What are the responsibilities and job description for the Crisis Counselor position at REAL Crisis Intervention, Inc.?
Crisis Counselor – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
REAL Crisis Intervention, Inc.
Full-Time | 8-Hour Shifts | Fixed Schedule | On-Site Position
REAL Crisis Intervention is seeking dependable, emotionally mature, and team-oriented individuals to serve as Crisis Counselors supporting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Please read the entire job posting before applying.
This is a position with significant responsibility. Crisis Counselors communicate with individuals who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health crises, or other difficult and potentially life-threatening situations. The ability to remain calm, think critically, follow established procedures, document accurately, and work effectively as part of a team is essential.
Schedule & Attendance Expectations
REAL Crisis Intervention operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
This includes weekends, holidays, and periods of inclement weather.
Crisis Counselors work 8-hour shifts on a fixed schedule. Because our crisis services must remain staffed around the clock, applicants should carefully consider their availability, transportation, family obligations, and ability to consistently report for their assigned shift before applying.
This is not a position in which schedules can routinely be changed based on personal availability.
What Crisis Counselors Do
Crisis Counselors are trained to respond appropriately and compassionately to individuals experiencing a wide variety of crises. Responsibilities include:
- Answering crisis contacts and providing appropriate support and intervention
- Assessing situations and using critical-thinking skills to determine appropriate next steps
- Following established 988 Lifeline standards, agency procedures, and safety protocols
- Completing accurate and timely computer documentation
- Managing multiple tasks while remaining attentive to the individual in crisis
- Problem-solving in situations where there may not be an immediate or simple solution
- Communicating effectively with supervisors and fellow Crisis Counselors
- Accepting coaching, constructive criticism, and performance feedback
- Participating fully in ongoing training and skill development
- Contributing to a supportive, professional, and team-oriented work environment
This Is a Learned Skill
Previous crisis-line experience is not required.
Crisis counseling is a learned skill, and extensive training is provided. However, successful employees must be willing to learn, practice, receive feedback, make adjustments, and continue developing their skills.
Applicants should be comfortable being coached and receiving constructive criticism. Feedback is an important part of training and continued professional development in this position.
We are looking for individuals who can say, “I don't know yet, but I am willing to learn.”
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate degree required
- Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field preferred
- Strong computer literacy and ability to learn multiple documentation systems
- Ability to type and document information accurately while actively communicating
- Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Dependable attendance and punctuality
- Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Ability to accept supervision, coaching, constructive criticism, and feedback
Who Will Be Successful in This Position?
This position may be a good fit for someone who is dependable, compassionate, calm under pressure, comfortable with technology, able to think independently while following established protocols, and genuinely interested in helping people during difficult moments.
Being compassionate alone is not enough. Successful Crisis Counselors must also be reliable, accountable, trainable, detail-oriented, and able to make sound decisions under pressure.
Because callers depend on us during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, every person on our team must understand the importance of showing up, being prepared, continuing to learn, and supporting the team around them.
Please apply only if you have carefully considered the schedule requirements and responsibilities of this position and believe you can make a consistent commitment to this work.
Pay: From $32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $32,000