COPSD Counselor

Denton County MHMR Center, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), is committed to fostering a supportive, trauma-informed, and welcoming environment for all. We strive to create a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere where individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered. Integrity, honesty, and kindness are the foundation of our Center, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma informed, person-centered care.

General Description

Denton County MHMR Center is a Trauma Informed Care organization. This position is under the direction of the Program Manager of Substance Use Services and within federal, state and local guidelines performs highly complex COPSD counseling. Work involves treating and rehabilitating clients in substance use treatment or rehabilitative programs. The COPSD Counselor is responsible for providing individual counseling, family counseling, and group therapy for those living with mental health and substance use disorders. This is a Health and Human Services (HHSC) funded position. This position works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment while following the Center's Guiding Principles. Position is an onsite and housed at our Denton, TX location and the hours are Monday­ Friday from 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and a master's degree in behavioral sciences, social sciences, humanities, or a related field and one (1) year prior experience in a mental health field and licensure to qualify as a LPHA (LPC-Associate, LPC, LMSW, LCSW). LCDC/LCDC I is strongly preferred, but ability to obtain in first year of employment considered. Prior experience working in crisis situations preferred. English/Spanish bi-lingual preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

  • This position requires a valid LPHA (LPC-Associate, LPC, LMSW, LCSW).
  • LCDC/LCDC I license in good standing from the State of Texas is strongly preferred, but ability to obtain in first year of employment is required.
  • The position requires a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to the Centers insurance requirements.
  • This position requires knowledge of causes and treatment of mental illness, substance use disorder, and related conditions.

I

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of chemical dependency and alcoholism, addiction, co-dependency, and related disorders; of counseling techniques; and of recovery processes.
  • Skill in interviewing, in listening, in counseling clients and patients, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
  • Ability to convey instructions and explanations to clients and interested parties, to negotiate available services, and to train others.
  • Ability to screen and evaluate clients, to counsel and instruct clients, to implement rehabilitative and chemical dependency treatment programs, to maintain records, to prepare reports, and to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to effectively present information in a one-on-one and small group situation.
  • Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and being able to demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative and office managerial skills.
  • Computer skills required for both clinical and clerical programs.
  • Ability to make decisions based on education and/or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Center's Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.
  • Understanding and practice 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.

  1. Designs, attends and participates in all scheduled meetings.
    • Staff will attend all substance use services team meetings as scheduled and sign-in for meetings to acknowledge their presence and understanding of the topics discussed.
  2. If a meeting is missed, staff will meet with their supervisor within one week to review the missed information.
  1. Provides courteous, professional services at all times.
    • Maintains professional boundaries.
  2. Interacts with center staff, clients, and community members in a professional manner.
  1. Enters time worked accurately each day and submits time sheet by deadline given.
  2. Assesses, diagnoses and treats by providing COPSD counseling for individuals, family, and groups, primarily at the Denton Outpatient Clinics (DOPC).
    • Provide individual, family, and couples counseling for those in substance use services.
  3. Serve as a backup in facilitating intensive outpatient groups and supportive outpatient groups and documents group meetings appropriately.
  1. Provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for individuals receiving substance use services.
    • Maintains and updates counseling schedule and maintains counseling case load.
  2. Completes counseling documentation within 2 business days including documentation of an assessment for suicidal ideation utilizing the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS) and what date and time is the client's next appointment.
  3. Contact clients within 24 hours of missed counseling appointment for follow up.
  1. Network and market with substance use providers in local and surrounding communities.
    • Establish contacts with other SUD agencies and share those resources with other center staff.
  2. Assists in marketing substance use services to increase referral sources.
  3. Complete visits and presentations to community organizations on substance use services available.
  1. Provides information, referrals, screening and emergency services to those requesting help with substance abuse.
    • Facilitate admission to substance use treatment, as needed.
  2. Meets with individuals and provide referrals to access ongoing substance use treatment and helps set up appointments for continued services in the community.
  3. Works collaboratively with client and treatment team on discharge planning from SUD services.
  1. Develops individualized and measurable recovery plan goals and objectives in collaboration with each client being seen for counseling.
    • Reviews and update recovery plan when client identifies new goals or completes goals.
  1. Shares knowledge and resources education of ongoing trends of substance use and treatment to the SUD team and other programs.
  1. Remains familiar with all applicable Texas Administration Code (TAC), fidelity tools and Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) contract information and Center policies and procedures.
    • All documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with Center and HHSC guidelines.
  1. Assist in data tracking, as required by funding sources, and continually update data in tracking systems.
  1. Ensure individual charts are in compliance with HHSC contract requirements and standards.
    • Responds to all chart audits by assigned deadline.
  2. All paperwork will be signed in black ink with credentials and date.
  1. Develop and facilitate the Intensive Outpatient Program as needed.
    • Responsible for preparing and presenting psychoeducational and skills training materials.
  2. Responsible for submitting documentation for group notes, UA notes, and C-SSRS's within two business days.
  1. Serve as the liaison between Denton MHMR SUD Services and the Denton County Drug Court as needed.
    • Attend scheduled Denton Drug Court sessions and administrative meetings.
  2. Communicate client progress and other matters with the Denton County Drug Court.
  1. Performs additional duties as deemed necessary by supervisor within designated timeframes.
  1. Interact with consumers, co-workers, and other community agency staff in a courteous and respectful manner.
  1. Work in a team setting and provide support and assistance to other team members when needed.
  1. Has the ability to work independently and make decisions but seeks guidance when necessary.
  1. Comply with Center policies, laws, regulations, and confidentiality requirements at all times.