COUNSELOR - YOUTH OFFENDER DIVERT COURT

(Contractual Position October 2025-September 2026)

SALARY: $45,000.00 per year

Purpose of Classification

Performs counseling duties for participants in the Cameron County Youth Offender Divert Court Program. Duties include personally providing individual and group counseling, conducting participant intakes and assessments, coordinating services with treatment providers, tracking compliance, preparing progress reports for the court, assisting court sessions and achieving personal rehabilitation goals. This position plays a critical role in supporting participant success, reducing recidivism, and facilitating the efficient operation of the Youth Offender Divert Court.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the 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.

Responsibilities

Conducts intake assessments for all participants upon acceptance into the program. Identify issues such as substance abuse, mental health concerns, academic difficulties, or behavioral challenges.

Develops individualized treatment plans in collaboration with participants and treatment providers.

Provide individual, group and family counseling sessions in a consistent manner as set out by the program guidelines; provide crisis intervention, and conflict resolution as necessary

Tracks participant compliance with court-ordered attendance at counseling and treatment.

Prepares progress reports and recommendations for the judge, attorneys, and court team prior to all court staffing/hearings;

Maintains accurate case notes, records, and databases in compliance with program and reporting requirements.

Participates in all staffing meetings with the Youth Offender Divert Court team to review participant progress.

Assists with court docket days by providing updates to the Judge and team, taking notes and communicating next steps.

Responds to participant questions and provides guidance to support compliance and success.

Maintains confidentiality and ensures services meet quality and timeliness standards.

Maintain a caseload of 20-40 active participants while ensuring quality of service to each participant.

Participate in all scheduled court staffing and hearings unless excused by the supervisor beforehand.

A student counselor may be present during sessions, however all treatment and counseling of the participants will be conducted by the contracted counselor;

Attends mandatory continuing education training yearly and/or as scheduled by the team.

Summary

Under general supervision, the Youth Offender Divert Court Counselor provides individual and group counseling, and support services for participants in the Cameron County Divert Court Program. The position requires strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary court team, and a commitment to assisting participants in making positive life changes.

Additional Functions

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Counseling, or related field.

Minimum three (3) years of counseling or related work experience.

Knowledge of counseling techniques, case management best practices, and community resources.

Ability to manage multiple cases, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

ADA Compliance

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.