Crisis Specialist Chat/Text GY (Part-Time)

Crisis Clinic; Seattle (WA); Remote; USD 32,000 - 38,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Union representation (OPEIU)

Job summary

Crisis Connections is seeking a 988 Crisis Specialist for chat/text support. This part-time, after-hours role is fully remote but requires residency in WA, AZ, OH, or TX.

The specialist provides empathetic crisis intervention via chat/text, assesses risk, and collaborates with clinicians to ensure safety. Ideal candidates have strong communication skills, crisis intervention experience, and the AAC credential by probation end.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus four years of full-time behavioral health experience, or a combination of education and experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to multitask across multiple software platforms in a fast-paced environment
• Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential required by the end of the probationary period; reimbursed by Crisis Connections
• Crisis intervention or suicide prevention experience; behavioral health or contact center experience
• Must reside in Washington, Arizona, Ohio, or Texas
• Quiet, private workspace with reliable internet

Responsibilities

• Provide empathetic crisis intervention via chat and SMS/text
• Conduct suicide risk and behavioral health assessments and support de-escalation
• Collaborate with on-shift clinicians to ensure safety when higher-level intervention is needed
• Develop safety and action plans with individuals in crisis
• Connect callers to community resources and crisis response partners
• Accurately document interactions in the electronic health record
• Follow established 988 Lifeline protocols and performance standards
• Contribute to team goals for response times, availability, and quality care

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Multitasking

Emotional resilience

Crisis intervention

Behavioral health experience

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree + 1 year Behavioral Health experience

Associate degree + 2 years Behavioral Health experience

Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential

Tools

CRM software

EHR system

Microsoft MFA

Job description

Job Title: 988 Crisis Specialist Chat/Text

Team and Department: 988 Crisis Services Chat/Text Team

Schedule: After-hours or Graveyard schedules

Job Type: Part-time role (3-days a week; 22.5 hours per weeks)

Work model: Fully Remote (candidates must reside in WA, AZ, OH, TX).

Pay rate: $26.79/hour + $2/hr. shift differential.

Please note this is a union-represented (OPEIU) role.

At Crisis Connections, we believe that every person deserves compassionate, accessible support during their most difficult moments. As a 988 Specialist Crisis Chat/Text, you’ll play a vital role in providing life‑saving emotional support to individuals experiencing mental health crises-right when they need it most.

If you’re empathetic, calm under pressure, and motivated by meaningful work, we invite you to join our growing 988 Crisis Services team.

Why This Role Matters

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is transforming how people access mental health support. In this role, you will be a trusted voice for individuals reaching out via chat or text, offering hope, connection, and practical support during moments of distress.

Our approach centers dignity, respect, and non‑judgment—meeting people where they are and helping them move toward safety and stability.

What You’ll Do

• Provide empathetic, nonjudgmental crisis intervention via chat, and SMS text
• Conduct suicide risk and behavioral health assessments and support de‑escalation
• Collaborate with on‑shift clinicians to ensure safety when higher‑level intervention is needed
• Develop safety and action plans with individuals in crisis
• Connect callers to appropriate community resources and crisis response partners
• Accurately document interactions in the electronic health record
• Follow established 988 Lifeline protocols and performance standards
• Contribute to shared team goals for response times, availability, and quality care

Requirements

What We’re Looking For:

We’re seeking candidates who bring both skill and heart to this work.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED plus four (4) years of full‑time behavioral health experience, or a combination of education and experience (Bachelor’s degree + 1 year Behavioral Health experience, Associate degree + 2 years Behavioral Health experience)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask across multiple software platforms in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to remain focused and grounded during emotionally intense conversations
• Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential required by the end of the probationary period. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of hire. Crisis Connections will reimburse the cost of obtaining the credential.
• Crisis intervention or suicide prevention experience
• Behavioral health or contact center experience

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge of the King County and Washington State public mental health system

Technology & Work Environment

• Must reside in Washington, Arizona, Ohio, or Texas
• Reliable high‑speed internet (wired connection require; no hotspots or satellite)
• Smartphone capable of using Microsoft Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Quiet, private workspace suitable for confidential conversations
• Ability to sit and use a headset for extended periods

A brief computer skills assessment is required as part of the hiring process. Accommodations are available upon request.

Our Commitment to Inclusion:

Thriving employees create a thriving mission. Crisis Connections is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value lived experience and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.