988 WA Online Crisis Counselor I (69518)

Paycom; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and Sick Time

Holidays

Medical, Dental, Vision

HSA

FSA

401(k) Retirement Plan matching

Professional Development

Job summary

Volunteers of America Western Washington is seeking an Online Crisis Counselor to respond to chats and texts from 988, providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention. The role includes safety assessments, mandate reporting, and coordinating with a team to support clients in crisis.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 35 WPM typing ability, with English fluency and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a social science/behavioral health or related field required.
• Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration within 30 days of employment, or equivalent, must remain active during employment.
• Typing test score of 35 WPM or higher required.
• Fluency in English (oral and written).
• Proficiency in Motivational Interviewing and active listening.
• Ability to multitask, including talking and typing simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Respond to incoming chats and texts, providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
• Conduct safety assessments in line with policies and standards.
• Manage client interactions to ensure appropriate level of support.
• Initiate police intervention if at immediate risk.
• Adhere to HIPAA and mandated reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with crisis counselor team on complex cases.
• Use Microsoft Teams to communicate with remote staff and supervisors.
• Participate in staff meetings and training for clinical skill development.
• Contribute to an environment of integrity, respect, and accountability.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Typing 35 WPM

Motivational Interviewing

Active listening

English proficiency

Strong problem-solving

Multitasking (talking and typing)

Clear communication

Education

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

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: 41st Street - Everett, WA 98203, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: Bachelor's Degree - 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: $25.31 - $27.97 Hourly, Job Shift: Any, 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 Activities

• Respond to incoming chats and texts, providing crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and brief supportive counseling to individuals in emotional distress or considering suicide
• Conduct safety assessments in line with agency policies, funding requirements, accreditation standards, and Lifeline Best Practices
• Manage client interactions to ensure the appropriate level of support is provided efficiently
• Initiate police intervention procedures if a visitor is identified as at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others
• Adhere 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 process
• Use Microsoft Teams to communicate with remote staff and 988 supervisors
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions focused on enhancing clinical skills and professional development
• Contribute to an environment that focuses on ensuring integrity, respect, and accountability
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

We 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 hours
• Competitive compensation
• Holidays: 9 paid per year + 2 paid floating holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Savings Account (FSA) medical & dependent care
• Free Employee Assistance program
• 403(b) Retirement Plan matching
• Professional Development opportunities

: We’re looking for candidates who bring the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to succeed in the role and contribute to our team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a social science/behavioral health or related field and one (1) year experience in a mental health or related position
• Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration is required within 30 days of employment, or equivalent, and must remain in active status during employment
• Passing a typing test with a score of 35 WPM or higher
• Fluency in English (oral and written)
• Courteous and professional demeanor
• Proficiency in Motivational Interviewing and active listening
• Strong problem-solving and information-gathering skills
• Superior communication skills to convey information clearly and effectively
• Ability to multitask, including talking and typing simultaneously
• Efficiency in documenting notes in electronic medical records

Home Office Technology Requirements

• High-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 proof
• Secured 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 limitations
• No Satellite Internet: Satellite internet service providers such as HughesNet, Starlink, or Visat are not supported due to latency issues that can negatively impact service delivery

We 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.