General Description

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Counseling Services and within federal, state and local guidelines, Therapist II performs advanced therapeutic work. Work involves providing counseling under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The therapist will be based in the Denton office and will travel to various Center locations to provide services as needed based on program demands. The therapist will have the opportunity to have flexible hours based upon the program’s needs and approval of the counseling program’s leadership.

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) is required.
• Current licensing from the state of Texas as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and/or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) is required.

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 evidence-based therapeutic modalities (CBT, TF-CBT, CPT, trauma-informed approaches); of ethical guidelines, confidentiality laws, HIPAA, and professional standards; 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 mental health resources and referral processes.
• Skill in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning; in therapeutic counseling skills with individuals, families, and/or groups; in effective communication skills, written and verbal, for documentation, collaboration, and client interaction; in time management and organization to balance caseloads and meet documentation timelines; in interviewing; in conducting individual needs assessments.
• Ability to provide services to individuals with serious mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and high social needs; to work effectively in fast-paced, resource-limited environments; to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, including supervisors, case managers, and medical providers; 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 display regular and reliable 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. Provides face-to-face and telehealth sessions to individuals, groups, and families using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) as mandated by the State of Texas.
2. Conducts clinical assessments, including biopsychosocial assessments, and risk assessments.
3. Provides crisis intervention services, including risk assessments, de-escalation, and safety planning following agency protocols.
4. Full-time therapists provide 25 completed sessions to clients per week. Part-time therapists provide 15 completed sessions to clients per week.
5. Has face-to-face and video contact with client's Legally Authorized Representative, if required and applicable.
6. Develops individual treatment plans; and assesses and reassesses clients’ support systems and available community resources, schools, and/or facilities per the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) guidelines.
7. Ensures that all documentation for services rendered is submitted to the Center within (2) business days.
8. Participates in case consultations, clinical reviews, and supervision as assigned.
9. Provides guidance or mentorship to interns, Therapist I staff, or newer clinicians as needed.
10. Maintains compliance with required training deadlines.
11. Collaborates on discharges for clients by collaborating with the client, family, interdisciplinary treatment team, and community resources.
    • Counselors will comply with HHSC and Authority guidelines and regulations for all services rendered to clients.
12. Counselor will record, report and evaluate client progress on Authority's Progress Notes through Electronic Health Record (EHR).
13. Participates in the Center’s Zero Suicide Initiative.
    • 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.

o 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.

o 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.