Mental Health Professional ($70,000 - $98,000 per year)

This position is in the approved TJJD career ladder for Heath Specialists.  Personnel in this career ladder have the working title of Mental Health Professional.  Placement on the career ladder is dependent upon education, licensure, and experience.  Mental Health Professionals may be promoted based on meeting the established eligibility criteria per agency policy until they reach the top level of the ladder.  Progression to the highest pay level on the career ladder is dependent upon experience and performance.

TJJD addresses the multiple and complex needs of the youth committed to the agency as well as their families through a trauma informed multi-disciplinary integrated approach that includes implementation of the agency approved Texas Model of Trauma Informed Corrections and a Mental Health Treatment Program (MHTP). The MHTP provides enhanced psychiatric and psychological assistance to youth diagnosed with moderate to severe mental health problems and/or illnesses, which allows the general rehabilitation case managers to focus on risk reduction and protective factor enhancement strategies in order to reduce the risk of reoffending. This collaboration allows for holistic and individualized treatment of youth in need of MHTP services.

Provides a range of direct psychological services to youth adjudicated delinquent of felony offenses and committed to the agency by a juvenile court. Conducts trauma informed groups, individual, family, trauma, and crisis counseling sessions; and administers and interprets psychological evaluations of youth at risk of suicide or in need of specialized treatment services. Assists in monitoring the agency’s Texas Model of Trauma Informed Corrections treatment program, and reviews and monitors specialized treatment programs. Assists with related in-service training for facility staff. Collaborates with facility administrators, specialized treatment, case management or program specialist staff, parole officers, and contracted staff, as well as halfway house staff. Participates in or leads evaluations of programs in high or medium restriction facilities, or contracted programs. Participates in Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) staffing for youth transitioning into the community and as they exit the agency system. May train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others.

May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per workweek, different shift patterns, be on-call, and travel occasionally.

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree with major course work in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field; and

Eligible for licensure through appropriate State of Texas licensing board for one of the following licenses:

·         Licensed Professional Counselor – Intern (LPC-A)

·         Psychological Associate – Training Status

·         Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – Associate (LMFT-A)

·         Licensed Masters Social Worker – Intern – (LMSW)