988 Chat & Text Counselor - Remote

988 Chat & Text Counselor (Olympic Suicide Prevention Center)

This is a fully remote position. We have two different schedules available, each totaling 20 hours per week. 

Schedule 1: Saturday and Sunday: 1 AM – 9 AM, Monday: 5 AM – 9 AM PST

Schedule 2: Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday: 2 PM – 6 PM PST

The pay for this position is $24.00 per hour with a $3.00 overnight differential. 

This role requires a three-week 40-hour per week training at the start of employment. 

Our work schedules are subject to change as necessary to meet the Agency’s and its client's needs. Reasonable notice is provided to facilitate personal planning.  

About Didi Hirsch 

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has been a national leader in whole-person mental health, crisis care, and substance use services since 1942 and is home to the nation’s first Suicide Prevention Center. We are a nonprofit organization providing care to nearly 200,000 people annually across our programs. Didi Hirsch has deep roots in community-based mental health and a commitment to providing culturally responsive services that are just and equitable.  

As an organization, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. More than 1,000 dedicated employees and volunteers make Didi Hirsch’s work possible. We intentionally recruit and retain a workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve and strive to cultivate a sense of belonging for them. We embrace employees and candidates from all backgrounds who want to help make this vision a reality.   

Summary

As a Chat & Text Counselor, you will provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to help-seekers through Crisis Chat and Text services. Operating in a fully remote capacity with an option to work on-site, you will play a critical role in delivering compassionate and effective support during moments of crisis. This position emphasizes maintaining high-quality standards in all interactions to ensure help-seekers receive the best possible care and guidance. By actively listening, assessing needs, and providing appropriate resources, you will make a meaningful impact on individuals seeking assistance.

 

Primary Duties

• Offers crisis-counseling services via chat and text.
• Completes risk assessment, safety planning, de-escalation, and follow-up with Chat/Text visitors.
• Serves as a mandated reporter in cases of suspected abuse or neglect.
• Is familiar with resources and providing information and referrals to visitors as appropriate.
• Maintains accurate and detailed chat/text reports. Documentation must be completed in real time.
• Completes 1.5 chats/texts per hour (on average).
• Fulfills continuing education requirements as requested or required for the agency and the Suicide Prevention Center program.
• Assists in the training process of new counselors.
• Participates in community outreach events such as resources tables and presentation about suicide prevention as needed.
• Attends routinely scheduled meetings for the Suicide Prevention Center.

 

Position Requirements

• Possess a high school Diploma or equivalent.
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have high speed internet with an active Ethernet connection, and a quiet/confidential workspace.
• Be empathetic, flexible, and adaptable to varying situations.
• Have open availability and flexibility to work within the Chat/Text program’s operating hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Be reliable and able to adhere to schedules based upon Chat/Text program needs
• Complete yearly trainings as required by Lifeline.
• Have knowledge of all job specific skills including risk assessment, data collection, and chat/text triage.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and can positively interact with others.
• Have outstanding communication skills with the ability to engage any individual regardless of background.
• Exceptional at multi-tasking and time management, able to drive multiple pieces of work forward simultaneously while meeting all deadlines.
• Goal-oriented team player with strong experience working in large and complex syst