**Experienced Crisis Chat Text Counselor – 988 Crisis Support Services**
Are you passionate about providing emotional support to individuals in crisis? Do you have a strong background in mental health services, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention? If so, we invite you to join our team of dedicated professionals at blithequark as an Online Crisis Chat Text Counselor. In this critical role, you will be responsible for providing crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to individuals utilizing our 988 Crisis Chat and Text services.
**About blithequark**
blithequark is a leading provider of crisis support services, dedicated to helping individuals in emotional distress find the support they need. Our team of experts is committed to delivering high-quality services that prioritize the well-being and safety of our clients. As a member of our team, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive environment that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
**Job Summary**
As an Online Crisis Chat Text Counselor, you will be responsible for providing crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to individuals utilizing our 988 Crisis Chat and Text services. You will work closely with our team of professionals to ensure that our clients receive the highest level of care and support. This is a challenging yet rewarding role that requires a strong commitment to delivering exceptional services and a passion for helping others.
**Primary Responsibilities**
* Provide crisis intervention to individuals in emotional distress through Crisis Chat and Text.
* Conduct assessments of each chat/text visitor to determine the appropriate means of intervention.
* Complete risk assessments, safety planning, de-escalation, and follow-up with chat visitors.
* Establish good rapport with a wide range of chat/text visitors.
* Provide crisis intervention counseling to a wide range of chat/text visitors.
* Intervene with suicidal chat/text visitors, including making assessments and taking appropriate action.
* Familiarize yourself with local and statewide community resources and provide information and referral to visitors as appropriate.
* Complete thorough documentation for all crisis chat/text in real-time.
* Meet productivity standards, including completing 1.5 chats/texts per hour.
* Participate in daily ongoing monitoring of chats and texts to ensure quality, with a minimum score of 75% on quality evaluation.
* Maintain an answer rate of 85% within the first 5 weeks to maintain remote work status.
* Complete weekly quality evaluation process and attend weekly supervision.
* Demonstrate ability to work independently with confidence and as an integral part of a team of professionals.
* Possess a mature, empathetic, flexible, and adaptable approach to varying situations and coverage needs.
* Adhere to schedules based on call center needs and consistently follow call center program policies and procedures.
* Skilled in the use of technology, including telephones, computers, software, and email.
* Arrive on shift on time and properly attired.
* Assist in training new Crisis Chat staff.
* Meet with Crisis Chat Supervisors and Program Manager regularly to discuss program operations, concerns, and potential improvements.
**Secondary Responsibilities**
* Report on-site on an as-needed basis.
* Perform other duties as assigned, required, or needed.
**Agency-wide Responsibilities**
* Participate in supervision, in-service training, and staff meetings.
* Maintain good working relationships with co-workers and positively contribute to group morale.
* Complete all administrative duties, including time sheets, leave requests, etc., on time.
* Use appropriate channels of communication to resolve conflicts with other staff.
* Interact with staff, clients, and visitors in a professional and courteous manner.
**Education and Experience**
* Bachelor's Degree required, Master's Degree in counseling, Social Work, or mental health-related field preferred.
* Bachelor's Degree from an accredited school with a minimum of 120 college credits, Master's Degree from an accredited school with a minimum of 30 graduate school credits.
* Transcript or copy of degree(s) required.
* 1 year of experience in mental health services, preferably in crisis intervention services, suicide prevention, and intervention.
* Computer skills with various software, including Microsoft Products, proficient skills required.
**Skills and Abilities**
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Ability to function successfully in an environment requiring immediate response to urgent situations.
* Knowledge of and familiarity with local and statewide community resources.
* Analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Computer skills with various software and the internet.
**Work Conditions**
* Share office space with Crisis Chat Counselors.
* Holiday and evening coverage required, depending on scheduled shifts.
* Hours are flexible to meet program needs.
* Must be able to lift 25lbs.
**Grassroots Rewards & Incentives**
blithequark offers a range of rewards and incentives to support your professional growth and well-being. These include:
* 100% coverage of expenses for licensure and/or renewal, CEUs, professional trainings, and conferences.
* Instant wage increases for certifications achieved while employed.
* $250 Hiring Bonus for full completion of onboarding and HR trainings.
* $500 Retention Bonus.
* Small Loan Option at 0% Interest for 1 year.
**Equal Opportunity Employer**
blithequark is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
**How to Apply**
If you are passionate about providing emotional support to individuals in crisis and have a strong background in mental health services, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention, we invite you to apply for this critical role. Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you!
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