El Paso Center for Children (the Center herein)
Healthy Outcomes through Prevention & Early Support (HOPES) Program
Counselor Job Description
Position Classification & CompensationThis role is classified as a non-exempt full-time employee as those terms are defined in the
Centers Employee Handbook and is eligible for employee benefits as defined for this classification.
Reports to: Lead Counselor or designee
Effective: 09/01/2025
Note: The Center may offer a sign-on bonus for highly qualified candidates. Employees may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses depending on funding availability and agency policy.Summary: The Counselor provides therapeutic services to families with children under five focusing on developmental and behavioral health needs. Responsibilities include conducting comprehensive intake assessments developing service plans and delivering individual family and crisis counseling using evidence-based practices. The role also involves screening for developmental delays behavioral concerns and attachment disorders while educating caregivers on trauma-informed parenting child development and resilience-building strategies. The scope of work is subject to change as needed to ensure the projects success and to meet funders requirements. Likewise complementary changes may be made to projects or individual goals and expectations for employees based on agency/management strategic goals. All Center for Children team members are expected to be collegial and collaborative mutually supportive and focused on excellent services to clients fidelity to program models and ethical provision of services.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities- Maintain high levels of customer service nurturing relationships with clients seeking services.
- Conduct intake assessments gathering information on developmental milestones family dynamics mental health history trauma history parenting practices and environmental factors.
- Develop service plans collaboratively with families setting measurable goals tailored to their needs.
- Provide individual family and crisis intervention counseling specific to the developmental and behavioral health needs of children under 5 years old.
- Deliver behavioral health services using approved modalities including Theraplay EMDR TF-CBT Infant Mental Health techniques etc. to strengthen parent-child relationships.
- Screen and assess children for developmental delays emotional/behavioral concerns attachment disorders and social-emotional functioning.
- Provide psychoeducation to caregivers on child development trauma-informed parenting attachment and self-regulation strategies.
- Employ strengths-based methods to empower families and build resilience.
- Make appropriate referrals for additional services such as speech therapy occupational therapy and case management.
- Work flexible hours including evenings and weekends to meet client and program needs.
- Provide services in diverse settings including homes offices and community venues.
- Conduct outreach to recruit families and engage community partners through events presentations and marketing campaigns as needed.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with families community leaders and partner organizations.
- Assist in planning and executing community events that promote child abuse and maltreatment prevention.
- Support communication efforts including face-to-face online and print marketing activities.
- Adhere to professional standards licensing requirements accreditation standards and agency policies.
- Document services accurately and timely including assessments progress notes and outcomes to support billing and program reporting.
- Assist with gathering data preparing reports and conducting quality assurance checks to maintain compliance.
- Utilize Reflective Practice to assess and improve service quality.
- Participate in Reflective Supervision for professional development and program improvement.
- Complete all required counselor training and any training mandated by relevant program models.
- Provide training and coaching to new employees as necessary.
- Assist with the supervision of interns as needed if applicable.
- Participate in staff training professional development and program planning.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of paperwork for billing client services and data management.
- Exhibit flexibility and creativity to overcome barriers in service delivery and program implementation.
- Participate in a professional and diverse work environment emphasizing teamwork and respect.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor to support program success and agency goals.
Skills- Must become an expert in the funders RFP the grant application and the expectations of this role including the designated modalities and other required services.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well to diverse individuals families community leaders and stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- A commitment to excel in developing innovative and creative solutions to meet grant goals and program requirements.
- Strong results orientation openness to new ideas and a proven ability to deliver consistently high-quality services to families community partners and internal teams.
- Ability to perform a broad range of assignments including outreach intake referrals case management and service delivery with efficiency and accuracy.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing conditions within the grant and program while supporting and fostering teamwork and collaboration.
- Active listening skills and a nonjudgmental approach when working with families and clients.
- Exceptional organizational skills required for managing multiple projects caseloads and coordination with diverse entities and stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage families facilitate programs collaborate with partners and maintain accurate documentation.
Minimum qualifications- The Counselor must hold full licensure in one of the following: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Psychologist.
- The Counselor should possess a minimum of one year of professional counseling experience.
- Unless licensed for independent counseling the Counselor will be expected to seek out supervision from an approved clinical supervisor. The Program Manager will request quarterly proof that supervision is being received and files are part of the process described below.
- If not TF-CBT certified must commit to becoming certified within 1 year.
- If not trained in Theraplay must commit to receiving training and implementing this modality within 6 months.
- If not trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) must commit to receiving training and implementing this modality within 6 months.
- Ability to read write and speak English and Spanish.
- Exceptional computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel PowerPoint) and familiarity with data management systems.
- Strong time management organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from all walks of life.
- Must have a valid drivers license a vehicle in safe operating condition and maintain proof of current insurance at Texas minimum standards.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check in accordance with agency policies.
- Must be able and willing to travel for trainings meetings and conferences as needed.
- Ability to walk sit stand and lift/carry at least 25 pounds.
Personal & Professional Conduct- The first responsibility of all El Paso Center for Children employees is to ensure the safety welfare and dignity of the youth and families the Center serves and to serve as positive role models for them. All employees must exemplify the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct and abide by the Code of Conduct set forth in the Centers Personnel Policies.
Flexibility- Every program at the Center is community and client-centric. Working with diverse partners to meet the needs of families in our community demands flexibility. The scope of work is subject to change based on the teams performance and the funders expectations and on agency/management strategic goals. The flexibility needed in this role includes scheduling meetings/events/activities scheduling supervision sessions with staff training staff meetings and out-of-town travel for training and/or grant requirements.
Required Experience:
Senior IC