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Trauma Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trauma Specialist/Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

The primary responsibilities include providing trauma-informed counseling, mentoring youth to support their emotional and mental well-being, and developing individualized plans to address their ...

Victim Counselor, Sr.

Austin, TX · On-site

$59K - $61K/yr

Crisis and trauma counseling experience. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); OR, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Bilingual English/Spanish, but not required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Experience of delivering on site trauma support following critical incidents. * Professional indemnity insurance of at least £1,000,000. * Willingness to travel to customer sites. * The ability to ...

Experience of delivering on site trauma support following critical incidents. * Professional indemnity insurance of at least £1,000,000. * Willingness to travel to customer sites. * The ability to ...

Showing results 41-60

Trauma Counseling information

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$41.5K

$68K

$101.5K

How much do trauma counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for trauma counseling in the United States is $68,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is trauma counseling?

Trauma counseling is a specialized form of therapy that helps individuals process and heal from the emotional and psychological effects of traumatic experiences. Trauma counselors are trained professionals who use evidence-based techniques to support clients in understanding, coping with, and recovering from trauma. The goal of trauma counseling is to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, and to help individuals regain a sense of safety and control in their lives.

What degree does a trauma counselor need?

Trauma counselors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many roles require a master's degree and relevant licensure or certification to provide therapy and support trauma survivors effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trauma counselor?

To thrive as a Trauma Counselor, you need a solid background in psychology or social work, typically supported by a relevant degree and state licensure. Familiarity with trauma-focused therapeutic modalities (such as EMDR or CBT), crisis intervention tools, and case management systems is often required. Exceptional active listening, emotional resilience, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting clients. These skills and qualifications are vital for fostering trust, promoting recovery, and ensuring ethical, evidence-based care for individuals facing trauma.

What does a trauma counselor do?

A trauma counselor provides therapy and emotional support to individuals who have experienced traumatic events, helping them process their feelings and develop coping strategies. They often use techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and may work in settings like hospitals, clinics, or private practices, typically requiring relevant certifications and strong interpersonal skills.

What are some common challenges trauma counselors face when supporting clients, and how are these managed in practice?

Trauma counselors often encounter emotionally intense situations, such as clients experiencing flashbacks or difficulty trusting others. Managing these challenges requires strong self-care practices, regular supervision, and ongoing professional development to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout. Many organizations provide structured support systems, including peer consultation and access to training in evidence-based approaches like trauma-informed care. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as medical professionals and social workers—also helps counselors offer comprehensive support to clients.

What is the difference between Trauma Counseling vs Mental Health Counseling?

AspectTrauma CounselingMental Health Counseling
CredentialsLicensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Trauma SpecialistLicensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, trauma centers, private practice, community clinicsPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals, schools
FocusHealing from traumatic events, PTSD, crisis interventionBroader mental health issues, depression, anxiety, mood disorders

Trauma Counseling specifically addresses individuals dealing with trauma and PTSD, often requiring specialized certifications. Mental Health Counseling covers a wider range of mental health issues. While both roles require similar credentials and may work in similar environments, Trauma Counseling focuses on trauma-related recovery, whereas Mental Health Counseling provides comprehensive mental health support.

More about Trauma Counseling jobs

What cities are hiring for Trauma Counseling jobs?

Cities with the most Trauma Counseling job openings:

What states have the most Trauma Counseling jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trauma Counseling jobs include:

Trauma Counselor - Safe Way Forward

Safe Horizon, Inc.

Staten Island, NY • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Safe Horizon rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Summary:

Safe Horizon’s Safe Way Forward program provides comprehensive trauma-informed client-centered services to families who are affected by intimate partner violence and are involved in the child welfare system. Our goal is help those who have experienced physical, emotional or other forms of abuse to establish long-term safety and healing from the effects of trauma. Safe Horizon uses a client centered, trauma informed, anti-oppressive approach to supporting clients. Safe Horizon recognizes that families who have experienced intimate partner violence may want to or need to stay in contact with the person causing harm in the family. The Safe Way forward program (SWF) was designed to engage family members with support to assist in healing and explore ways for families to maintain contact where safe to do so. In this model, all participating members of the family are considered clients (survivor, person causing harm, and their children).

Hybrid schedule:
2 days on site, 3 days remote.

Essential Job Functions:

The Trauma Counselor provides both practical trauma intervention and support to domestic violence survivors, their children and the person causing harm (separately)

Duties may include some or all of the following:

  • Administer trauma screenings and trauma assessments to children, survivors of domestic violence and/or persons causing harm in intimate partner relationships
  • Develop treatment goals with clients
  • Engage clients and provide trauma-focused mental health treatment with fidelity to evidence-based models
  • Provide evidence-based trauma-focused treatment through individual, dyadic, and group models
  • Work in close partnership with SWF team members and ACS to coordinate service provision for children and families impacted by domestic violence
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments for survivors and/or persons causing harm and their families
  • Provide crisis intervention and short- and long-term trauma intervention for children, survivors of domestic violence and/or persons causing harm in intimate partner relationships
  • Engage in safety assessment and risk management dialogues with clients to follow up on safety plan
  • Conduct home visits with clients and their families.
  • Participate and support clients in family team conferences
  • Maintain clear, concise, and timely documentation with all relevant client information including data entry into a computerized record keeping system
  • Attend training relevant to position, including learning and consultation on evidence-based treatment models
  • Actively participate in individual and group supervision
  • Prepare for and participate in regularly scheduled FFP team case review meetings about new and on-going cases
  • Maintain open communication with supervisors and team members
  • Collaborate with other service providers internally and externally as needed
  • Participate in the service team of clinicians and case planners responsible to maintain a mixed caseload of families (including survivors and their children and persons causing harm)
  • Implement strategies for addressing vicarious trauma

Required Skills:

  • Sensitivity towards and understanding of victimization, especially the experience of survivors of domestic violence and all members of their families including the person causing harm in the family;
  • Strong communication and organizational skills; Excellent interpersonal skills, be assertive and well organized; Ability to work under pressure in a calm and reassuring manner;
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently and also work on a team with an appreciation of different points of view
  • Ability to work evenings as needed and maintain a flexible work schedule
  • Strong oral and written communication skills

Qualifications:

  • Basic understanding of computer and systems for managing case records An advanced degree (LMSW) (license required) or related field.
  • Prior experience working with children and families impacted by domestic violence, abuse and/or trauma.
  • Strongly Preferred: Bilingual Spanish/English fluency Experience with family therapy or individual therapy preferred with survivors of domestic violence or persons causing harm in a trauma-informed setting;
  • Knowledge of the New York City domestic violence service system, public benefits, child welfare, housing system and other social services.

If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon’s rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me. I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Technology Statement:

Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.

Please follow this link to view complete EEO Law and complaint filing information:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal.

Hiring Range: $62,000 to $64,000 annual

Full-time Hours: 35 Hours per week
Full-time Benefits: Vacation Time, Paid Sick Time, Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Company Life Insurance, Medical/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits Program, Gym Reimbursement, Parental Leave, Employee Learning Center

Safe Horizon was named one of City & State New York Top Workplaces of 2025


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