Mental Health Professional

Summary: Under limited supervision, identify and address psychological, psychiatric, emotional and serious behavioral concerns of MRJJC residents upon admission and during their course of stay in the detention center. Furthermore, to assist in providing safe and secure custody of youth to reduce potentially negative effects of detainment while emphasizing socially acceptable behavior.  

Essential Job Functions: Provide mental health services for the residents of the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center. Provide individual, group and crisis counseling relative to personal and social problems; knowledge of modern counseling practices and methods; maintain up to date files on residents; maintain residents privacy and confidentiality regarding information and records at all times. Attend and participate in program meetings and activities; obtain required number of continuing education/in-service hours to maintain licensure. Promote positive interpersonal relationships among co-workers. Is able to effectively communicate and interact with Judges, Supervisors, members of the general public and other groups or agencies involved in the operation of the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center. Requires the ability to write report and notes, utilizing the proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar; ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner. Possess good organizational, management, interpersonal and technical skills; provide special attention intervention as needed for all youth in detention. Be available 24 hours a day including nights and weekends for emergency crisis situations. Adheres to all departmental policies and procedures, Texas Juvenile Justice Department standards, federal, state and local statutes at all times. Perform special duties as assigned by the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer or designee. Performs any and all other duties as assigned by the Facility Administrator or designee. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.  

Other Job Functions: Performs other job-related duties as directed

NOTE: The above describes the general nature and level of work being performed by employees holding this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required nor are all duties listed necessarily performed by any one employee so classified.

Education & Experience: Master’s Degree in Counseling, Clinical Social Work, or related field of study. Must be currently licensed in Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor or currently licensed as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Two years of post-degree experience preferred.

Specialized Requirements: Complete and pass a background investigation to meet Juvenile Probation/Detention certification and/or recertification standards of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Have and maintain Professional liability insurance.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Ability to conduct informative clinical/psychological assessments. Consistently demonstrates knowledge and application of the fundamentals, skills and methods as they relate to clinical practice with juvenile probation and detention population. Also demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Jefferson County Juvenile Probation and Detention Policies and Procedures. Ability to develop/apply professional skills and establish positive relationships with juveniles, colleagues and other staff in the department. Ability to accept and use supervision, control temper and relate to youth in a warm, friendly manner. Working knowledge of theory and intervention strategies. Consistently seeks opportunity to improve clinical skills and knowledge. Ability to utilize personal computers including Word Processing applications to write reports. Knowledge of the Texas Juvenile Justice System. Skills in writing reports of findings and recommendations. Skills of communicating verbally and in writing.

Equipment Used: Personal computer/mainframe computer terminal; copy machine; other general office equipment as needed; vehicle.

Work Situations/Demands/Efforts: Work requires organizing; prioritizing; accuracy; attention to detail; working alone and as part of a group; flexibility in order to perform and coordinate a variety of duties; performing routine, repetitive duties; dealing with frequent deadlines; working in a stressful environment; dealing with juvenile criminal offenders, including possible restraint of out-of-control youth; occasional out-of-town travel to attend educational seminars and training sessions.

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a climate controlled private office environment. 

Physical Requirements: Office duties are primarily sedentary but requires frequent walking; may include having to restrain out-of-control youth. 

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer. The County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status (disabled), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or political affiliation in employment or the provision of services. To request a reasonable accommodation or other assistance, contact a Human Resources representative at (409) 839-2391, or for the hearing impaired, through RELAY Texas at 1-800-735-2989 or mail your request to 1225 Pearl St., Suite 201 Beaumont, Texas  77701.