Crisis Line Counselor-Remote (for Texas residents only)

Brief Description

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) is seeking a Crisis Line Counselor to join their team. This role offers valuable experience in mental health and a chance to make a significant impact daily.

About the role

This position involves answering calls from individuals experiencing mental health or intellectual/developmental disability crises. The Crisis Line is operational 24/7/365, serving Harris County and multiple local authorities. The counselor's responsibilities include providing immediate intervention, de-escalation, and connecting callers to appropriate care.

Responsibilities

• Be ready and available to take calls during assigned shifts.
• Build connection, rapport, and empathy with callers.
• Utilize active listening skills and crisis intervention techniques.
• Accurately assess calls using the Crisis Line Comprehensive Framework tool.
• Collaborate with callers to develop coping and safety strategies.
• Offer thorough and appropriate resource referrals based on the call type and framework.
• Handle calls and follow-up calls throughout the shift.
• Complete thorough documentation while on calls and briefly after calls.
• Make timely referrals as needed.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience in customer service, preferably in a phone-related capacity, preferred.
• Successfully complete 200+ hours of training covering telephonic customer service, Crisis Intervention Theory, Listening Skills, Call Management, Mental Health Issues, Intellectual Developmental Disability Issues, Suicide and Homicide Risk Assessments, The Harris Center Services and Programs, Community Resources, and Partnership information.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills.
• Typing at a minimum of 40 wpm.
• Ability to navigate multiple computer systems simultaneously.

Remote Qualifications

• Reliable, high-speed internet directly connected via ethernet cable.
• Private, quiet space recreating an office environment free from distractions and household interruptions.
• No family or childcare during work hours.

About Us

The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. With over 90,000 people served annually and an annual budget of over $300 million, the center provides a comprehensive range of services across Harris County and in more than 40 languages. The Harris Center aims to transform lives by offering hope and support to those with behavioral health and IDD needs.

What Else You Should Know

• Shifts include evening and late evening weekend shifts.
• The Harris Center offers a competitive salary and a suite of benefits including a robust retirement plan, prior service credit, paid time off, cell phone discounts, entertainment deals, mental wellness subscriptions, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Employees may qualify for student loan forgiveness and contribute to suicide care and prevention efforts.