Counselor at Town of Smyrna, TN

About the Department

PAY & BENEFITS:
Pay begins at $72,922.03 annually and is dependent upon applicable experience.
In addition to the base salary, this full-time position is eligible for an annual performance bonus as well as a longevity bonus.

BENEFITS :
Paid Holidays:                13 days
Paid Time Off :               23 days (7.08 hours per pay period)
Longevity Bonus:           Based on Years of Service
Merit Pay:                        Based on performance (Annual Salary increase and Bonus)

Town Paid Benefits Include:

• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life Insurance (1x Salary or $50k minimum, $10k spouse, & $5k child)
• Retirement Match
• Education Reimbursement
• Free Wellness Programs and Free Gym Access

Description: 

The purpose of this classification is to advise, educate, train, and provide counseling services to employees of the Town of Smyrna. While the position provides specialized trauma-focused support for Police and Fire Department personnel, it also serves the broader employee population across all Town departments. The Counselor delivers trauma-informed counseling, critical incident debriefings, and training related to employee wellness, resilience, and recovery. This position works with a great deal of autonomy and limited supervision due to the nature of the position, and therefore requires a great deal of self-motivation and integrity. 

This position is a member of the Town’s Wellness Team, which also includes the Health Coach and Wellness Coordinator, and functions under the oversight of the Human Resources Department. The Counselor also serves as a resource for employees and their families following crises or when support is needed. Performs other duties as required or directed within the scope of the Wellness Program.

Position Duties

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. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Provides counseling and support services to Town employees with an emphasis on supporting first responders and/or their families following a crisis or as requested.
• Collects and assesses client information through interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
• Develops treatment plans for clients with behavioral and situational objectives; conducts follow-up counseling as indicated by client needs.
• Documents client information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality in accordance with professional ethics, applicable state/federal laws, and organizational policies.
• Provides critical incident debriefings to employees following volatile, traumatic, or tragic events.
• Provides training related to employee wellness, stress management, resilience, and coping strategies in high-stress professions.
• Provides training and guidance to peer support teams within Police and Fire regarding how they can assist their fellow officers and firefighters.
• Advises employees and supervisors on best practices for assisting individuals experiencing trauma, victimization, or acute stress.
• Refers employees and/or their families with more extensive needs to appropriate outside agencies or services.
• Instructs employees on techniques for supporting emotionally distressed individuals and promoting workplace well-being.
• Serves as a case manager for mandated personnel receiving services from other health service providers.
• Keeps abreast of current trauma-informed practices, techniques, and procedures in handling crisis situations.
• May act as an advisor and/or provide training for the crisis negotiation team.
• May serve as a liaison between the Town and external health service providers.
• Provides presentations or training to Town departments, community groups, or law enforcement as directed.
• Maintains secure and confidential records; writes detailed reports as required.
• Works varying hours including evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
• Implements and assures adherence to Town of Smyrna’s policies and procedures regarding Equal Employment Opportunity.
• Adheres to Town of Smyrna initiative on business ethics and conduct.
• Adheres to federal/state laws and regulations regarding MSDS, OSHA, and EPA compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid State-Issued Driver’s License.
• Master’s or Doctoral Degree with an associated professional license or educational attainment that would include: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, MD/DO.
• Must have seven (7) years of counseling experience in a mental health setting.
• Specialization and demonstrated experience in trauma treatment is required.
• Experience working with law enforcement, public safety, and crisis counseling highly preferred. In addition, experience in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) preferred.