SENIOR COUNSELOR - GRANT FUNDED

SENIOR COUNSELOR - GRANT FUNDED

Salary

$70,125.90 - $78,247.82 Annually

Location

901 Bagby

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

39104

Department

Department of Neighborhoods

Opening Date

07/01/2026

Closing Date

7/8/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: CURRENT CITY OF HOUSTON EMPLOYEES ONLY

DIVISION: OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS

REPORTING LOCATION: 901 BAGBY ST.

WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM*

• Subject to change

ABOUT US

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 department delivers a wide range of services and serves as a centralized source for resident assistance to resolve neighborhood concerns.

The Office of New Americans advances immigrant inclusion, language access, and coordinated responses to vulnerable populations, including victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.
• All applicants should provide a resume and cover letter.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position operates primarily in an office and shelter environment. The role is physically comfortable; however, occasional travel and movement between facilities may be required.

This is a Department of Neighborhoods Emergency Management position at the Tier 2 Level.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelors 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 Masters degree in a social or behavioral science may substitute for two years of the experience requirement.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Valid drivers 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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

This position is grant funded. Continued employment is contingent upon availability of funding.

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidates 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: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individuals sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma / GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the Above

03

What is your degree concentration?

• Behavioral Science
• Social Science
• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Other closely related field
• I do not have a degree

04

Which of the following best describes your professional experience in coordinating shelter and housing support for clients from intake and assessment, securing vouchers, to placement?

• None
• 2 years or less
• 3 - 4 years
• 5 - 6 years
• 7 years or more

05

Are you trained or familiar with trauma informed therapies and approaches?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered yes to question #5, please list the agencies where you worked and/or had training with trauma informed therapies and approaches? If none, use N/A. (See resume is not an acceptable answer.)

07

Do you have a valid TBRI Certification?

• Yes
• No

08

How many years of experience do you have working directly with victims of sexual assault?

• Less than 2 years
• 2 - 3 years
• 4 years or more
• I have not worked directly with victims of sexual assault

09

How many years of direct service experience with victims of labor or sex trafficking do you have?

• Less than 2 years
• 2 - 3 years
• 4 years or more
• I have not had any direct service experience with victims of labor or sex trafficking.

10

Do you have a valid/unexpired Texas Drivers License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of selection?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Houston

Address 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002

Website https://www.houstontx.gov/