Counselor Temporary Part-Time (Bilingual/Spanish Preferred)

About the role

If you are a professional who wishes to provide quality services to a diverse population of individuals in need; Travis County Counseling and Education Services (CES) might be a fit for you.

At CES, we 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. We appreciate that the individuals who walk through our door are experience a difficult time in their lives and look forward to providing them the respectful care they deserve. If you love working with challenging clients and constantly pushing yourself to become the best you can be, then you need to apply, now.

This position will be facilitating the Alcohol Drug and/or Educational classes offered at Counseling and Education classes.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the first in a series of two counselor-related job classifications within the Social Services job family. 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 higher level class which typically attends to the 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.

• Performs as an instructor in one or the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) certified Education Program classes: DWI, Drug, DWI Intervention; and Minor In Possession (MIP).
• Facilitates Counseling and Education Services (CES) Alcohol/Drug Groups and other offense specific (Shoplifting, Check writing and Assault/Misdemeanor offenses) educational classes.
• Responsible for following TDLR and CES policies and procedures and provides accurate documentation on computer information updates.
• Assists in administering, scoring and interpreting sociological, psychological and vocational tests.
• Prepares progress reports of client treatment, documents interviews, observations and evaluations for case file.
• Maintains statistical reports of treatment and service provisions.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND two (2) years experience in 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

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field.
• Crisis and trauma counseling experience.
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) or Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy (LMFT).
• Bilingual/Spanish Preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Procedures for assessing medical, psychosocial and environmental status of clients.
• Counseling and crisis stabilization 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.
• Knowledge of and adherence to HIPAA and other federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

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

• 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.
• 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.

Additional 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.

Work Hours: Hours may vary (10 to 20 hours a week) depending on availability. Must be willing to work evenings and Saturdays.

Location: 5501 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

Department: Travis County Counseling and Education Services (CES)

Criminal Background Checks Required.

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.