Under the direction of the Program Manager of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) and within federal, state and local guidelines performs advanced therapeutic work. Work involves providing counseling under supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This will include counseling individuals who are court ordered to receive outpatient treatment with the Center due to acuity or extensive history of involvement with justice, mental health, and/or court systems.  

This is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant funded position ending in September of 2028. Continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of additional funding. If further funding is not secured, the position will end on September 29, 2028.

Education, Training and Experience

• Master's degree in psychology, counseling, sociology, social work, or other human services field that meets the requirements of an LPC, LMFT, or LCSW qualifying as a Licensed Professional of Healing Arts (LPHA), as recognized by the state of Texas.
• Licensed professionals preferred, however, those under supervision for licensure will be considered if accompanied by related experience. One-year prior experience in a mental health field required.
• Prior experience working in crisis situations preferred.
• English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

• Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.
• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of community and government service delivery systems and case management delivery systems; of case guidelines, regulations, and policies; of interviewing techniques; of mental illness and the emotional components of physical illness; of rehabilitation methods; of individual needs associated with disabilities; and of community welfare resources.
• Skilled in interviewing, in listening, in providing case management/brief intervention therapy services to individuals served and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
• Ability to screen and evaluate individuals served, to provide appropriate referrals/resources to individuals served, to prepare reports, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to convey instructions and explanations and negotiate available services and to train others.
• Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and able to demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative and office managerial skills.
• Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.
• Understanding and practices of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

• Responsible for providing counseling services to individuals who have been court ordered to receive outpatient services with the Center.  
  • Conduct face-to-face, audio and/or video contact with individuals served, providing counseling services and skills training.
  • Complete initial intake session within one (1) week of receiving the counseling referral.
  • Evaluates the psychosocial, economic, and physical needs of individuals served, to provide appropriate referrals.
• Communicate with individuals served, their families, treatment team, law enforcement officials, schools, and other community partners to obtain background information and ensure continuity of care, as needed.
  • Obtain all appropriate Authorization for Disclosure forms, as needed.
• Lead/Co-facilitate groups for individuals served in the AOT program.
• Assist with transportation needs of individuals served in the AOT program.
  • Provide transportation as needed, adhering to the Center transportation procedures.
• Provide clinical support and guidance for the AOT team.
  • Work with rehabilitation specialists and peer support specialist to ensure clinically appropriate recommendations are carried out.
• Ensure that all documentation for services rendered is submitted to the Center within (2) business days.
  • Documentation requirements may differ for crisis situations.
• Participate in discharge planning for everyone served in the AOT program.
  • Engage in a treatment team meeting to discuss an appropriate level of care for everyone upon completion of the AOT program (end of court order).
  • Attend transition appointments with newly assigned case manager/community provider as needed.
  • Counselors will comply with HHSC and Center guidelines and regulations for all services rendered.
  • Counselor will record, report and evaluate progress of individuals served utilizing Center Progress Notes through the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Complete crisis residential unit (CRU) LPHA assessments as needed to determine appropriateness for the CRU program.
  • Document all CRU assessments in the EHR within one hour of completion.
• Demonstrate knowledge of grant goals and objectives, to include but not limited to:
  • Reducing recidivism rates in the court and criminal justice system.
  • Reducing rapid re-admission to local and state psychiatric hospitals.
  • Increasing individuals' participation in their mental health treatment.
  • Assist with data collection as needed to aid in sustainability efforts for the AOT program.
• Participate in a stakeholder advisory group of key community stakeholders, as needed.
• Participate in status conferences with the individual's treatment team, as needed.
  • Help coordinate transportation for the individual, as needed.
  • Actively participates and provides insight into the individual's progress or lack of progress.
  • Complete monthly (or more frequent) status reports as needed.
• Complete intake appointment for AOT program as needed.
  • Complete adults needs and strengths assessment (ANSA) to determine appropriate level of care.
• Assign individual served to a rehabilitation specialist that works as a member of the AOT team.
• Develops a comprehensive recovery plan to address the unique needs of the individual served.
• Ensures completion of a National Outcome Measure (NOM) Assessment at the intake appointment.
• Ensure continuity of care for individuals served in the program.
  • Communicate with Center liaison staff such as hospital, jail, and court liaisons to ensure appropriate and uninterrupted care for individuals served.
  • Ensure completion of appropriate paperwork and documentation to present to court officials.
  • Communicate with local and state psychiatric hospitals to ensure appropriate aftercare for individuals being discharged from a psychiatric hospital.
  • Communicate with local medical hospitals to ensure continuity of care for individuals being discharged from medical facilities.
  • Communicate with Denton County and local jails to ensure continuity of care for individuals being released from jails.
  • Complete aftercare appointments as needed.
• Complete Risk of Harm assessments (ROH) as needed with individuals served by the AOT team.
  • Assist individuals in crisis by completing triages to determine the need for a full risk of harm assessment.
  • Complete risk of harm assessments as needed for individuals receiving services from the AOT team.
  • Facilitate least restrictive environment recommendation for individuals served.
  • Utilize XFERALL for placement at the psychiatric hospital as needed.
• Maintain compliance with all state and agency training requirements, including Service Coordination and Medicaid Reimbursement and Billing Protocol.
  •  Follow the agency and departmental policies and procedures in a responsible manner consistent with the Center's mission.
• Participate in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.
  • Support individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.
  • Remain with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.
  • Participate in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.

• Able to work in a team setting and provide support and assistance to other AOT team members as needed.
• Provide emergency/crisis intervention when necessary, according to HHSC and Center policies and procedures.
• Participate in AOT weekly on-call rotation involving nights and weekend.
  • Complete AOT crisis assessment documentation on the same day. Extenuating circumstances will be considered.
  • Screen and make clinical recommendations for all referrals received by AOT within 2 days of receipt.
• Attend weekly meetings with Crisis leadership and Court staff to review status of those referred for court ordered services.
• Effectively assume additional responsibilities in the Program Manager's absence, including leading team meetings, managing intakes and case assignments, delivering presentations, and performing other critical duties as required.
• All other duties as assigned and determined appropriate by leadership.