Licensed Professional Counselor
: Job Details :

This position is grant funded. Therefore, it is solely dependent on availability of grant. Provides mental health counseling to City residents. Schedules appointments, maintains documentation for counseling sessions, and prepares treatment plan to ensure positive patient outcomes. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Conducts initial clinical assessments on patients and Screens for substance abuse, including physical and mental health status Provides mental health counseling and case management services Works with clients to overcome and manage different mental and emotional challenges; provides intensive evidence-based treatments to address each clients individual mental health needs. Documents and maintains certifications, medical visits, assessments, recommendations, referrals, and outcomes Gathers program data of outpatient ambulatory services for clinical quality management Serves as advocate for client's rights within the community Must successfully complete all AOT training modules within 30 days of initial hire Must complete all trainings required of new hires, including any training required by SAMHSA, and AOT, within established timeframes Will be required to drive a city vehicle for city business use Performs related work as required. COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES Knowledge of: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. Knowledge of a variety of therapeutic approaches Knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Knowledge of community resources Knowledge of social and cultural factors related to the assessment and evaluation of individuals, groups, and specific populations Knowledge of the assessment, treatment, and prevention of behavioral, emotional, and mental health issues Knowledge of modern office procedures and methods including computers and applicable software Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation Skills and Abilities: Skill in organization and time management Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature Skill in active listening Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and believes including LGTBQ + clients. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries Ability to maintain complete and accurate records Ability to conduct biopsychosocial assessment Ability to evaluate individual behavior and formulate treatment plans Ability to document efforts in assisting with the establishment and implementation of the health care plan. Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position. Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record. Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language. Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures. WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards. Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work. Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met. Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments Never Construction site Warehouse environment Seldom Street environment (near moving traffic) Confined space Sometimes Outdoor environment Vehicle Often Office or similar indoor environment Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements Never Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) Moving mechanical parts Fumes or airborne particles Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction) Seldom Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) Sometimes Individuals with known violent backgrounds Communicable diseases Never Individuals who are hostile or irate Travel Position will require the employee to travel Never National travel International travel Sometimes Regional travel Frequently Local travel REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree from an accredited* college or university in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or related field At least two (2) years of experience in counseling, mental health treatment, or related experience *Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.) Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment. Required License and Certifications Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained prior to employment. **Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire. Valid Licensed Professional Counselor License from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be obtained within 12 months of employment** As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment. Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment. Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing. A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) ###-####, two days prior to the scheduled test and/or interview. City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.