Lead Counselor

Responsible for the clinical and management supervision of assigned staff members of the Youth Treatment Center.

 Court Expectations of Employee:

• Adheres to Court Policy and Procedures

• Acts as a role model both within and outside the Court

• Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships

• Maintains a positive and respectful approach both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Court

• Performs duties as workload necessitates in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments meeting Department productivity standards

• Communicates regularly with supervisor about Department issues

• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload

• Consistently reports to work on time, prepared to perform duties of position meeting Court attendance standards

Essential Job Functions:

• Clinical and management supervision of other primary counselors and the activities manager.

• Complete assessment of youth referred to the Youth Treatment Center and recommend acceptance or denial for placement within the facility.  Provide referring court with reports of all written denials. Refer all recommendations for acceptance to the Administrative Judge for final approval. 

• Interview and provide individual and family assessments.

• Create a written assessment of each youth/family accepted.

• Provide individual, group and family counseling.

• Coordinate and develop interventions.

• Coordinate clinical consultations with community service providers.

• Create individual and family treatment plans.

• Participate in community outings with residents.

• Schedule resident privileges.

• Provide case management as needed.

• Supervise residents; provide transportation as needed; participate in crises interventions.

• Initiate court motions; attend and make recommendations at court hearings.

• Attend weekly treatment team meetings; assessment meetings weekly, and group supervision.

• Act as a leader of Change Team

• Maintain documentation related to youth/family contacts.

• Coordinate and manage program development as approved by the administrator

• Coordinate and manage clinical internships/research projects.

• Participate in Core Team

• Coordinate/Complete training for all supervised positions and assist in the training of other Youth Treatment Center Staff as assigned

• Oversight of volunteers and contractors providing services to youth

• Assist in collecting and maintaining program data

• Provide the Administrator with regular reports of quality of services provided by contracted providers

• Subject to phone calls outside of regular business hours for mental health/clinical direction 

• Subject to On-call rotation 

   

Other Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend mandatory staff meetings and training as required.

• Provide assistance to other personnel as needed.

• May be required to work irregular hours, including expanded and rotating shifts for 24-hour coverage if necessary.

• All other duties as assigned.

Language Skills:

• Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of advisory data and information such as financial statements, technical operating manuals, statutes, procedures, guidelines and routine and non-routine correspondence.

• Requires the ability to read, write and present information both verbally and in writing on an individual and group basis.

• Ability to write routine and non-routine reports and business correspondence.

• Must write legibly.

Mathematical Skills:

• Requires the ability to perform basic arithmetic, including the ability to calculate percentages and decimals.

• May require the ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions and compute discounts.

Reasoning Ability:         

• Requires the ability to exercise sound judgment, make informed decisions, apply common sense, carryout instructions and independently problem solve situations that arise and require immediate resolution.

• Requires the ability to apply and carryout instructions furnished in written or oral form.

Physical Demands:        

• Tasks involve the ability to exert light to moderate physical effort in sedentary to moderate work.

• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation, as well as driving and walking in order to conduct required visits outside of the workplace.

• Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, tastes, odors and textures associated with job related objects, material and tasks.

• Must be able to restrain and subdue a violent or uncooperative juvenile when required and assist others in doing so.

Work Environment:       

Tasks may risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, communicable diseases or pathogenic substances

Minimum Position Requirements:

Education/Training:                         Masters Degree in counseling, rehabilitative counseling, social work, guidance and counseling, psychology or a closely related field.  Must possess valid LISW or LPCC.

Experience/Knowledge/Background:  At least five (5) years relevant work experience required in mental health, corrections or a related field; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. 

Skills:                                                Must possess basic computer/keyboarding skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills on an individual and group basis are a must.

Appearance/Personality:                 Courtesy and a professional business demeanor and presentation are critical. Due to the personally sensitive nature of information in this area, confidentiality is essential. Must have the ability to work well with a diverse group of people.

Special Requirements:                     Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, have a valid driver’s license, submit to a pre-employment screening (including physical exam, TB screen, drug screen) criminal record check and in-depth reference check. Must be able to multitask and prioritize assignments while meeting established deadlines. In this position there is a high probability of experiencing situations that involve an elevated stress level while dealing with violent or uncooperative youth.