988 Crisis Counselor I
Volunteers Of America Western Washington
Summary
This full-time, hourly position provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, information, referrals, and brief supportive counseling to individuals contacting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by phone. Crisis Counselors work remotely, interacting with clients exclusively by telephone.
Job description
Principal Activities
- Provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and brief supportive counseling to clients experiencing emotional distress or contemplating suicide.
- Conduct safety assessments following agency policies, funding and accreditation requirements, and Lifeline Best Practices.
- Manage client interactions to ensure appropriate, efficient, and effective support.
- Adhere to legal requirements, including HIPAA confidentiality and mandated reporting (e.g., Emergency Services Interventions, CPS/APS referrals, Tarasoff Duty to Warn).
- Consult with peers and supervisors on duty on compliance issues, including mandatory reporting, HIPAA, and imminent risk situations.
- Document all client interactions accurately, ethically, and efficiently.
- Consistently meet or exceed established key performance goals and adapt to new expectations as needed.
- Utilize current technologies to communicate with clients and community members.
- Use Microsoft Teams to collaborate with peers and supervisors on duty.
- Participate in staff meetings and training sessions to enhance clinical skills and support professional development.
- Provide back-up support to other Regional Crisis Line and 988 programs as required.
Home Office Technology Requirements
- Private and secure home office space with an enclosed with a door if there are cohabitants of any age.
- High-Speed Internet: Minimum download speed of 100Mbps and upload speed of 10Mbps.
- Secured Wired Connection: A direct wired connection to the internet using a secured ethernet cable is mandatory.
- No Satellite Internet: Satellite internet service providers such as HughesNet, Starlink, or Visat are not supported.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or related field required
- At least one (1) year of experience in a healthcare contact center and/or in mental health counseling
- Experience in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and/or mental health information and referral services preferred
- Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration required within 30 days of employment, or equivalent, and must remain active during employment
- Passing a typing test with a score of 35 WPM or higher
- Fluency in English (oral and written)
- Courteous, empathetic, and professional demeanor
- Proficiency in motivational interviewing techniques and active listening
- Strong problem-solving and information-gathering abilities
- Superior communication skills for clear, accurate, and complete client interactions
- Ability to multitask, including talking and typing simultaneously
- Efficiency in documenting chart notes in electronic medical records
Benefits
- Vacation & Sick Time
- Paid Holidays
- Floating Holidays
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program
- 403(b) Retirement Matching
- Professional Development
Company overview
Volunteers of America Western Washington is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving vulnerable populations across Western Washington. As part of the national Volunteers of America network, this regional affiliate focuses on providing comprehensive human services to individuals and families in need. The organization operates various programs including housing assistance for homeless individuals and families, behavioral health services, addiction recovery programs, and support for veterans. Their mission centers on helping people rebuild their lives through compassionate care and practical assistance. With a strong commitment to community development, Volunteers of America Western Washington collaborates with local partners to address pressing social issues such as homelessness, poverty, and mental health challenges. The organization embodies the spirit of volunteerism and community service that has characterized the Volunteers of America movement since its founding in 1896.