TMD - Health Specialist II (Platoon Counselor)
About Us
The Texas Military Department (TMD) is commanded by The Adjutant General of Texas, the state's senior military official appointed by the governor, and is comprised of the Texas Military Department (State and Federal Civilian Employees), the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), the Texas Air National Guard (TXANG) and the Texas State Guard (TXSG).
Our Vision: America's premier state military organization comprised of professional mission-ready forces, fully engaged with our communities, and relevant through the 21st century.
Our Mission: Provide the Governor and the President with ready forces in support of state and federal authorities at home and abroad.
Brief Position Summary
Performs moderately complex (journey-level) counseling or psychological work. Provides routine counseling and behavioral support to teens (ages 15-19) enrolled in the Texas ChalleNGe Academy (TCA). Provides assistance to cadets with behavioral, emotional, social, and adjustment needs in a residential, military-style youth program. Work involves observing and supporting cadets; assisting with screenings and assessments; facilitating individual and group skill-building activities; documenting services; and coordinating with the TCA Lead Counselor, Cadre, Case Management, Medical, Academic, and leadership teams. Reports to the Health Specialist V (Lead Counselor). Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities
- Supports the ongoing behavioral health, emotional well-being, and positive adjustment of cadets within the TCA residential environment.
- Provides front-line counseling support, mentoring, crisis de-escalation, and skills coaching to cadets under the direction of the TCA Lead Counselor.
- Assists with cadet behavioral health screenings, observations, and documentation to help determine program support needs.
- Works in tandem with TCA leadership, Cadre, Case Management, Medical, Academic, and Counseling Department staff for the benefit of each cadet.
- Participates in the development, implementation, and monitoring of individualized support plans, coping strategies, behavior plans, and goal-setting activities; reports progress and concerns to the TCA Lead Counselor.
- Facilitates or co-facilitates psycho-educational groups, life-skills activities, conflict-resolution sessions, and wellness promotion activities for cadets.
- Provides individual supportive counseling, check-ins, and referral coordination as directed and within the scope of the position.
- Observes cadet behavior and identifies concerning changes, including signs of distress, self-harm risk, aggression, withdrawal, trauma response, substance-use concerns, or other at-risk behaviors; promptly reports concerns through established procedures.
- Assists with restorative practices, mediation, and problem-solving interventions between cadets when appropriate and as directed.
- Maintains timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of contacts, observations, and services provided.
Work Schedule
40 hours a week, some weekends/holidays.
Benefits
- Health insurance benefits (employee premiums are covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
- Optional Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance at competitive rates
- Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and State and Federal holidays
- Defined benefit retirement structure known as a cash balance benefit, with a state match equal to 150% of the account balance at retirement and guaranteed earnings of at least 4% annually
- Additional voluntary retirement savings programs (Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 programs)
- Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
- Potential for modified work schedules including flex, compressed, or telework (position dependent)
- Free access to Camp Mabry Museum and historical structures
- Robust free training access through Texas Military Department's Web-Based Learning Program
- Expansive Employee Assistance Program and complimentary counseling services
- Employee Wellness and Physical Fitness Programs