988 Chat and Text Crisis Counselor

DeafLEAD is a nonprofit organization that was founded to provide Deaf and hard of hearing individuals comprehensive, unified, and continuous support in enhancing their own socioemotional development, communication skills, and leadership through education within the state of Missouri.

No American Sign Language Fluency is required for this position. Crisis counselors will have the opportunity to participate in DeafLEAD’s community American Sign Language course.

DeafLEAD is looking to hire full time (40 hours a week) crisis counselors to join an exciting, supportive, and engaging team that provides crisis intervention services as part of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat and Text network. This position is worked remotely.

DeafLEAD offers crisis chat and text services 24 hours a day, every day of the year. DeafLEAD provides chat/text services every day of the year.

Primary responsibilities and duties:

• Follow DeafLEAD’s policies and procedures
• Believe in DeafLEAD’s philosophy and goals as stated in Summary of Organization
• Provide emotional support and crisis management services via the Lifeline chat/text network
• Develop action plans and safety plans with everyone who visits the chat/text line
• Notify child abuse services when appropriate
• Notify emergency services for intervention when appropriate
• Complete assigned follow ups with crisis line visitors via text, email, or phone call if applicable
• Ensure documentation of all chats and texts is completed accurately and thoroughly
• Attend quarterly evaluations with the Quality Improvement team, and additional evaluations as needed
• Attend all monthly agency in-service meetings
• Successfully complete all Lifeline required trainings annually, as well as other trainings and certifications as assigned.
• Consult with Shift Supervisor, Senior Crisis Counselors, Program Managers, and Program Director as needed regarding questionable cases
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Must complete DeafLEAD’s 40-hour crisis intervention training
• Minimum age of 18
• Caring and empathetic person
• Exceptional English writing and reading comprehension skills
• Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in using essential software such as Zoom, Google Chrome, and standard office applications, along with the ability to adapt to and learn new technological tools efficiently.
• Ability to remain calm in crisis situations
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in psychology, social work, or related field preferred, but not required
• Previous experience working in crisis management or mental health preferred, but not required
• An ability to work with people of various race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Ability to attend all training dates without conflict (see Training section below).
• Access to reliable internet and a desktop or laptop computer that can both utilize Zoom and a web browser simultaneously (Google Chrome recommended). Phones and tablets are not appropriate devices to conduct chat and text counselor responsibilities at DeafLEAD.
• Applicants must have access to a private, secure workspace that ensures confidentiality, privacy, and freedom from external distractions. This space should be set up so that others in the home, such as family members or roommates, are not present in the workspace and cannot see or overhear the content of the employee's work. Examples of distractions that should be mitigated include audible conversations, television, and general household activity.

Training

• Hired applicants will be expected to attend and complete DeafLEAD's crisis line training. Following training, counselors will complete a minimum of 16 hours of shadowing senior crisis counselors on crisis chat/text shifts. Hired counselors made attend the entirety of training without conflicting outside commitments
• Crisis Counselor trainings will take place June 3 - 14. Trainings are Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM CST during the time period outlined. Upon hiring, a more detailed training agenda will be provided prior to the start of the training period.

Immediate Supervisor:

• Chat and Text Operations Managers

Compensation:

• From $17 to $21 per hour for hours worked between 7 AM and 11 PM CST
• From $21 to $25 per hour for hours worked between 11 PM and 7 AM CST
• Full-time Crisis Counselors are eligible for health insurance benefits
• All staff accrue Paid Time Off

The compensation for this role is determined based on a combination of relevant experience and educational qualifications. We highly value direct experience on crisis lines and working with individuals at risk for suicide. Applicants with substantial experience in these areas are eligible for higher starting salaries.

Additionally, educational achievements in fields related to social work, psychology, or similar disciplines, especially at higher levels, can influence starting compensation positively. We aim to competitively compensate our staff, recognizing the skills and expertise required to support our community effectively.

DeafLEAD hires remote candidates in the following states:

AL, AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MN, MO, MS, NJ, NM, NV, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, and WI.