PARAPROFESSIONAL/MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

PARAPROFESSIONAL/MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

SALARY:

Starting Salary-$51,030-$57,510.00

REPORTS TO:

Mental Health Coordinator

SUPERVISES:

N/A

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

Applicant must meet on of the three disciplines: Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field, plus enrollment in a Master's Degree Counseling Program and be at the Internship Phase; OR Graduated from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Counseling, Rehab Counseling, Psychology or related field or university with the intent of obtaining a license; OR an individual who is temporarily or fully licensed by the Texas Licensing Boards.

Licenses, Certificates, and Experience

• Must be over twenty-one (21) years of age (for state certification requirements);
• Current Texas Driver's License and must have an automobile with current automobile insurance;
• Ability to communicate effectively (reading, writing, and understanding) in English; knowledge of Spanish is preferred;
• Able to submit to a drug urinalysis pre-screening exam and pass a criminal background check. If the candidate for employment does have a criminal record, it must be cleared through the requirements as set forth by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department;
• Must be bondable;
• Must be eligible for certification as a Psychological Associate by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, or a Licensed Professional Counselor and/or Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate by the Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors;
• One (1) year experience in provision of direct clinical services preferred;
• Knowledge of Psychometric testing and various evidenced-based therapeutic modalities for youth
• Skills in training and/or teaching others in the field of mental and behavioral health; and
• Basic computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint;

After Hire Licenses or Certificates

• Cardio- Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification and First Aid (FA)

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Contingent on qualifications and credentials, will assist Mental Health Coordinator to provide crisis intervention, skills training, group and/or individual counseling for assigned clients to include parents for residents and/or parents in a pre or post adjudicated setting and/or under community supervision;
• Upon completion of training and contingent on credentials, will administer and score tests for Behavioral Health Assessment orders;
• Assist in assessment of juvenile residents and provide behavioral interventions for juveniles who are under seclusion or mental health classification;
• Assist in tracking grant data, completing grant reports, and facilitating program evaluation as assigned. Keep statistics on all required services via the department's Juvenile Case Management System (JCMS)
• Cross training and tracking of community-based referrals and programs;

• Provide mental health skills training and/or counseling and screenings of juveniles referred by specialized programs;
• Assist in crisis screening and coordination of specialized mental health services of youth at risk of suicide or other mental health problems;
• If licensed by the Texas licensing board, upon request- provide Behavioral Health Assessments to the department staff, court, etc.
• If licensed, administers and interprets testing/assessment instruments;
• If licensed, prepare reports, clinical interviews and recommend treatments;
• Assist and coordinate with Mental Health staff in conducting testing, secondary screenings and assessments, provide clinical services, such as but not limited to, skills training and counseling services;
• Assist DBT coaches in implementing, maintenance, and evaluation of evidence-based practices such as DBT.
• Assist in the delivery of the DBT approach, its training and its projected outcomes to include in the assistance of reviewing such measures to evaluate and adjust methods of the program for modification based on the needs of the residents.
• Responsible for the implementation of a general rehabilitation program based on various therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) by providing group and individual counseling sessions to Boot Camp cadets;
• Provide supplemental groups in the area of anger management, prevention/education, HIV/AIDS prevention/education, workforce development, and other special needs that promote overall youth development;
• Implement a family engagement program that prepares cadets for successful reintegration to their communities;
• Participates as an active member of a treatment/multidisciplinary team that evaluates youth's progress in the level system and discharge planning;
• Create and abide by referral process and service schedule;
• Maintain session notes, treatment plans and other records/documents required by the department;
• Ability to work effectively with the juvenile population, their families, probation officers and court system;
• Keep in contact with clients/families to promote attendance and compliance of court order counseling sessions;
• Ability to educate families and clients on addiction and the recovery process;
• Maintain up-to-date records for all services provided in the form of records/files as required by the Texas Licensing Boards, as well as entering all data in the CCJJD JCMS System;
• Assist in training department staff with mental health related topics;
• Participates and represents the department in conferences, task forces, etc. that address mental and behavioral health as part of the networking and collaboration of services;
• Work in partnership and supervision of University students gaining knowledge and counseling experience within the department's programs and services;
• Assist in approving/denying counseling referrals upon receipt from the JPO;
• Assist in approving/denying psychiatric services to juveniles within CCJJD custody;
• Be prepared to testify in Court to address psychosocial reports and recommendations;
• Conduct training(s) as related to the mental health field to probation/facilities personnel;
• Participates in department's staffing of cases;
• Develops community resources, networking and partnerships for services to best meet the needs of clients and their families;
• Represents the department in community meetings, coalitions, trainings that will enhance the service delivery of the clients and families we're entrusted to serve;
• Provide successful leadership for the department by possessing good management skills, mentoring and professionalism;
• Assist in developing and overseeing departmental policy;
• Assist in writing grants, developing projects/programs that will improve the service delivery;
• MUST BE AVAILABLE for all emergencies to include, but not limited to: inclement weather, taking children into custody, transporting; probation children to placement or emergency release facilities, doctor(s) office(s) as directed by Supervisor;
• Adhere, maintain, and comply with professional conduct and ethical behavior consistent with the standards and policies and procedures expected by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), TJJD, Cameron County, and Cameron County Juvenile Justice Department (CCJJD) at all time, both on duty and off duty;
• Adhere and comply with all PREA standards and will follow zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment while conducting business in the pre and post-adjudication facilities;
• Adhere and comply with all TJJD standards to include Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (ANE) standards and cooperate with all ANE investigations;
• Assist with the delivery of service in accordance to TJJD 353 standards by providing additional substance use disorder treatment, counseling, substance use education, life skills training, coping skills training and/or relapse prevention education.
• Adhere and comply with CCJJD's and Cameron County's policies and procedures and know how to keep abreast of any changes to said policies and procedures, including maintaining an effective safety program as established by Cameron County;
• Abide by all federal, state, and local laws; the nature of our profession requires being a good role model and setting a good example at all times;
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required;
• Employment is contingent upon federal, state, local and/or grants availability;
• CCJJD is an At-Will employer; the department has the right to terminate your employment for any legal reason, or no reason, at any time either with or without notice; and
• Perform any and all other duties as assigned by the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer and/or designee to include reassignment which is in the best interest of the department.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system;
• Applicable Juvenile Justice System standards and procedures;
• Standard practices in area of assignment;
• General knowledge of providing trauma-informed care, establishing appropriate relationships, and social adjustment;
• Standard counseling techniques;
• Safety and security techniques and standards; and
• Physical restraint techniques to prevent self-injury or injury to others, serious property damage or escapes.

Skills In:

• Positive management skills and oversight of probation staff;
• Monitoring and responding to client behavior;
• Problem solving and decision making;
• Interviewing clients;
• Both verbal and written communication; and
• Basic Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages

Ability To:

• Gather, analyze and evaluate facts to conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially;
• Required to possibly work different schedules in order to meet the needs of the program;
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team;
• Reason and make judgments and decisions;
• Maintain client and program confidentiality;
• Deal effectively with mentally disturbed, hostile and aggressive individuals;
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities;
• Submit written documentation clearly, accurately, and impartially;
• Perform effectively and courteously in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other county employees and officials, representatives of the juvenile justice system and the general public.

WORK ENVIORNMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work Environment:

• Tobacco free environment;
• Absolutely no electronic devices or cell phones allowed in the pre or post-adjudication facilities while either on/off shift;
• Moderate travel with little or no notice (emergency transport) requiring additional hours after scheduled shift and/or overnight stays may be required for transports or training;
• Subject to contact with communicable diseases, hazardous waste, human fecal manner and foul odors;
• Must be able to work in high noise level environment;
• Position involves a range of activities, from sitting at a desk for several hours to conducting home visits, school checks and curfew checks. While conducting these visits, all rules and guidelines of the juvenile probation department's policy regarding office safety will be followed. Communication via cell phone and/or assigned portable radio will be adhered to at all times; and
• At no time, will the review or use of social media be allowed while on duty, and/or on County provided electronic equipment, except in limited situations where such activity is work related and is authorized by the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer or designee.

Physical Demands:

• Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 50-100 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and basic office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform essential functions;
• May require occasional search and apprehension of clients; and
• When back-up emergency response is needed, must be able to run to the requested location.

Work Uniforms:

• Must adhere to the CCJJD Dress Code Policy;
• If visible tattoos, sleeves or cover ups must be worn; and
• Sets the example regarding personal appearance with regards to hair being neatly trimmed and combed.

This is not a Civil Service covered position.

Benefits:

Cameron County offers excellent fringe benefits, Including; Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System, and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER