Licensed Professional Counselor

Smith County; Tyler (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Professional Counselor provides mental health counseling to youth at the Smith County Juvenile Detention Center in Tyler, Texas. The LPC collaborates with detention staff, probation officers, medical personnel, educators, and treatment professionals to assess, treat, and support detained youth in a trauma-informed approach focused on stabilization, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Responsibilities include individual and group counseling, psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, crisis

Qualifications

• Knowledge of adolescent development, behavioral health disorders, and evidence-based treatment approaches.
• Strong assessment, counseling, and clinical judgment skills.
• Ability to manage crisis situations calmly and professionally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a secure detention or correctional environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to detained youth.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments, mental health screenings, and clinical evaluations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans.
• Provide crisis intervention, risk assessments, and de-escalation as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely, confidential clinical documentation and records.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and case reviews.
• Collaborate with juvenile probation officers, detention staff, and community providers.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards, state regulations, and county policies.
• Provide referrals and coordinate continuity of care upon youth release.
• Maintain licensure and continuing education requirements.

Skills

Adolescent counseling

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Documentation

Assessment

Education

Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field

Job description

The Professional Counselor provides professional mental health counseling services to youth housed at the Smith County Juvenile Detention Center. The LPC works within a secure juvenile justice environment and collaborates with detention staff, probation officers, medical personnel, educators, and other treatment professionals to assess, treat, and support detained youth. Services are trauma-informed and focused on behavioral health stabilization, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration.

• Provide individual and group counseling services to detained youth
• Conduct psychosocial assessments, mental health screenings, and clinical evaluations
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans
• Provide crisis intervention, risk assessments, and de-escalation services as needed
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation and records
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and case reviews
• Collaborate with juvenile probation officers, detention staff, and community providers
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards, state regulations, and county policies
• Provide referrals and coordinate continuity of care upon youth release
• Maintain required licensure and continuing education requirements

• Knowledge of adolescent development, behavioral health disorders, and evidence-based treatment approaches
• Strong assessment, counseling, and clinical judgment skills
• Ability to manage crisis situations calmly and professionally
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a secure detention or correctional environment

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related mental health field from an accredited institution
• Experience working with adolescents preferred
• Experience in juvenile justice, detention, residential treatment, or trauma-informed care preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• Current and unrestricted Texas Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Texas Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Texas Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work is performed in a secure juvenile detention facility
• Regular interaction with detained youth
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and security clearance