GULF COAST CENTER - JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Crisis Counselor - Red Cross

Location: Office in Alvin, TX. Serves individuals in Brazoria and Galveston Counties

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Working Status: Full-Time

Summary:

The Crisis Counselor position will work under the Red Cross Counseling Program grant provided by Red Cross. This is a temporary position designed to provide support and referrals to individuals and groups impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

Gulf Coast Center operates under a trauma-informed approach based on the six key principles of Safety, Trustworthiness & Transparency, Peer Support, Collaboration & Mutuality, Empowerment & Choice, and Cultural, Historical & Gender issues.

Job Duties: (To be performed with or without accommodation as based on ADA requirements)

The Crisis Counselor will be responsible for the following:

Essential Job Duties:

• Works with individuals, families, and groups to provide outreach, emotional support, individual and group crisis counseling, public education, and referrals when needed. Is synonymous with term "outreach worker." Represents program in the community and networks with other agencies and partners to ensure needs of survivors are met. Provides presentations to community groups on disaster reactions, coping skills, stress management, and the Red Cross. Comfortable working both individually in the community and with a team member as necessary. Proactive in engaging members in our diverse community. Work with the understanding of needing to meet outreach/encounter metrics for the program.
• Will be responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the agency compliance policy and will require communication with various departments to foster, develop and continue our community partnerships as it relates to the position.
• Treat all individuals with the utmost courtesy, decency and respect.
• Provide responsive and efficient services.
• Interact with staff, consumers, local entities and groups to provide a service that meets local needs.
• Provide the highest level of Customer Service for both internal and external customers.
• Required to report personnel leave; flex time and emergency leave to assigned supervisor.
• Strict adherence to the professional, ethical, and legal requirements set forth in GCC's Business Code of Conduct as well as the Corporate Compliance Plan.
• Consistent adherence to the Center's Dress Code.
• Consistent adherence to Center safety guidelines and expectations.
• May be required to travel within Brazoria and Galveston Counties.
• Out-of-region travel may be required to attend trainings.
• Must maintain a clear driving record and driver's license in accordance with our Driver Policy.
• Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation and must maintain current auto liability insurance.

Non-Essential Job Duties:

• Assist in development of program informational materials
• Provide outreach services within the counties and staffing at recovery centers
• Attend resource meetings regularly, and maintain accurate documentation in line with grant requirements

Supervision:

• Receives direct supervision from Director of Innovative and Special Projects.

Required Education:

• Requires bachelor's degree in social, behavioral, or human services from an accredited college or university

OR

• 4 years experience in community outreach and training in disaster behavioral health.

Preferred Education/Licensure/Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in behavioral science or related field

Required Experience:

• 6 months working with underserved populations.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in community based mental health programs or outreach programs.
• Disaster mental health, disaster response, or crisis work experience preferred.
• 4 years experience in community outreach and training in disaster behavioral health.

Abilities/Traits:

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Good time and organization management skills.
• Knowledge of the social service network.
• Innovative thinker who is positive, proactive, and readily embraces change.
• Ability to organize time effectively and to meet assigned work demands.
• Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Requires ability to work within a team approach.
• Requires proficiency with computer skills, programs and email.

Working Conditions:

• Work will be performed in the field, office, and/or remote setting(s).
• May require varied work hours depending on needs in the community.
• Out-of-region travel may be required to attend trainings.
• May require travel to various locations within Brazoria and Galveston Counties. Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation safe and current with all state requirements, and liability insurance.

Special Projects:

• Assist supervisor when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a time frame negotiated with the supervisor. Completion of other duties as assigned by supervisor as it relates to the program and position.

Job Related Physical/Mental Requirements & Environmental Conditions:

Physical:

• Ability to transport, adjust and/or move items up to 55 lbs.
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Ability to handle objects.
• Ability to operate office equipment.
• Ability to move around within an office setting and/or other locations as needed; may include ability to bend/twist, kneel/stoop and/or reach for items.
• Ability to push/pull, crawl/squat as it relates to SAMA requirements; may be required to perform SAMA restraints as it relates to program requirements. Ability to detect and write effectively.
• Ability to hear (with or without aid).
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within work setting.

Mental:

• Ability to accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance.
• Ability to understand, communicate and comprehend accurate information with others in English.
• Ability to reason and analyze effectively.
• Ability to solve practical problems as it relates to position.
• Required to pass and maintain all Center mandated trainings.

Work Site/Environmental Conditions:

• Ability to work alone.
• Ability to work closely with others.
• Ability to work closely with clients and/or family members with poor hygiene. Ability to work long and/or irregular hours.
• May be subjected to hostile environment.
• May be subjected to high crime environment.
• Potential exposure to tobacco products.
• May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Subject to standard noise levels within working environment.
• Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus or plane may be required.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodations as based on ADA requirements.