Mental Health Counselor - Intern

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below.  This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary

Under general supervision of the Mental Health Manager, the Intern is responsible for conducting and coordinating mental health services for all residents assigned to their caseload by the Mental Health Manager, including, but not limited to, ongoing individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling and crisis intervention.  The Intern also counsels and aids residents in the completion of their assigned program activities.

Responsibilities

• Ensures that the immediate and ongoing mental health needs of residents on assigned caseload are met through on-site assessment, counseling services, contract services and community-based auxiliary services.
• Enhances the optimal emotional well-being of each resident assigned by Mental Health Manager, identify and treat residents with mental health symptoms and respond to mental health crisis.
• Serves as a liaison between the facility, Mental Health Manager and assigned probation officer concerning classification problems, progress reports, release plans, etc.
• Conduct at least one individual counseling session per week for residents on assigned caseload; sessions should focus on addressing behaviors, concerns and progress toward overall psychosocial functioning.
• Conduct group counseling sessions at least five times per week for residents on assigned caseload; sessions should focus on managing behaviors, improving social skills and preparing for release.
• Collaborate with the Mental Health Manager and other social service agencies to ensure quality of services for assigned residents.
• Participate in the development, implementation and approval of Individual Treatment Plans (ITP) oriented toward safe family reunification, preparation for return to the county of origin, or transition to an alternative living arrangement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Preferred bachelor’s degree in a social service field such as social work, psychology, criminal justice, sociology and volunteer or social service experience

Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must successfully complete and pass the following clearances:

• Criminal History utilizing the Fingerprint Application Services of Texas (FAST)
• Sex Offender Registration Database Check
• A check of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) central registry of reported cases of child abuse and neglect
• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License
• Pre-employment Drug Screen