Head Start Licensed Professional Counselor

General Summary
The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) will provide assessment, treatment, planning and counseling for children and families of Head Start. The counselor will provide services as appropriate for license and make appropriate referrals for services. The counselor will also assist the Head Start program to implement strategies to identify and support children and families with mental health and social and emotional concerns and assist teachers to improve classroom management and teaching practices. Services must be coordinated with staff in other program content areas and include ongoing assessment of the quality of services provided. The Counselor will provide community education for prevention and early interventions on emotional/behavioral problems as needed.

Primary Responsibilities
1. Apply human development and counseling skills to understand clients, promote enhanced client self-understanding and help client interpret client concerns, opportunities and problems.
2. Provide direct support to CACOST staff including, but not limited to: Specialists, Teaching staff and Parents as appropriate.
3. Plan, develop and implement a client centered treatment plan.
4. Assist client to identify course of action, including near-term and long-term plans and objectives.
5. Help client implement plans and assess outcomes.
6. Writes and maintains progress notes for therapy sessions; maintain and update client records and makes appropriate referrals.
7. Conduct assessments and determines results. Advocate a team approach service delivery using Centers providers.
8. Monitor patient closely for changes in severity of symptoms and medication side effects; educates patients about medications and medication side effects as needed; encourages treatment adherence.
9. Coordinates ongoing assessment in order to monitor client change and provides crisis intervention as needed.
10. Provides accurate and timely reports to supervisor to ensure compliance with funder requirements, expectations and outcomes.
11. Participate in Head Start Staffing meetings when appropriate.
12. Complies with Agency and State Licensure Confidentiality, Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

• Prefer at least a minimum of two (2) years experience post graduation.

Education/Certifications/Licensure

• Masters Degree in Counseling or clinical Psychology or a related field of study from an accredited university and/or college.
• Completion of degree and all post-degree supervision for licensure.
• Must have a motor vehicle that is operable and compliant with State Laws.
• Current licensure in the State of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
• Must provide own Professional Liability Insurance for Counselors
• Additional annual certification and training in the following are required: Health Certificate annually; First Aid Certification and Adult and Infant / Toddler CPR Certification. Must attend 24 clock hours of professional development and staff training per year to include training on methods to handle suspected or known child abuse and neglect cases, that comply with applicable federal, state, local and tribal laws, training that builds their knowledge, experience and competencies to improve child and family outcomes and any other trainings as outlined by the Head Start Performance Standards and Minimum Standards from the State of Texas.

Skills

• Ability to prioritize and allocate resources.
• Advanced computer skills
• Ability to problem solve
• Ability to work flexible hours

Physical Requirements
If a preliminary offer of employment is extended, a physical will be required before the offer can be accepted.