Under the direction of the Senior Director of Clinical Services and within federal, state, and local guidelines, this position performs advanced therapeutic work. The Program Manager of Counseling Services is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the counseling program, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, and evidence-based services.

Work involves supervising therapists on the counseling team under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This role includes providing clinical and administrative supervision, supporting staff development, ensuring documentation compliance, managing caseload assignments, and coordinating training and onboarding of new counseling staff.

The Program Manager also collaborates with internal departments to ensure alignment of services and promote integrated care. Additionally, the role includes maintaining a small clinical caseload, participating in agency meetings, and contributing to continuous quality improvement efforts.

Please note: This position is contingent upon final board approval and is anticipated to begin on September 1, 2025.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Master's degree in psychology, counseling, sociology, social work, or other human services field that meets the requirements of Licensed Professional of Healing Arts (LPHA) required.
• Must hold current licensure from the state of Texas as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor.
• LCSW-S or LPC-S strongly preferred.
• Minimum of one year of supervisory experience is preferred.
• At least one year of experience serving the community mental health population is preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and 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 clinical interventions for adolescents and adults, 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.
• Skill in interviewing and in conducting individual needs assessments.
• Individual therapy with adolescents and adults using cognitive behavioral techniques.
• Holding supervisees accountable for performance and performance evaluations.
• Training, collaborating, and partnering with outside agencies.
• Ability to convey instructions and explanations to clients and interested parties, to negotiate available services, and to train others. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to display regular and reliable in-person attendance.
• 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. Oversee the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of new counseling staff and interns, ensuring alignment with program and Center expectations and clinical protocols.

2. Provide clinical and administrative supervision to staff, promoting quality service delivery, adherence to best practices, and compliance with licensing and Center standards.

3. Monitor staff caseloads, documentation, and productivity to ensure timely, effective, and ethical service provision.

4. Monitor therapists' performance, such as productivity measures, ensure all documentation for services rendered is submitted to the Center within (2) business days, pull consistent reports to ensure performance is aligned with program goals.

5. Conducts at minimum, monthly individual supervision with each member of the team, providing support, coaching, and performance feedback to staff.

6. Lead regularly scheduled team meetings to review updates, provide guidance, support communication, and promote team cohesion. Responsible for attending Adult and Child & Adolescent Case Management team meetings regularly to support collaboration and maintain consistency across programs.

7. Provide clinical supervision to graduate internship students and associate licensed individuals working towards hours through the Center.

8. Manages the referral process, maintaining referral forms, client assignments, and other referral and intake documentation as needed.

9. Oversees and reviews clinical treatment services, including individual, group, and family therapy.

10. Evaluates the psychosocial, economic, and physical needs of clients and appropriateness of therapy.

11. Ensures team members are compliant with Center policies and procedures and provides coaching sessions accordingly.

12. Provides direct counseling services to a small number of clients, balancing supervisory responsibilities and clinical practice.

13. Support staff development through training opportunities, licensure guidance, and work towards professional growth.

14. Timely completion of staff evaluations, timesheets, and payroll responsibilities (PTO, FMLA, etc.)

15. Track program data and outcomes; assist in preparing reports, audits, and evaluations to support continuous improvement.

16. Contributes to individual treatment plans as needed; and assesses and reassesses clients' support systems and available community resources, schools, and/or facilities per the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) guidelines.

17. Collaborate with stakeholders, both external in the community and within the provider agency to increase awareness of counseling services and improve and enhance counseling program and processes.

18. Provide leadership coverage at various locations as needed.

19. Perform additional duties as deemed necessary by department supervisor within designated timeframes.

20. Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

• Will attend monthly Zero Suicide Taskforce meetings and assist as needed.
• Supports 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.
• Remains 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.
• Participates 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.