SENIOR COUNSELOR

SENIOR COUNSELOR

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SENIOR COUNSELOR

Salary

$2,616.24 - $2,960.32 Biweekly

Location

8000 N. Stadium

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

39078

Department

Houston Health Department

Opening Date

06/30/2026

Closing Date

7/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications Accepted From: Department Only

Division: Human Services

Section: Area Agency on Aging

Workdays & Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM*

*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Senior Counselor serves as a Team Lead and subject matter expert (SME) within the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Care Coordination and Caregiver Support Coordination Programs. Serves as a Lead Counselor and subject

matter expert, guiding staff in the delivery of high-quality, person-centered services. Supports complex case resolution, ensures compliance with program requirements, and promotes consistency in care planning, documentation, and service delivery across the unit. Functions as a key resource to leadership in strengthening program quality and outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as the lead point of contact for complex, high-risk, or escalated cases within Care Coordination and Caregiver Support.

• Provides case consultation to counselors on service planning, resource alignment, and client engagement strategies.

• Supports staff in navigating challenging situations, including caregiver strain, safety concerns, and clients with multiple unmet needs.

• Ensures consistent application of person-centered care planning across all cases.

• Coordinates and authorizes services through AAA providers and community partners, ensuring timely and appropriate service delivery.

• Monitors ongoing cases through required 30-day follow-ups and 90-day reassessments, ensuring services remain aligned with client and caregiver needs.

• Intervenes directly in sensitive or complex cases when additional support is needed.

• Assists in addressing caregiver burnout and sustainability through tailored service planning.

• Leads case file reviews and quality checks to ensure compliance with AAA policies, procedures, and funding requirements.

• Acts as a lead resource and mentor to counseling staff, providing ongoing guidance and support in daily operations.

• Supports a collaborative team environment by promoting consistency, accountability, and shared understanding of program expectations.

• Represents AAA in community outreach, presentations, and engagement activities.

• Promotes awareness of services for older adults and caregivers.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in a social or behavioral science, such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Work or Counseling.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Three (3) years of professional experience in counseling or related social services work are required.

A Master's degree in a social or behavioral science may substitute for two (2) years of the experience requirement.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

PREFERENCES

* 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.

• Master’s degree in Social Work

• Experience working within an Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

None. However, the Department may administer a skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: YES

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if candidate is promoted into this position, he/she must pass an assigned drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION GRANT FUNDED POSITION

Grants and Special funded positions are dependent upon continued available funds. If funding is no longer available, employee may be laid off or transferred. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's 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:

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

If you need special services or accommodations, View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY 7-1-1).

If you need login assistance or technical support call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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 individual's 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

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

Are you currently employed with City of Houston?

• Yes

• No

03

Which of the following describes your education?

• A Bachelor's degree in a social or behavioral science, such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling

• A Master's degree in a social or behavioral science, such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling

• None of the above

04

Caregiver support is a critical component of this role. Describe your experience working with caregivers and how you have helped address caregiver stress, burnout, or service needs.

05

How many years of experience do you have with providing direct service to youth and families?

• Less than 1 year of experience

• 1 year of experience

• 2-3 years of experience

• more than 3 years of experience

• None of the above

06

This role serves as a lead resource for other counselors. Can you provide an example of how you have guided or supported staff in managing complex or high-risk cases? What approach did you take and what was the outcome?

07

This position requires balancing a personal caseload while also supporting team members. How do you prioritize your workload while remaining accessible to assist others?

08

How many years of experience do you have in counseling, case management, or related social service work?

• Less than 1 year of experience

• 1 year of experience

• 2-3 years of experience

• More than 3 years of experience

• None of the above

09

Please describe the experience you've had with counseling, case management, or related social service work.

10

Are you willing to work evenings and weekends?

• Yes

• No

11

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes

• No

Required Question