Experienced Crisis Intervention Specialist for Remote Chat and Text Support at blithequark

Join blithequark: Empowering Mental Health Support

At blithequark, a regional non-profit organization, we're dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide while promoting mental health for all. We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment that represents the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we're now seeking an experienced Crisis Intervention Specialist to join our team as a Remote Crisis Chat & Text Specialist.

About the Role

As a Remote Crisis Chat & Text Specialist at blithequark, you'll play a vital role in providing emotional support, assessment, crisis intervention, and treatment/support referrals to individuals in crisis through our helplines. You'll be the frontline support for those in need, utilizing your clinical skills and compassion to make a difference in their lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to crisis chats and texts with care and compassion, providing emotional support and crisis intervention within the scope of our helpline programs.
• Assess each individual's suicide risk following established protocols and provide relevant safety/action planning.
• Document chats accurately and timely in our electronic health record system.
• Research community treatment resources to ensure access to care and support for all community members.
• Participate in mandatory trainings and workshops to stay updated on the latest policies, protocols, and crisis intervention techniques.
• Perform administrative and organizational tasks as needed.

Essential Qualifications

• Meet the Qualified Mental Health Associate requirements as per the Oregon Department of Human Services' guidelines.
• Possess crisis intervention knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrate maturity, sensitivity, emotional stability, flexibility, and adaptability in varying situations.
• Exhibit strong empathy, communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Able to handle high levels of stress and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in using technology, including computers, software, and email, with the ability to troubleshoot common issues.
• Understand and apply mental health assessment, treatment, and service terminology.
• Strong attendance and punctuality record, with the ability to work scheduled shifts and provide adequate notice for time off requests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in psychology, social work, or a behavioral science field, or a CADC/Bachelor's degree with relevant crisis intervention experience.
• Veterans are preferred.
• ASIST certification or CADC certification is strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a call center environment.

Training and Development

At blithequark, we invest in your growth and development. Our comprehensive Crisis Lines Onboarding training is completed remotely over five weeks, with three weeks of intensive training followed by two weeks of precepting. You'll have the opportunity to develop your clinical skills, learn about our helpline programs, and become proficient in our technology and systems.

Work Schedule and Environment

Our crisis lines operate 24/7, and this role requires working some holidays and weekends. You'll be scheduled for shifts based on our crisis contact volume trends, with a minimum of one weekend shift per week. We're currently hiring for shifts in Pacific Time, with varying hours and durations.

As a remote worker, you'll need to have a HIPAA-compliant workspace at home, meet our technology requirements, and pass a clinical evaluation. Our supervisors will provide support through regular check-ins, internal messaging, and listening in on acute crisis contacts.

Quality Assurance and Professional Growth

We take quality assurance seriously, regularly reviewing crisis contacts to ensure safety and quality. You'll receive clinical feedback on your performance, supporting your professional growth and development. Our technology allows supervisors to listen in on crisis contacts, providing support when needed.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting wage for this position is $24.04/hr for individuals with graduate degrees in a related field and $21.99/hr for those with bachelor's degrees. You'll also receive a $1.75/hr overnight shift differential and time-and-a-half holiday pay. Our comprehensive benefits package is valued at over $9,500 per year, including health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance premiums, a matching 401K plan, flexible spending plan, employee assistance program, and a free Fitbit.

Join Our Team

If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, we're looking for you. At blithequark, we're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment that supports the mental health and well-being of our community. Apply now to become a Remote Crisis Chat & Text Specialist and join our team of dedicated professionals.

We strive to create a workplace that is inclusive and representative of the communities we serve. blithequark is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from diverse candidates.