Experienced Crisis Counselor – 988 Chat & Text Services

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing whole-person mental health, crisis care, and substance use services since 1942. As a national leader in the field, arenaflex is home to the nation's first Suicide Prevention Center, serving approximately 270,000 individuals annually across its programs. arenaflex has deep roots in community-based mental health and a commitment to providing culturally responsive services that are just and equitable. With over 1,000 dedicated employees and volunteers, arenaflex's work is made possible through its unwavering dedication to delivering compassionate and effective support to those in need.

Job Summary

As a Crisis Counselor in arenaflex's 988 Chat & Text Services, you will play a critical role in delivering crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to help-seekers through our Crisis Chat and Text services. Operating in a fully remote capacity with an option to work on-site, you will be part of a dynamic team that emphasizes maintaining high-quality standards in all interactions to ensure help-seekers receive the best possible care and guidance. By actively listening, assessing needs, and providing appropriate resources, you will make a meaningful impact on individuals seeking assistance.

Primary Duties

* Offers crisis-counseling services via chat and text, providing emotional support and resources to help-seekers in need.

• Completes risk assessment, safety planning, de-escalation, and follow-up with Chat/Text visitors, ensuring the highest level of care and support.
• Serves as a mandated reporter in cases of suspected abuse or neglect, upholding arenaflex's commitment to safety and well-being.
• Is familiar with resources and provides information and referrals to visitors as appropriate, ensuring help-seekers receive the support they need.
• Maintains accurate and detailed chat/text reports, documenting interactions in real-time to ensure seamless continuity of care.
• Completes an average of 1.5 chats/texts per hour, meeting the program's productivity standards while maintaining the highest level of quality.
• Fulfills continuing education requirements as requested or required for the agency and the Suicide Prevention Center program, staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices.
• Assists in the training process of new counselors, sharing expertise and knowledge to ensure a smooth transition.
• Participates in community outreach events such as resources tables and presentations about suicide prevention as needed, promoting arenaflex's mission and services.
• Attends routinely scheduled meetings for the Suicide Prevention Center, staying informed and engaged with the team.

Position Requirements

* Possess a high school Diploma or equivalent, demonstrating a strong foundation in education and personal growth.

• Be 18 years of age or older, meeting the program's minimum age requirement.
• Have high-speed internet with an active Ethernet connection, and a quiet/confidential workspace, ensuring seamless communication and confidentiality.
• Be empathetic, flexible, and adaptable to varying situations, demonstrating a strong ability to navigate complex and dynamic environments.
• Have open availability and flexibility to work within the Chat/Text program's operating hours, including weekends and holidays, meeting the program's scheduling needs.
• Be reliable and able to adhere to schedules based upon Chat/Text program needs, demonstrating a strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
• Complete yearly trainings as required by Lifeline, staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices.
• Have knowledge of all job-specific skills, including risk assessment, data collection, and chat/text triage, ensuring a strong foundation in crisis intervention and support.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and can positively interact with others, demonstrating a strong ability to build rapport and trust.
• Have outstanding communication skills with the ability to engage any individual regardless of background, ensuring effective and compassionate support.
• 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, demonstrating a strong ability to navigate and contribute to a dynamic team.
• A commitment to team objectives and arenaflex philosophies, upholding the organization's mission and values.
• Successfully pass our pre-employment screening, including a background check and live scan fingerprinting, ensuring a safe and secure work environment.

Our Vision

A future where everyone has equitable access to care and is empowered to achieve optimal mental health and well-being.

Our Mission

arenaflex 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, committing to a workforce representative of the communities we serve. We celebrate differences and prioritize creating a sense of belonging.

Equity:

We are dedicated to maintaining equitable practices in our healthcare delivery and workplace culture, 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, including stigma, systemic racism, and parity across payers, 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.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

* Competitive hourly rate of $24.00 per hour, with a $3.00 overnight differential for evening shifts.

• Opportunity to work in a fully remote capacity with an option to work on-site, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive training program, including a three-week 40-hour per week training at the start of employment, ensuring a strong foundation in crisis intervention and support.
• Ongoing continuing education requirements, staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development, including training and mentorship.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment, with a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off and holidays.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and compassionate individual with a passion for crisis intervention and support, we encourage 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 and exploring how you can contribute to arenaflex's mission and vision. Apply for this job