SUMMARY

The mental health therapist reports directly to the mental health therapist coordinator and ultimately to the chief juvenile probation officer. The mental health therapist will provide counseling, crisis intervention, needs, risk, and suicide assessments. The mental health therapist will also complete substance abuse screenings. Following the screening and assessment the mental health therapist will refer the juvenile to the appropriate resources and coordinate the referral with staff and family members. The mental health therapist will provide services for juveniles in the detention center, juvenile justice alternative education program, residential facility and children in the community who are currently referred to the Brazoria County Juvenile Justice Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Regular attendance is required;

Performs duties of the mental health therapist coordinator in that person’s absence;

Reviews MAYSI and health history form and completes a suicide assessment making a recommendation about the level of supervision for the child;

Monitors children on moderate risk level of supervision and recommends level change;

Assesses crisis situations, coordinates recommendations with staff and hospitals when necessary;

Provides crisis counseling when needed in detention, juvenile justice alternative education program or residential facility;

Conducts risk assessments, needs assessments, with recommendations and referrals;

Coordinates referrals with community resources;

Conducts individual, group and family counseling;

Remains available to solve problems with staff about juvenile’s behavior and family issues;

Participates in placement staffing;

Maintains records of assessments, recommendations and communications;

Assists in agency contract monitoring and record keeping;

Supervises curriculum for student transitional program in the juvenile justice alternative education program;

Maintains professional license;

Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is not a supervisory position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the non-essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Masters degree or above in social work or clinical psychology or other master’s degree program will be considered provided they are licensed to perform counseling; and must be licensed with at least one of the following: licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT); and minimum 2 years counseling experience with 1 year counseling with juveniles.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Proficiency in oral and written communication, with the ability to organize, plan, and direct the activities of a large program and the ability to motivate and supervise employees; and ability to diplomatically establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, other professionals, and the public; and ability to effectively delegate responsibilities to subordinate staff members and to supervise implementation; and ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from citizens, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; and ability to understand and apply concepts of mathematical principles in order to assist in preparation of departmental budget.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; and ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram, or schedule form; and ability to effectively interview, listen to and evaluate statements and responses from a variety of people.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Texas Driver’s License and proof of liability coverage;

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Positive attitude and people skills;

Experience with phone systems and computers with knowledge of current word processing and excel type computer programs;

Ability to type a minimum of 40 words per minute with minimal errors;

Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize key tasks;  

Ability to attain and remain proficient in the use of department used computer or technology systems;

Ability to represent the department in a professional manner;

Ability to be effective in crisis mode situations;

Ability to perform in a mentally and physically demanding working environment;

Required: Clean criminal history.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the non-essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the non-essential functions.

This job takes place in a private office in a large county juvenile facility and in a juvenile detention center at various times. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but may be loud and unpredictable when around unruly juveniles.

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent in this job must be knowledgeable about and follow the County's safety policies and procedures; and ask supervisor for details; and proper precautions and following road safety laws are required at all times while driving.

DRUG/ALCOHOL POLICY: 

Drug/Alcohol policy applies to this job; and pre-employment drug/alcohol testing required.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.