988 WA Online Crisis Counselor I

Paycom; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick time

Holidays: 9 paid + 2 floating

Medical, Dental, and Vision

HSA & FSA medical & dependent care

403(b) Retirement Plan matching

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Volunteers of America Western Washington is seeking an Online Crisis Counselor for a full-time, hourly role in Everett, WA. You will respond to online chats and texts, provide crisis intervention and brief counseling, and perform safety assessments per Lifeline Best Practices.

You will also welcome and coach new counselors, support colleagues, and handle mandated reporting as required by policy and law. A strong focus on integrity, respect, and accountability guides daily work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a social science/behavioral health field.
• Minimum 1 year experience in mental health or related role.
• Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration required within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Respond to incoming chats and texts with crisis intervention and brief supportive counseling.
• Conduct safety assessments and determine appropriate level of care.
• Collaborate with crisis counselor team and supervisors on complex cases.
• Initiate police intervention if immediate risk is identified.
• Document interactions and maintain HIPAA confidentiality and mandated reporting.

Skills

Motivational Interviewing

Active listening

Communication skills

Multitasking

Typing

Problem solving

Documentation in EMR

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in social science/behavioral health or related field

1 year experience in a mental health or related position

Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration within 30 days

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Volunteers of America is a non-profit organization operating in Western Washington for over 125 years. Our Christian roots drive us to put our faith into action for the benefit of every member of the community. We celebrate our unique perspectives that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other.The primary responsibility of this full-time, hourly position is to respond to online chats and texts from 988/The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Online Crisis Counselor provides crisis support using a crisis intervention model and, when necessary, suicide prevention techniques, to visitors in self-defined crisis. This role also includes welcoming and coaching new counselors, offering ongoing support and consultation, and performing imminent risk assessments and mandated reporting in accordance with policy.Principal ActivitiesRespond to incoming chats and texts, providing crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and brief supportive counseling to individuals in emotional distress or considering suicideConduct safety assessments in line with agency policies, funding requirements, accreditation standards, and Lifeline Best PracticesManage client interactions to ensure the appropriate level of support is provided efficientlyInitiate police intervention procedures if a visitor is identified as at immediate risk of harm to themselves or othersAdhere to applicable state and federal laws, including HIPAA confidentiality requirements and mandated reporting (e.g., CPS, APS referrals, Tarasoff Duty to Warn)Collaborate with the crisis counselor team and supervisors on complex cases, ensuring a team-based decision-making processUse Microsoft Teams to communicate with remote staff and 988 supervisorsParticipate in staff meetings and training sessions focused on enhancing clinical skills and professional developmentContribute to an environment that focuses on ensuring integrity, respect, and accountabilityOther duties as assignedBenefitsWe believe that taking care of our team is essential to fulfilling our mission. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being as a full-time employee.Vacation and Sick Time: Vacation up to 200 hours, Sick time up to 108.64 hoursCompetitive compensationHolidays: 9 paid per year + 2 paid floating holidaysMedical, Dental, and VisionHealth Savings Account (HSA)Flexible Savings Account (FSA) medical & dependent careFree Employee Assistance program403(b) Retirement Plan matchingProfessional Development opportunitiesWe’re looking for candidates who bring the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to succeed in the role and contribute to our team.Bachelor’s Degree in a social science/behavioral health or related field and one (1) year experience in a mental health or related positionAgency Affiliated Counselor Registration is required within 30 days of employment, or equivalent, and must remain in active status during employmentPassing a typing test with a score of 35 WPM or higherFluency in English (oral and written)Courteous and professional demeanorProficiency in Motivational Interviewing and active listeningStrong problem-solving and information-gathering skillsSuperior communication skills to convey information clearly and effectivelyAbility to multitask, including talking and typing simultaneouslyEfficiency in documenting notes in electronic medical recordsHome Office Technology RequirementsHigh-Speed Internet: Minimum download speed of 100Mbps and upload speed of 10Mbps. To ensure smooth workflow, you will be required to provide a recent internet speed test result as proofSecured Wired Connection: A direct wired connection to the internet using a secured ethernet cable is mandatory. Wireless connections (WiFi) are not allowed due to potential security risks and performance limitationsNo Satellite Internet: Satellite internet service providers such as HughesNet, Starlink, or Visat are not supported due to latency issues that can negatively impact service deliveryEqual Employment Opportunity StatementWe are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment-related decisions are made without consideration of individuals’ race, sex, age, national origin, disability status or any other protected characteristic.#voaww2