessing the medical, psychosocial and environmental status of clients, coordinating referral to resources and services, and conducting related counseling programs. This classification is distinguished from the Counselor II which typically attends to more complex cases, develops counseling programs and related training, and may 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

• Performs intake, screening and assessment of clients for substance abuse problems. 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 counseling and /or psycho-educational classes, regarding substance abuse rehabilitation, cognitive skill development, and relapse prevention techniques. Provides crisis and substance abuse intervention services for clients. Identifies clients in at-risk situations and seeks treatment solutions and alternative environmental surroundings.

• Develops treatment, intervention, and/or service plans for clients. Recommends and coordinates referral of clients to clinical resources or services and monitors client progress. Resolves obstacles to service delivery.

• Maintains primary responsibility for coordinating client services provided by clinical and social service professionals and community outreach service providers. Initiates and sustains ongoing advocacy for client. Manages a client caseload.

• Prepares progress reports of client treatment, documents individual and group sessions, observations and evaluations for case file. May serve as liaison with advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers, community outreach services and law enforcement personnel.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

Associate's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field;

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);

Valid Texas Driver's License.

If applicant chosen to be fingerprinted, there is a $15 fee that is applicant's responsibility.

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND one of the following: Licensed Master Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

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

• Counseling theory techniques and resources.

• Substance abuse and crisis intervention 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

• Basic Office Etiquette

• HIPAA compliance standards.

Skill in:

• Counseling and providing crisis and other assistance to clients.

• Screening and assessing the medical, psychosocial and environmental status of clients.

• Determining types of counseling, social service provider and other services indicated for clients.

• Obtaining information from clients and other sources.

• Developing treatment and intervention programs and recommending service plans for clients.

• Conducting training sessions.

• Problem-solving and decision-making.

• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate ethical behavior in the workplace.

• Apply counseling theory, practice and procedures.

• Develop client advocacy programs.

• Work efficiently, both independently and as a team member.

• Manage time well and meet timelines.

• Communicate effectively.

• Maintain clear and legible documentation.

• Maintain integrity of database systems.

• 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

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

Department: CSCD Adult Probation