988 Crisis Counselor - Part Time [Talent Pool

988 Suicide and Crisis Line Phone Crisis Counselor

As a 988 Suicide and Crisis Line Phone Crisis Counselor, you will play a crucial role in providing immediate support and intervention for individuals experiencing emotional distress and mental health crises. Operating within the framework of a national suicide and crisis hotline, you will offer empathetic listening, crisis intervention, and resources to access more support. This position demands strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

This role may be demanding and requires continuous multitasking and the ability to think and work quickly on the computer using various apps and platforms.

This is an evergreen job posting. We regularly hire for this role, and we maintain a strong pipeline of talent to support growing needs. There may not be an immediate opening at the time you apply, but we review applications on a rolling basis and will reach out as vacancies arise.

By applying, you are joining our talent pool for future opportunities aligned with your experience and interest. We appreciate your commitment to NAMI Chicago's mission and may contact you for next steps as hiring needs evolve.

Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for our community, and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental health journey.

An employer who prioritizes your wellness

An employer who supports your growth

An employer who sees and acknowledges all of you

An employer who educates and advocates for mental health while sharing hope with those on their mental health journey or supporting individuals on their mental health journey

Highly empathetic

Detail-oriented and organized

Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills

Provide crisis intervention:
Respond to incoming calls to the 988 Lifeline, offering immediate support and intervention for individuals in emotional distress while following the 988 Lifeline Suicide Safety Policy standards.

Active Listening:
Practice empathetic listening skills to understand callers' emotions, concerns, and needs.

Assessment:
Conduct assessments of callers' safety and level of risk, utilizing established protocols and guidelines such as the 988 Lifeline's Safety Assessment Model with the assessment of the Four Core Principles of Safety Assessment. This may involve supporting a person who is at imminent risk of harm to self or others.

Crisis De-escalation:
Utilize de-escalation techniques to help callers regain a sense of control and stability during times of crisis.

Safety Planning:
Collaborate with callers to develop safety plans, identifying coping strategies and supportive resources to manage crises effectively.

Empowerment:
Empower individuals to explore their own strengths and coping mechanisms, fostering a sense of agency and resilience.

Resource Referrals:
Offer access to appropriate mental health services, including mobile crisis teams, emergency departments and community resources using a vetted referral list provided by NAMI Chicago.

Documentation:
Using NAMI Chicago's client record management system, maintain accurate and confidential records of all interactions with callers, adhering to privacy regulations and organizational policies. Systems require significant computer use and skills.

Confidentiality:
Respects each caller's privacy rights under HIPAA and other applicable laws and regulations.

Follow-up:
Schedule and/or make follow-up contact with help seekers for continued support at a date and time collaborated on by a crisis counselor and help seeker.

Collaboration:

Coordinate with other crisis response professionals, including mental health clinicians, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel, to ensure comprehensive support for callers.

Adherence to Protocols:
Follow established protocols and procedures for crisis intervention, documentation, and escalation of emergencies.

Continuous Training:
Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance crisis intervention skills and stay updated on best practices for crisis support.

Communication and Teamwork:
Communicate effectively and frequently throughout shift with supervisors and crisis team staff; can promptly alert supervisor of concerns and seek guidance/support when needed. Embodies NAMI Chicago's team approach by participating in on-shift huddles, weekly coaching sessions, team and organizational meetings, supporting co-workers, and attending scheduled trainings.

Wellness:
Be an active participant in your wellness plan and effectively communicate your need for support. Adhere to the organization's Wellness policy.

Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling or other related fields required;
Master's preferred

In lieu of the education requirement, a minimum of four years of professional experience providing counseling and case management…