Helpline Counselor

Are you ready to make a difference in our community? At Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS), you’ll join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. Joining our team means contributing to a well-respected organization with over a century of service to the South Florida community, rooted in the values of compassion, inclusivity, and resilience. Our team members find purpose in empowering individuals and families through meaningful programs and initiatives. We foster a collaborative environment where your talents are valued, and you’ll have opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you’re looking to be part of an organization that values your contributions and promotes a culture of unity and support, JCS is the place to be.

The Helpline Counselor provides telephone information, referrals, crisis counseling as well as suicide intervention to callers upon completion of a thorough assessment and identification of most presenting needs. This position performs work of a specialized, confidential nature on matters that impact clients, counselors and contract compliance. Excellent organizational, administrative and communication skills and attention to detail are required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides appropriate information and referrals to social service agencies for callers contacting the Helpline.
• Ensures data is accurately entered into the client database in a timely manner.
• Provides telephone crisis counseling as well as suicide intervention services to callers experiencing crisis situations.
• Participates in trainings, seminars, workshops and in-services related to program and professional development.
• Maintains an effective working relationship with colleagues through the use of appropriate interpersonal and communication skills.
• Consistently adheres to assigned schedule and demonstrates flexibility in regards to call center coverage needs.
• Provides outstanding customer service to callers & accurately documents all calls into software.
• Adheres to confidentiality policies and procedures as well as HIPAA regulations.
• Obtains Certification as an Information & Referral Specialist through Alliance for Information & Referral Systems (AIRS).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

Work is performed primarily in a hybrid work environment under pressure and requires the ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and demands.

PERKS: We are proud to offer a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees, including medical and dental plans. A generous vacation and holiday pay benefit and a 401(k) match is available. Staff receives monthly in-service training and CEU opportunities. This is a one of a kind opportunity for leadership in talent management to contribute to a team of mindful, caring and passionate people at work every day in service to our community!

ABOUT: Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS) is the foremost non-profit, human services agency whose mission is to improve the quality of life and self-sufficiency of the Jewish and broader communities throughout South Florida in accordance with Jewish values. Founded in 1920, JCS delivers exemplary social services through compassionate and comprehensive programs that help people stay healthy and productive.

JCS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or veteran status.

JCS strictly enforces a Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the use, possession, distribution, or sale of controlled substances and alcohol on company premises, during work hours, or while representing the company. Pre-employment and random drug testing may be required as part of our commitment to a drug-free workplace.

All of Senior Management and Managers are required to actively participate in JCS' Milk and Honey, Matzah Mitzvah and other similar events. These events are essential to our organizational culture, and leadership participation is key to fostering team unity, supporting our values, and engaging with our community. By attending, managers and supervisors help set the standard for involvement and demonstrate our commitment to these meaningful traditions.

*Please be advised, if selected for this position, you will be required to submit to a level II background screening through the DCF Clearinghouse: https://info.flclearinghouse.com

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Human Service field. Equivalent experience and demonstrated skill in social services may be considered.
• Two years’ experience in providing information and referral services, preferred.
• One or more years in crisis counseling or clinical work preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate information calmly and effectively in emergency or high stress situations.
• Ability to work effectively and with sensitivity with culturally diverse populations.
• Skilled in managing multiple tasks.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers and related software applications to include Microsoft Office, email and intranet.
• Bilingual preferred (French, Creole or Spanish).

Salary : $23 - $24