9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Responder

Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District Branch; United States; Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

CMHA Vernon is seeking a 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Responder to provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and risk assessment on the 9-8-8 helpline. You will engage with help seekers via phone and text, offer resources, de-escalation, and uphold confidentiality. This full-time role can be remote or on-site, with wages of $29.76–$31.64 per hour.

Night shifts may be required. You will document accurately, participate in training, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure

Qualifications

• High school diploma or higher required.
• Certificate in Community Social Service is an asset.
• One year related experience or equivalent education/training.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support via phone and text.
• Complete risk assessment, safety planning and de-escalation.
• Maintain accurate reports and complete required reporting.
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards of the helpline.
• Attend training, meetings, and participate in quality assurance.

Skills

Empathy and adaptability

Excellent communication

Multilingual asset

Organize and prioritize

Computer/typing skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma/equivalent

Certificate in Community Social Service asset

Related experience or education equivalent

Job description

Job Title: 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Responder

Facility: Canadian Mental Health Association – remote or on site

Bargaining Unit: BCGEU

Hours: Regular Full-Time (36 hours per week)

Wages: $29.76-$31.64 / hourly

JOB SUMMARY

The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Responder is responsible for providing crisis intervention, emotional support, suicide risk assessment, and resources on the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

• Provides emotional support and crisis intervention via phone and text. These include:
• Complete risk assessment, safety planning and de-escalation with help seekers
• Able to work collaboratively and compassionately with those reaching out for help
• Schedule and complete follow up calls and 3rd party outreach calls as needed
• Use the least invasive steps necessary to establish safety.
• This may involve contacting emergency services with or without consent when no other avenue to ensure safety is possible
• Maintain accurate and detailed reports
• Complete legally required reporting
• Familiar with local and national resources and providing to help seekers as needed
• Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold ethical and legal standards of 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
• Attend responder/staff meetings/additional training sessions as required
• Participate in regular quality assurance and ongoing assessment of skills
• Participate in mentoring new responders as needed
• Performs other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience

• High school diploma/equivalent or higher
• Certificate in Community Social Service an asset
• Recent, related experience of one year OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience or other qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent computer/typing skills
• Be empathetic, flexible, and adaptable to varying situations
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills with the ability to engage any individual regardless of background
• Ability to organize and prioritize

Job Posting 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Responder

• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with individuals
• Excellent interpersonal skills and can positively interact with others
• Ability to analyze and resolve problems
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills
• Must be able to protect the confidentiality of help seekers while on shift and will not use or disclose any information about any help seeker in compliance with 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
• Multilingual an asset
• Must be available for night shifts

Other

• Must be 19 years of age or older
• Have a high-speed internet connection and a quiet/confidential workspace
• Casual employees must provide their own computer.

CMHA Vernon is committed to building an inclusive workplace and community and seeks candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.