EPCCSCD-TAIP COUNSELOR

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in criminal
justice, corrections, counseling, social work, psychology, sociology, education, OR
related field. Must be a Qualified Credentialed Counselor, as defined by the state of Texas (ie, LCDC, LPC, LMSW, LMFT, etc.).

Two years paid employment experience in casework, counseling, or related employment in a social work/corrections agency serving offenders or disadvantaged persons.

Must appear before an Oral Examining Board. Must be administered urine screening for drug use, if not presently employed with the department. May be administered psychological test at option of department.

Availability and use of private automobile is required, with reimbursement at state mileage rate. Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) is desirable but not required. Ability to communicate well in written and spoken English. Must have favorable background investigation.

Typical Duties

• Administer/interpret screening and/or assessment instruments to determine substance abuse and mental health needs.
• Extensive experience with the administration of Clinical Management for the Behavioral Health System (CMBHS).
• Based on one-to-one client interview and accumulation of client data, assists probation officer in the development of client’s individualized supervision/treatment plan.
• Facilitates rehabilitation efforts through individual and/or family counseling, group therapy, and/or special programs utilizing treatment and community services.
• Guides clients in attaining prescribed treatment goals.
• Updates group therapy curriculums and special programs to meet treatment needs.
• Attends case staffing and provides information and recommendations to assist in modification of treatment plan and decision making processes.
• Offers intensive counseling and interventions to clients for problems such as drug or alcohol abuse, depression, adjustment disorders, etc.
• Maintains confidential case files in accordance with TDCJ-CJAD and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) standards, which contain documentation such as initial assessments and treatment plans, progress notes, services provided, attendance records, and drug test results.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends to accommodate all clients.
• Attends required training hours to maintain licensure.
• May be assigned additional duties not explicitly set out herein but which adhere to specific job requirements.
• Maintains program confidentiality.
• Maintains DSHS standards as required.
• Maintains TDCJ-CJAD standards as required through administering breathalyzer and urinalysis testing.
• Regular attendance on the job is an essential requirement.
• Must be able to handle a high level of stress.
• Must be competent in exercising good judgment in decision making.
• Must be able to rationally prioritize tasks.
• Must be able to think quickly in emergencies.
• Must be able to travel to and from court and other designated locations with little or no notice.
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions well.
• Must be able to initiate and maintain legible documentation on a continual basis.
• Must be able to visually identify clients.
• Must have mobility within an office and/or institutional setting.

Job Summary
TAIP Counselor is licensed to provide chemical dependency counseling services involving the application of the principles, methods, and procedures of the chemical dependency profession as defined by the profession’s ethical standards and the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) as defined by rule in 25 TAC ch. 441 (relating to General Provisions).

Additional Information
Experience: Must have employment experience in casework, counseling, or related employment in a residential program or social work/corrections agency which deals with offenders or disadvantaged persons.

Testing: Must appear before an Oral Examining Board. Must be administered urine screening for drug use, if not presently employed with the department. May be administered psychological test at the option of the department.

Other: Availability and use of private automobile is required, with reimbursement at state mileage rate. Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) is desirable but not required. Ability to communicate well in written and spoken English. Must have favorable background investigation. Must have a valid operator’s license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Includes lifting/carrying 10 to 30 lbs. frequently and must be able to bend, reach, stoop, pull and push in performing job duties; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand an eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, walking, standing, reaching, twisting and handling to perform the essential job functions.

Testing:
Must appear before an Oral Examining Board. May be administered psychological test at the option of the department.

Applicant must pass and maintain a favorable criminal background check. Applicant must clear a pre-employment physical and urinalysis test.