Under the guidance of a licensed psychologist, assist completion of mental health evaluations including conducting clinical interviews; administering and scoring psychological tests; reviewing behavioral health and psychosocial records; and integrating collateral information into the assessment. Provide individual, group, and family assessment and intervention to address the emotional needs of the juvenile justice population under the care of the department and as ordered by the Courts. Provide consultation to juvenile justice partners through multidisciplinary team meetings and treatment recommendations.

• Under the guidance of a licensed psychologist, administers mental health assessments, clinical interviews and diagnostic evaluations. Formal psychological testing including those measuring intelligence, personality, achievement and organicity may also be incorporated;
• Assists in the provision individual, group, and family intervention/treatment services to address the emotional needs of the juvenile justice population under the care of the department in institutional and non-institutional settings as directed by the Courts in order to enhance individual and family functioning while reducing family conflicts and stress and/or restore competency to participate in legal proceedings;
• Assists in providing consultation to Department personnel and community agencies regarding case management and effective therapeutic intervention with justice involved youth and their families;
• Completes and maintains records and/or reports regarding services provided and completed
• Assists in developing discharge plans and treatment recommendations;
• Help coordinate with the Probation Officers regarding addressing the needs of youth served; and
• Reports allegations of child abuse, neglect and/or exploitation to authorities.

Minimum Education and Experience. Bachelor’s degree conferred by a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in psychology, behavioral health, science, or related field of study. Currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate-level behavioral health program or related field of study.

Special Requirements. Must clear a psychological assessment, a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test. Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle or alternative means of transportation. Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation. May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek. Must secure temporary clinical license within 36 months from date of hire.

Knowledge. Must have knowledge of professional psychological counseling; knowledge of developmental stages of adolescence, family dynamics and effective therapy modalities with adolescents; knowledge of diagnoses and medications; knowledge of Texas Family Code, and knowledge of basic individual and group counseling techniques, particularly with adolescents; adequate knowledge of the Juvenile Justice systems, Juvenile Court protocol, principles of case management practices, and good knowledge of mediation and behavior modification techniques; knowledge of social services delivery network.

Skills. Skill in psychological assessment, therapy, and clinical case management with at-risk adolescents; skill in deescalating hostile or volatile individuals; skill in operating a personal computer and basic office equipment; interpersonal skills to interact effectively with justice involved youth, families, employees, and the general public; skill in supporting families in crisis; must have skill in interviewing in crisis situations; skill in teaching distress tolerance principles.

Abilities. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to compile and analyze data; ability to effectively respond to questions and complaints; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with line staff, co-workers, other County employees, other government agencies, outside organizations, justice involved youth, families, and the general public; ability to work closely with court officials on cases; ability to manage time effectively; ability to maintain and organize information; and ability to effectively respond to questions and complaints.

Supervisory Responsibility. Job has impact on work unit operations and public image. Directly responsible for the safety of self. Some involvement with the supervision, training and performance evaluation of graduate practicum and internship students. Employee may modify or combine known methods in order to achieve work goals. No supervision of other employees is required.

Judgment, initiative and decision-making. Independent judgement is required to complete essential functions and to determine appropriate information to release or communicate to individuals. Ethical and clinical judgement is required. Initiative and discretion is required to achieve work goals.

Contacts. Frequent contact with line staff, other County employees, other government agencies, outside organizations, justice involved youth and the general public. Communication is primarily in person, through written correspondence, and via telephone.

In order for your application to be consider for the position you will need to complete the supplemental question section of the application. Supplemental questions are being asked due to the position having certification standards, federal and state laws that apply for hiring.
In accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) (115.317) we are unable to employ individuals who have (1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other Institution (as defined in 42 U.S. C. 1997); (2) has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or (3)has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in (2) of this section.