**Experienced Crisis Counselor – 988 Chat & Text Services at blithequark**

Are you passionate about providing compassionate support to individuals in crisis? Do you have a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on people's lives? If so, we invite you to join blithequark as a 988 Chat & Text Counselor. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in delivering crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to help-seekers through our Crisis Chat and Text services. **About blithequark** blithequark is a national leader in whole-person mental health, crisis care, and substance use services. With a rich history dating back to 1942, we have been providing care to over 270,000 people annually across our programs. Our commitment to community-based mental health and culturally responsive services has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in the mental health ecosystem. At blithequark, we believe that everyone deserves equitable access to care and the opportunity to achieve optimal mental health and well-being. **Job Summary** As a Chat & Text Counselor, you will be responsible for providing crisis counseling services via chat and text, completing risk assessments, and providing resources and referrals to help-seekers. You will also be required to maintain accurate and detailed chat/text reports, complete continuing education requirements, and participate in community outreach events. This is a fully remote position with an option to work on-site, and we offer a competitive hourly rate of $24.00 with a $3.00 overnight differential. **Primary Duties** • Offers crisis-counseling services via chat and text, providing emotional support and resources to help-seekers • Completes risk assessment, safety planning, de-escalation, and follow-up with Chat/Text visitors • Serves as a mandated reporter in cases of suspected abuse or neglect • Is familiar with resources and providing information and referrals to visitors as appropriate • Maintains accurate and detailed chat/text reports, with documentation completed in real-time • Completes 1.5 chats/texts per hour (on average) • Fulfills continuing education requirements as requested or required for the agency and the Suicide Prevention Center program • Assists in the training process of new counselors • Participates in community outreach events such as resources tables and presentations about suicide prevention as needed • Attends routinely scheduled meetings for the Suicide Prevention Center **Position Requirements** • Possess a high school Diploma or equivalent • Be 18 years of age or older • Have high-speed internet with an active Ethernet connection, and a quiet/confidential workspace • Be empathetic, flexible, and adaptable to varying situations • Have open availability and flexibility to work within the Chat/Text program's operating hours, including weekends and holidays • Be reliable and able to adhere to schedules based upon Chat/Text program needs • Complete yearly trainings as required by Lifeline • Have knowledge of all job-specific skills, including risk assessment, data collection, and chat/text triage • Possess strong interpersonal skills and can positively interact with others • Have outstanding communication skills with the ability to engage any individual regardless of background • Exceptional at multi-tasking and time management, able to drive multiple pieces of work forward simultaneously while meeting all deadlines • Goal-oriented team player with strong experience working in large and complex systems • A commitment to team objectives and blithequark philosophies • Successfully pass our pre-employment screening, including a background check and live scan fingerprinting **Our Vision** A future where everyone has equitable access to care and is empowered to achieve optimal mental health and well-being. **Our Mission** blithequark provides compassionate mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services to individuals and families, especially in communities where discrimination and injustice limit access. **Core Values** • **Excellence**: We are constantly innovating, learning from the communities we serve, and applying the latest research to advance best practices. We uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure we are providing compassionate and excellent care. • **Diversity & Inclusion**: We value diversity of background, experience, and ideas. We celebrate differences and prioritize creating a sense of belonging. • **Equity**: We are dedicated to promoting health equity in our communities, and we work to dismantle disparities and discrimination within both systems of care and society. • **Well Being**: We are devoted to the well-being of our staff, volunteers, and communities, and believe healthy teams lead to healthy clients. • **Advocacy**: We advocate across all levels of government and use our voice to reduce barriers to care with the goal of access to high-quality, integrated healthcare for all. • **Community Engagement**: We build partnerships in the community and across sectors to create a more inclusive and responsive mental health ecosystem and enhance greater accessibility to care and support. **What We Offer** • Competitive hourly rate of $24.00 with a $3.00 overnight differential • Fully remote position with an option to work on-site • Comprehensive training program, including a three-week 40-hour per week training at the start of employment • Opportunities for career growth and professional development • Collaborative and supportive work environment • Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance • Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off and holidays **How to Apply** If you are passionate about providing compassionate support to individuals in crisis and are committed to making a meaningful impact on people's lives, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and a cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you! Apply for this job