Licensed Professional Counselor

The Professional Counselor provides professional mental health counseling services to youth housed at the Smith County Juvenile Detention Center. The LPC works within a secure juvenile justice environment and collaborates with detention staff, probation officers, medical personnel, educators, and other treatment professionals to assess, treat, and support detained youth. Services are trauma-informed and focused on behavioral health stabilization, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration.

• Provide individual and group counseling services to detained youth
• Conduct psychosocial assessments, mental health screenings, and clinical evaluations
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans
• Provide crisis intervention, risk assessments, and de-escalation services as needed
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation and records
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and case reviews
• Collaborate with juvenile probation officers, detention staff, and community providers
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards, state regulations, and county policies
• Provide referrals and coordinate continuity of care upon youth release
• Maintain required licensure and continuing education requirements

• Knowledge of adolescent development, behavioral health disorders, and evidence-based treatment approaches
• Strong assessment, counseling, and clinical judgment skills
• Ability to manage crisis situations calmly and professionally
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a secure detention or correctional environment

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related mental health field from an accredited institution
• Experience working with adolescents preferred
• Experience in juvenile justice, detention, residential treatment, or trauma-informed care preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• Current and unrestricted Texas Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Texas Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Texas Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work is performed in a secure juvenile detention facility
• Regular interaction with detained youth
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and security clearance