Juvenile Court Adolescent & Family Therapist

Under general supervision, provides counseling services to juveniles under court jurisdiction and makes recommendations to the Court and necessary referrals to other agencies or professionals.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of certain duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Provides individual, family and/or group counseling to juveniles and their families. Assesses client needs and recommends appropriate treatment options. Provides assessments, psycho-social history, evaluations, and treatment recommendations.

Conducts client interviews to establish case histories and to determine eligibility for counseling and other programs. Reviews case histories of referrals in order to assess needs. Aids in planning various treatment modalities. Evaluates clients’ progress in resolving identified problems and in working toward defined objectives. Makes modifications in counseling and treatment options as necessary.

Makes referrals to appropriate mental health, addictions, or social service agencies based on evaluation of clients’ case histories, situations, and needs.

Carries a caseload of individual and family clients and co-facilitates multi-family group sessions.

Provides individual counseling for juveniles under court purview who are attending Gateway Academy Alternative School and Forsyth Academy.

Implements Focus Groups as necessary.

Functions as a liaison between Gateway Academy and the Court regarding court involved students.

Attends family team meetings with other involved agencies. Attends other meetings and annual training sessions.

Interpret Federal, State, and local regulations, procedures, and guidelines for human services professionals.

Receives general direction when performing the essential functions. Uses broad discretion and constant initiative to complete work assignments.

Interprets conflicting or incomplete data in the decision-making process regarding long-range goals, priorities, policy interpretation, project planning, and individual work priorities. Communicates such in person, through court testimony, written correspondence, or via telephone.

Recommends and assists in implementing corrective actions related to problem areas in juvenile cases. May supervise and/or train subordinate human services and clinical personnel. Performs other related duties as required.

The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all essential job functions required.

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a mental health-related field (e.g. counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, education, psychology), supplemented by two (2) years previous experience in counseling, intervening in crisis situations; teaching anger management skills; completing mental status examinations; individual, group and family counseling. Must have a temporary license as a Professional Counselor or Marriage and Family Therapist, or have license as a Masters of Social Work.

Must secure and maintain any of the following licenses within 3 years of employment:
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Masters of Social Work (LMSW-ACP), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation. Must clear pre-employment drug screen test. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must have knowledge of professional mental health counseling; knowledge of developmental stages of adolescents; knowledge of diagnoses and medications; and knowledge of safety procedures including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid.