Court Counselor

JOB Summary: 

This position is responsible for managing a treatment caseload in the Drug Court Program and providing support to the treatment staff. This position requires the ability to conduct evening counseling groups. The incumbent will work directly with individuals diagnosed with substance use or other mental health disorders. The incumbent provides counseling services by facilitating group and individual therapy sessions, record keeping, and oversight of treatment plan progress. This position works under the supervision of the Drug Court Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitates groups and provides individualized counseling sessions for program participants
• Utilizes and maintains fidelity to evidenced-based curriculums and modalities for all group and individual therapy
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of group process and counseling theory/technique as related to mental illness, substance use and developmental disability
• Provides psycho-educational instruction in areas such as social skills, communication skills, parenting skills, mental illness management, relapse prevention, and drug and alcohol education
• Develops and implements appropriate therapeutic activities and/or programs

Ensures the proper maintenance of caseload files/participant records per agency requirements including:

• Individualized treatment planning
• Program and phase orientation paperwork
• Assessments
• Clinical progress notes
• Client contact notes
• Discharge planning
• Participant compliance to program requirements
• Crisis interventions and referral processes
• Medical records

• Makes appropriate treatment recommendations based on individual need of participant while operating within the boundaries of the court system
• Fosters therapeutic alliance with participants while maintaining boundaries and expectations outlined in agency policy 
• Assists in the collection of data and research as needed to facilitate the most current and effective treatment possible
• Conducts initial assessments for individuals referred to program if assigned
• Conducts initial program and phase orientations with participants
• Disseminates and provides information to the treatment team and participants in team discussion of participants’ goals, objections, motivations, and compliance
• Attends weekly status review meetings and court sessions and assists with maintenance of court spreadsheet
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive materials and information as outlined in state and federal regulations including HIPAA and CFR 42 and agency policy; Upholds ethical code and expectations as outlined by agency policy and professional licensing/accreditation boards, as applicable
• Participates in all required trainings and effectively utilizes training materials in current work assignments
• Regular and predictable attendance is required
• Maintains licensure/accreditation 

Court Administration: Participates in weekly Drug Court status review meetings providing the team with updated information to allow effective court processing of participants.  

Case Flow Management: Creates and maintains accurate files on all participants referred to Drug Court.   Tracks all involved participants from beginning involvement to completion/termination accurately. Provides updated information regarding non-compliant offenders to probation services, prosecution, treatment, and judge. Maintains high level of confidentiality in the office as per Federal Laws and Regulations.

Supervisory Controls: Incumbent must perform duties without extensive supervision. Adheres to instructions of the program coordinator. 

Complexity: The work ranges from low/medium level of tasks to providing complex, extensive, and professional work for the Drug Court Program. In addition, the work of this position involves the need for a high degree of time management skills.

Scope and Effect: The purpose of the work is to help facilitate effective treatment to offenders that will lessen recidivism and promote social success. Successful implementation of the work results in the generation of less law enforcement contacts with program participants and less monetary costs to the judicial system. 

Personal Contacts: Contacts are typically with coworkers, staffs of Superior Court judges, District Attorney, Solicitor-General, Pretrial Services, Probation Services, treatment providers, County agencies, and the general public.

Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are typically to obtain, clarify, or give facts of information and to provide services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience: Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or an equivalent field. 

Two years of experience providing individual and/or group counseling for mental illness and/or substance use disorders. 

Licenses and Certifications:

Licensure as a professional counselor, clinical social worker, or credentialed as a Certified Addictions Counselor. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Extensive knowledge of therapeutic techniques utilized in the treatment of mental illness and substance use disorders. 
• Ability to administer, score, and interpret assessment tools utilized by program. 
• Proficiency in facilitation of group and individual therapy.  
• Able to provide effective referrals/placements based on sound clinical judgement. 
• Displays understanding of dual diagnosis and its effect on the treatment process. 
• General knowledge of the county organizational structure and basic Treatment Services operations. 
• Demonstrates proficiency in oral and written communications. 
• Demonstrate skills in developing and maintaining positive customer relations. 
• Demonstrates extensive skills in operate a personal computer, various software applications, internet, and multimedia applications. 
• Must be familiar with HIPAA and Federal Confidentiality rule 42 CFR regulations. 
• Experience in working with the criminal justice population is preferred.

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

Physical Ability: Although the physical demands are not stringent, incumbent must be capable of receiving and delivering supplies to the office. Incumbent must continuously be able to work irregular hours (nights/weekends).

Environmental Factors: Work is primarily performed in an office setting, though there will be time spent in court.