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 substance use counseling. Work involves treating and rehabilitating clients in substance use treatment or rehabilitative programs. The LCDC/LCDC I 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 8:00AM to 5:00 PM.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

• Graduation from an accredited two or four year college or university with major course work in a human service field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
• Two (2) years prior experience in a substance use/mental health field required. Licensure to qualify as a LCDC/LCDC I required
• Master's Degree in a human services field and previous Crisis experience preferred.
• English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Individual needs to meet the requirements to Qualify as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional)
• This position requires a valid LCDC/LCDC Intern License in good standing from the State of Texas.
• 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.

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.

• Provides substance use assessments, follow-ups, individual, family, and group counseling.
• Meets with people individually or with their families to discuss substance use, provide counseling, and case management.
• Facilitates intensive outpatient groups and supportive outpatient groups. Documents group meetings appropriately.
• Complete a substance use intake with each person seeking SUD services to determine least restrictive environment.
• 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.
• Assists in marketing the substance use services to increase referral sources.
• Complete visits and presentations to community organizations on substance use services available.
• Provides information, referrals, screening and emergency services to persons requesting help with substance use.
• Helps facilitate admission to substance use treatment.
• Meets with individuals and provides referrals to access ongoing substance use treatment and helps set up appointments for continued services in the community.
• Develops treatment plan goals and objectives in collaboration with all individuals served being seen for counseling and case management.
• All persons with a substance use diagnosis, have a treatment plan goal which addresses substance use needs.
• All treatment plan objectives are individualized and measurable.
• The treatment plan is reviewed as needed and updated when an individual identifies new goals or completes goals.
• Works collaboratively with individuals and treatment team on discharge planning from SUD services.
• Enables individuals to understand and accept responsibility for recovery process and acquire necessary coping and behavioral management skills.
• Utilizes clinical knowledge and experience to make appropriate clinical decisions.
• Uses knowledge of DSM-V diagnostic criteria and symptomology concerning substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
• Demonstrates competency in cognitive behavioral therapies and motivational interviewing.
• Has a familiarity with American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria.
• Shares knowledge and resources by providing education on ongoing trends of substance use and treatment to the SUD team and other programs.
• Is 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 completed within two business days.
• Skills training notes include fidelity words.
• All documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with Center and HHSC guidelines.
• Assist in any local, state, and/or federal data and reporting requirements.
• Update trackers with the correct information for each individual assessed.
• Ensures individuals charts are in compliance with HHSC contract requirements and standards.
• Responds to all chart audits by assigned deadline.
• Complete all paperwork required for the electronic health record and CMBHS reporting in the system within two business days.
• 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.
• If a meeting is missed, staff will get with supervisor within one week to review the information.
• Provides courteous, professional services at all times.
• Maintains professional boundaries.
• Interacts with center staff, individuals served, and community members in a professional manner.
• Performs additional duties as deemed necessary by supervisor within designated timeframes.
• Interact with consumers, co-workers, and other community agency staff in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Work in a team setting and provides support and assistance to other team members when needed.
• Enters time worked accurately each day and submits time sheet by deadline given.
• Has the ability to work independently and make decisions but seeks guidance when necessary.
• Complies with Center policies, laws, regulations, and confidentiality requirements at all times.