SENIOR EAP COUNSELOR

Applications are accepted from all persons interested. This position is within the Employee Assistance Program division and is subject to change in location, workdays, and hours.

About the role

Under general supervision, provides advanced professional Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services to City of Houston employees, including assessment of client’s primary problem(s) and referral to appropriate treatment resources. Evaluates, recommends, and maintains relationships with inpatient and outpatient counseling and treatment facilities. Responds to crisis situations and complicated client cases.

Responsibilities

• Provides assessment, referral, and brief counseling, including follow-up, to customer employees for work-related concerns based on assigned departments.
• Conducts comprehensive bio-psychosocial clinical assessments virtually and in person.
• Provides Critical Incident Response (CIR) services after workplace incidents.
• Delivers crisis assessment and intervention services related to harm to self or others, both via telephone and in-person at client organizations.
• Provides in-person, short-term, solution-focused counseling to City of Houston employees.
• Conducts presentations and trainings at client organizations on wellness, skill-building, mental health, and EAP orientations.
• Provides comprehensive case management and referrals to specialized services such as substance abuse treatment, psychiatry, and ongoing psychotherapy.
• Determines appropriate level of care for facility referrals and follows them through successful completion.
• Assesses internal supervisory referral clients and provides recommendations to supervisors and the Human Resources Department.
• Administers the online Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) to customer employees as needed.
• Maintains documentation of all activities and clinical records.
• Provides linkage to external resources.
• May be required to be "on call" or "onsite" during emergency situations.
• Driving to various City of Houston locations is an essential function of this position and requires a Texas Driver’s License.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditions. The position is physically comfortable, with discretion over walking, standing, etc.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a social or behavioral science, such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling.
• Three years of professional mental health and substance abuse experience (EAP experience preferred).
• One of the following Texas licenses/certificates: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Preferences

• National Certified Counselor Certification (NCC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), or Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC).
• Valid Texas driver’s license and compliance with the City of Houston’s driving policy.
• Preference given to eligible veteran applicants who meet the qualifications.

Pay

Factors used in determining salary include candidate’s qualifications and pay rates of other employees in this classification. Pay Grade: 24.

This position is subject to random drug testing. If promoted, the candidate must pass an assigned drug test.