What are the responsibilities and job description for the 988 Crisis Counselor position at First Choice Services?
Who is First Choice Services? – There’s a Helpline for That!
First Choice Services is a non-profit operating several FREE programs and helplines across multiple states with the common goal of making behavioral health and social services easier to access and navigate. And we do all of this from our beautiful office in Charleston, WV!
What are we looking for in a candidate?
We are looking for kind, empathetic, and driven candidates who want to help others, and be a part of a growing team of hard-working and awesome individuals. We are looking for candidates who have a strong desire to help those who are struggling and maintain warmth and patience in tough situations. We need you to have passion for helping others in the areas of suicide prevention, mental health, and addiction.
What does a Crisis Counselor do?
Our Crisis Counselors answer 988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) calls, chats, and texts. We help “visitors” by providing supportive services to help individuals regain a sense of safety, return to their normal level of functioning, and/or access ongoing treatment services as needed. Candidates will provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention support and brief supportive counseling to callers who are experiencing emotional crisis. This requires empathy, patience, active listening to understand the caller’s needs, strong customer service skills, and attention to detail.
What are some of the essential functions?
- Answer incoming calls, chats or texts;
- Input call/chat/text reports into appropriate systems
- Documenting the visitor’s interactions into the appropriate systems
- Conducting follow-up calls when appropriate
What are the requirements for the positions?
- High School Diploma or equivalent, required. Four-year degree in social or behavioral health services field (licensure given special consideration) preferred.
- Strong Emotional Fortitude
- High level of self-awareness as to whether this position is the right fit for YOU!
- Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen (post-offer).
- Ability to work shift assigned.
- Reliable transportation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Continuous computer work, so candidates must have some computer and typing skills.
Benefits!
- Second-chance employer
- Large long-term recovery population
- Competitive wages
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Basic and voluntary life insurance
- Paid time off package
- Floating holiday
- Holiday pay
- 401(k) with company match after 1 year of service
- Rewarding work in a fun work environment with fantastic people
- Massage chairs, quiet rooms, and VR headsets
- Outreach Opportunities
- Discounted gym membership with the YMCA
- Employee engagement events
We are an equal opportunity employer! Come join our team!
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