Bilingual Crisis Hotline Counselor- Sexual Assault

HOUSTON AREA WOMENS CENTER • Houston, TX

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Bilingual Crisis Hotline Counselor provides real-time support to clients in immediate need and conducts intakes and assessments to connect clients with services across the agency. The role supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence through two 24-hour crisis hotlines and the hospital accompaniment program. Services include crisis intervention, emotional support, danger assessment, safety planning, shelter placement, information, and referrals.

The position is full-time and based at the Flagship Campus in Houston, Texas, with a hybrid work model and 50% local travel. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with on-call duty one week per month as assigned. Hourly compensation is $18.04.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Actively enrolled in college with a major in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, Counseling, Communications, or Business Administration.
• At least 6 months of experience in a social service, customer service, or call-center setting.
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Teams, and Outlook.
• Computer savvy and able to learn new applications and technologies quickly.
• Fluent in English and Spanish, including reading, writing, and speaking both languages.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to off-site locations using personal transportation.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Professional objectivity and respect for confidential information.
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to policies and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet individual and team deadlines.
• Growth mindset and ability to work as a team player.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, Counseling, Communications, or Business Administration (strongly preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, information and referrals, education, support, and advocacy to survivors through the sexual assault and domestic violence hotlines and hospital accompaniment program during scheduled hours and on-call shifts.
• Travel to local hospitals to provide in-person support and deliver supplies, including information packets and clothing.
• Collaborate with medical staff, social workers, law enforcement, and other interdisciplinary team members to coordinate services for survivors and their friends and families.
• Conduct danger assessments and develop individualized safety plans.
• Screen clients for shelter, coordinate shelter placement, and arrange emergency transportation.
• Make CPS and APS reports as required.
• Maintain accurate client and hotline data and records for monthly reports.
• Communicate with on-call staff, supervisors, hospital accompaniment counselors, community partners, the agency’s answering service, leadership, and other Hotline staff.
• Attend required monthly meetings, training, department staff meetings, and other meetings as assigned.
• Conduct intakes, assess client needs, determine next steps, and complete appropriate documentation, including housing, EPA, lease termination, good cause, address confidentiality, utility waiver, and legal referral documents.
• Provide counseling intakes for critical client cases to support the Behavioral Health Department.
• Complete other assigned duties and projects.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Vacation leave of 15–30 days annually for full-time employees, based on relevant professional experience.
• Sick leave of 112 hours annually for full-time employees.
• Eleven observed agency holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 125% employer match on employee contributions up to 4% of annual earnings for eligible full-time employees after one year of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED