Crisis Line Counselor - Crisis Call Diversion Program

Crisis Line Counselor - Crisis Call Diversion Program

Join to apply for the Crisis Line Counselor - Crisis Call Diversion Program role at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) is looking for a Crisis Line Counselor to join our team. The Harris Center employs crisis line counselors for both the Crisis Line program and for the Crisis Call Diversion program. Both programs provide crisis intervention services over the phone 24/7/365. The crisis line counselor position helps de‑escalate, provide crisis assessment and intervention, emotional support, and access and linkage to services.

The role also conducts follow‑up calls to ensure support was provided and to facilitate connection to services. The Crisis Call Diversion program answers Houston 911 only and counselors in this program report 100% in‑person to the 911 center.

• Be ready and available to take calls during an assigned shift.
• Build connection, rapport, and empathy with callers.
• Use active listening and the crisis intervention model to engage callers in de‑escalation.
• Accurately assess calls using unit‑specific assessment tools.
• Collaborate with callers on problem‑solving and brainstorming alternative options.
• Offer appropriate resources and referrals based on the call situation.
• Comply with organizational/unit policies when completing follow‑up work and communicating with agency and community partners.
• Document all appropriate calls as defined in the documentation policy.
• Complete call notes fully as defined in unit protocols.
• Follow unit policies regarding scheduled time off, call‑ins, attendance, arrival, and departure.
• Promote positive work relationships with staff, team members, and management.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or another human services related field per TAC guidelines.

• Data entry and Excel reporting experience is preferred.
• Crisis program related experience is preferred.

• Identify and offer solutions to resolve problems.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Use basic Word and Excel documents.
• Interpret and strategically utilize data.
• Strong knowledge of Harris Center programs.
• Strong knowledge of appropriate mental health and IDD community referrals.
• Strong understanding of applying clinical skills in a telephonic setting.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Navigate multiple computer systems.
• Detail oriented.
• Comfortable with numbers and metrics.

• This posting is associated with position #70025.
• Hours:
  
  Tuesday through Saturday, 3:45 pm – 12:15 am.

The Harris Center is the state‑designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, the Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million. It offers a continuum of services at 80 sites across Harris County, in more than 40 languages and sign language.

We offer a competitive salary, a robust retirement plan with company matching, paid time off accrual, cell phone discounts, exclusive entertainment deals, a free Headspace subscription, an Employee Assistance Program, and student loan forgiveness programs for eligible employees.

Entry level

Full‑time

Health Care Provider

Mental Health Care, Hospitals and Health Care, Non‑profit Organizations