Counselor I

Location: Austin Metropolitan Area or Bryan–College Station, Texas

Position Summary:
Candidates residing in the Austin metropolitan area or the Bryan–College Station area are encouraged to apply.

JOB SUMMARY

The primary responsibility of the Counselor I is to assess therapeutic needs, develop, update, and review treatment plans, and provide therapeutic treatment.  

MINISTERIAL CHARACTER

Catholic Charities is a religious organization founded by the Catholic Diocese of Austin to provide direct social services to those in need. Catholic Charities helps the Bishop of Austin fulfill Christ’s mission in Central Texas.  Positions at Catholic Charities of Central Texas help to extend the ministry of the Catholic Church in particular ways. Therefore, the Catholic Charities of Central Texas employee in this position is related to and assists the Catholic Church in the performance of its ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life. 
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed. 
• Provide counseling services to clients, including accurately assessing client needs and strengths, developing treatment plans with clients, preparing progress notes and documenting client contacts. 
• Provide crisis phone counseling when necessary.
• Assist in the identification and development of resources (volunteer, donor, financial) necessary to ensure successful program performance, including the preparation of proposals.
• Cultivate positive relationships with relevant funding and monitoring entities, faith-based organizations, social service providers, and other community partners.  
• Complete all necessary documentation to ensure compliance with funding requirements, licensing requirements, best practice standards, and agency quality assurance standards.
• Maintain confidential client files, statistical records, phone logs and case notes.
• Participate as an active team member of Catholic Charities.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to staff and customers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of ethical and professional standards.
• Skill in individual therapy, family therapy, play therapy, group therapy and couples therapy.
• Skill in analytical research.
• Skill in cultural sensitivity and awareness. 
• Skill in oral and written communication, and public presentations.
• Ability to work independently and with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including low-income persons and other disadvantaged persons.  
• Ability to conformably work in a faith-based environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to operate various word processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time management techniques to meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to create and foster an environment consistent with agency culture, mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with all segments of the community (parishes, priests, religious, laity, Catholic ministries, civic leaders and community agencies. 
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers and work effectively with others.
• Ability to travel throughout a 25 county service region as necessary.
• Ability to maintain a case load equivalent to 60/40, where 60 percent of the working hours are spent meeting with clients, and 40 percent of the working hours are spent updating case notes and other duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Trainings:

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling or Social Work from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country. 

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licensed or provisionally licensed mental health professional LPC-I, LPC, LMFT-A, LMFT, LMSW or LCSW in the State of Texas.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Language Requirement 

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing). 
• Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing). Preferred but not required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Catholic Charities is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by Catholic Charities of Central Texas are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• May be required to use personal or agency vehicles to drive to off-site locations through a 25 county region.
• Traveling within and outside the 25 county service region for meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.