Counselor

Rockingham County is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with federal and state statutes regarding discrimination in employment. General Statement of Duties Provides professional expertise in family and youth counseling, with an emphasis on trauma focused treatment. Distinguishing Features of the Class Serve as Counselor for at-risk youth and their families. Employee will provide in-home or on-site counseling for families and individuals with emphasis on serving at-risk youth and youth with trauma histories; will assess mental/emotional status of clients and their families for identifying needs relative to counseling interventions; will develop and execute treatment plans based on identified needs using appropriate counseling theory and techniques; will monitor progress of clients/families on a regular basis, making changes in treatment plans, terminations, or referral to other agencies as indicated; will maintain all required documentation.

Examples of Duties Provide bi-weekly individual and/or family therapy sessions to clients. Develops and executes treatment plans based on identified needs using appropriate counseling theories and techniques. Complete required documentation according to programmatic guidelines including treatment plan which includes treatment modality, treatment goals, and evaluation measures. Collaborate and coordinate services with Juvenile Justice, DSS, law enforcement, schools and other agencies. Attend monthly meetings and case staffings; update Director and clinical staff on clients' progress. Maintain professional licensure with continuing education. Performs other duties as assigned; participates in departmental projects as required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Extensive knowledge of family and group dynamics, therapeutic theories, techniques and practices, and their application to complex casework and community problems. Extensive knowledge of trauma focused treatments. Extensive knowledge of a wide range of behavior and psychosocial problems and their diagnosis and treatment. Considerable knowledge of resources in the community, juvenile justice laws and policies which govern the program. Ability to treat clients and families systemically. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and their families as well as with professionals in other agencies, including juvenile court, DSS, law enforcement and school system. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Master's degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work or equivalent, and l or 2 years successful experience counseling at-risk youth and their families; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Candidates should be professionally licensed or pursuing licensure as LCMHC, LMFT or LCSW.

Note: In accordance with State mandates and the Rockingham County Emergency Operations Plan, Rockingham County Health and Human Services staff from the Divisions of Social Services, Public Health and Integrated Health are required to staff emergency shelters during times of disaster. Please be advised that every staff person is eligible to be assigned to an emergency shelter or Emergency Operations Center.