Program: Central Coast Hotline -Santa Barbara County

Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated individual like you to join our team as a Crisis Line Specialist. If you have a passion for helping others, are a good listener, and want to make a significant impact on people’s lives, this is the perfect opportunity for you. As a Crisis Line Specialist, you’ll be an essential lifeline for those facing emotional distress and navigating difficult situations.

Position Summary

The Central Coast Hotline Crisis Line Specialist is a Part-Time position, including after hours and awake overnight shifts. The Hotline Crisis Line Specialist position answers calls from the public, including calls forwarded after-hours from SLO and Santa Barbara County Behavioral Health (Mental Health) and TMHA programs during designated periods. The Hotline Crisis Line Specialist offers support and encouragement to callers, refers them to mental health and related resources in the community and assesses for crises. Staff will be expected to support service teams with after-hours coverage, supporting clients in crisis and linking the service team, and other community supports such as mobile crisis where necessary. In the event that a caller is in a crisis, the staff will provide follow-up linkage to appropriate crisis intervention personnel. This position promotes recovery and wellness, encouraging callers in their self-care and coping skills using a trauma informed approach. The Crisis Line Specialist is also responsible for assisting the Program Manager in the operations of the call center, including volunteer scheduling and support, clerical tasks and documentation required by contracting agencies. The staff will uphold and promote the philosophy of TMHA in all duties performed.

Hours/ Salary

We are looking for a few part-time employees to work a minimum of 16 hours per week with the potential of up to 24 hours per week. Shifts are to be determined, however current shifts will be available during the times of overnights on weekends and weekdays between 12:00am and 8:00am, after hour’s weekend shifts between 8:00am-12:00am or weekday shifts between 4:00pm to 12:00am Anticipated hiring wage is $20.00-$22.00 per hour depending on education and/or experience.

(*Full Salary Schedule is $20.00-$22.00)
Experience and Skills:

Must be available to work designated after hours shifts and overnight shifts. Must be familiar and comfortable with using a computer. English/Spanish Bi-lingual preferred. Experience assisting individuals in a mental health crisis preferred. Training in suicide prevention/intervention preferred. Demonstrated ability to quickly develop rapport preferred. Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure. Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and oral/written communication skills; well defined organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently and flexibly. Ability to work effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level. Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices while acting in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business. Must be reliable, ethical, and work well with minimum supervision. Reliable transportation to and from work. Conditions of employment include: Must be at least 18 years of age. Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees. Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health. Comply with a T.B. assessment (possibly a TB test if needed to confirm a negative tuberculosis result) and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting. Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.
From: Transitions-Mental Health Association