Senior Counselor - Grant Funded

Senior Counselor (Grant Funded)

The City of Houston's Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Houston neighborhoods through the delivery of services, innovative programs, and strong community partnerships. The Office of New Americans advances immigrant inclusion, language access, and coordinated responses to vulnerable populations, including victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.

The Senior Counselor (Grant Funded) provides trauma-informed, shelter-based direct services to adult victims of sex and labor trafficking. This position supports a grant-funded program focused on crisis intervention, intensive case management, and shelter and housing coordination to promote victim stabilization and recovery. This role offices from a partner emergency shelter and works collaboratively with community partners to ensure victims receive coordinated, victim-centered services consistent with grant requirements and performance measures.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Conduct trauma-informed screenings and assessments for confirmed or potential victims of trafficking.
• Provide crisis intervention and short-term stabilization services.
• Develop individualized service and safety plans tailored to client needs.
• Coordinate emergency shelter placement and support housing navigation toward longer-term stability.
• Facilitate referrals for medical, mental health, legal, and social services.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords, service providers, and partner agencies as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, timely case documentation in accordance with City, grant, and audit requirements.
• Participate in program monitoring, data tracking, and performance reporting consistent with grant deliverables.
• Protect client confidentiality and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintain strong working relationships with shelter partners and community-based organizations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Moderate physical activity may be required during emergency response efforts.
• Ability to travel between multiple locations is required.

Essential attributes/soft skills:

• Maintains professional boundaries and demonstrates integrity and maturity.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and dependable.
• Ability to manage client crises in a calm and professional manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills with cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy in documentation.
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence and resilience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Team-oriented and adaptable.

Minimum requirements:

Education requirements:

Requires a Bachelor's degree in a social or behavioral science, such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Work or Counseling.

Experience requirements:
Three years of professional experience in counseling or related social services work are required. A Master's degree in a social or behavioral science may substitute for two years of the experience requirement.

License requirements:
Valid driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston driving policy (A.P. 2-2).

Preferences:

• Experience working with victims of trafficking, domestic violence, or other trauma-impacted populations.
• Experience in shelter-based or housing-focused case management.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed practices (e.g., TBRI, Motivational Interviewing).
• Strong documentation and data management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations; bilingual ability in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken in Houston is preferred but not required.

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

Selection/skills tests required:
Department may administer skills assessment test.

Safety impact position:
No

Salary information:
This position is grant funded. Continued employment is contingent upon availability of funding. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification. Pay grade: 22

Application procedures:
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting:  or call ). If you need special services or accommodations, call ). (TTY 7-1-1) If you need login assistance or technical support call .

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