Crisis Counselor - Disaster Response

Summary :

The Crisis Counselor will provide critical emotional support and mental health assistance to individuals and communities affected by disaster events.

The counselor will assess immediate psychological needs, offer trauma-informed care, and help survivors develop coping mechanisms during the recovery process.

This role requires flexibility, compassion, and an ability to work in high-stress environments while ensuring timely and effective crisis intervention.

Location : Florida

Responsibilities :

• Provide individual and group counseling to disaster survivors experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, grief, or trauma.
• Conduct on-site assessments to determine the mental health needs of disaster-impacted populations.
• Implement trauma-informed care practices and refer clients to longer-term support services, as needed.
• Deliver culturally competent crisis interventions, ensuring respect for the diverse backgrounds of individuals affected.
• Collaborate with local agencies, shelters, and other service providers to ensure the holistic care of disaster survivors.
• Assist in outreach and educational programs to enhance community resilience and recovery.
• Provide crisis de-escalation and support in shelters, evacuation centers, or community assistance locations.
• Maintain detailed, confidential case documentation in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Participate in debriefings, team meetings, and other activities to support team well-being and professional development.
• Stay informed on best practices in crisis intervention, mental health first aid, and psychological support in disaster contexts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications :

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in mass care, human services, disaster relief, or crisis counseling.
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care practices and experience working with diverse, vulnerable populations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Flexibility to travel and respond to various disaster locations, sometimes with short notice.
• Ability to work in stressful, often austere environments while maintaining a professional and compassionate demeanor.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Previous experience with FEMA Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) or similar disaster mental health programs.
• Bilingual proficiency is an asset.

Working Conditions : This position may require travel to disaster-affected areas and may involve exposure to physically and emotionally challenging environments.

Extended hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required during active disaster response periods.

About Us :

The Workforce Group (WFG) is a Great Place to Work®-Certified company. We are a team of dedicated professionals who pull together to meet the needs of communities, partnering with federal, state, and local governments.

We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status .

Job Posted by ApplicantPro