988 LGBTQI+ Youth Online Crisis Counselor II (61409)

About VOAWW:

Volunteers of America Western Washington 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 and lived experiences that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other. Volunteers of America Western Washington is officially a designated CARE trauma informed organization.

Benefits (Full time)

• Vacation and Sick Time: Vacation up to 200 hours, Sick time up to 108.64 hours
• Competitive compensation
• Holidays: 8 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

About Care Crisis Response Services (CCRS):

CCRS is a 24/7 crisis center offering suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and professional consultation services, including behavioral health evaluations. We provide brief crisis counseling and help clients identify appropriate services for their behavioral health crises. Our operations include regional and 988 crisis lines across Washington State.

General Function:

This full-time, hourly position primarily involves answering online chats and texts from 988/The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline under the LGBTQI+ Youth subnetwork. The Online Crisis Counselor provides non-judgmental, empathetic emotional support using crisis intervention and suicide prevention techniques during online exchanges with visitors in crisis. Responsibilities also include welcoming and coaching new counselors, providing support and consultation to them as needed, and performing imminent risk and mandated reporting procedures according to policy. Additional duties may be assigned by the Program Coordinator.

Principal Activities:

• Answer incoming chats and texts, providing crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and brief supportive counseling to clients in emotional distress or at risk of suicide
• Deliver trauma-informed care to clients accessing the LGBTQI+ Youth Chat & Text service
• Conduct safety assessments following agency policies, funding, accreditation requirements, and Lifeline Best Practices
• Manage client interactions efficiently, ensuring appropriate support is provided
• Initiate police intervention if a visitor is at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others
• Adhere to legal requirements, including HIPAA confidentiality and mandated reporting (e.g., CPS, APS referrals, Tarasoff Duty to Warn)
• Collaborate with the online crisis counselor team and Shift Leads on complex cases
• Consult with Shift L