Counselor

El Paso Center for Children (the "Center" herein)

Healthy Outcomes through Prevention & Early Support (HOPES) Program

Counselor Job Description

Position Classification & Compensation

This role is classified as a full-time exempt employee, as those terms are defined in the

Center's Employee Handbook, and is eligible for employee benefits as defined for this classification.

Reports to : Program Director

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 project's 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

Minimum qualifications

Personal & Professional Conduct

Flexibility