Type : Part-Time
Reports to : 988 Crisis Supervisor
Office Location : Fully remote position. Must be based in the Chicago area and available to come to the Chicago office (224 W. Hill Street Suite 410 Chicago IL) as requested for in-person trainings and meetings.
Shifts Available
Evening Shift Friday Saturday & Sunday 3 : 45 PM 12 : 15 AM
Overnight Shift Sunday Thursday & and Saturday 11 : 45 PM - 8 : 15 AM
Background
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.
Who We Are :
An employer who prioritizes your wellnessAn employer who supports your growthAn employer who sees and acknowledges all of youAn 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 journeyWho We Are Looking For :
Highly empatheticDetail-oriented and organizedExcellent relationship management and interpersonal skillsGeneral Job Description :
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.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities :
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 Lifelines 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 Chicagos 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 callers 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 Chicagos 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 organizations Wellness policy.Other duties as assignedRequirements
Education and Experience :
Bachelors degree in social work Psychology Counseling or other related fields required; Masters preferredIn lieu of the education requirement a minimum of four years of professional experience providing counseling and case management services to individuals / families experiencing homelessness or other related populations may be considered.Minimum of 1-5 years of relevant experience providing counseling crisis or case management with individuals or families experiencing behavioral health crisis (i.e. suicidal ideations psychotic presentations SUD / OUD etc.).Experience in telephonic outreach crisis and case management.Familiar with community resources and how to work with law enforcement and other community organizations (i.e. Hospitals outpatient clinics etc.).Experience with vulnerable populations.Essential Knowledge Skills and Abilities :
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with individuals in distress.Excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Including a clear and expressive speaking voice.Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-stress environment.Ability to work effectively and stay focused in an environment with regular interruptions.Ability to be flexible adaptable and able to function successfully in an environment requiring immediate response to urgent situations.Exhibits empathy compassion and a non-judgmental attitude towards individuals experiencing mental health crises with a commitment to serving underrepresented and vulnerable populations including social and racial / ethnic minorities as well as those living with mental illnesses and / or substance use disorders.Willing to work in a diverse environment regarding race ethnicity culture sexual orientation and gender.Familiarity with Chicagoland resources and mental health services.Excellent self-awareness and commitment to prioritizing your wellness.Exceptional ability to multi-task and excellent organizational skills. This includes attention to detail problem-solving and time management.Welcomed Qualifications :
Previous experience at a suicide and crisis hotlineCertification in crisis intervention or suicide preventionStrong computer and technology skills. You will be working across several different platforms simultaneously and a strong foundation will make adjusting and troubleshooting platforms easier.Typing speed of at least 35-40 WPMCurrent ASIST or SafeTALK certification (In-house SafeTALK training provided quarterly)Other Information
Working Conditions : NAMI Chicago 988 Lifeline Phone Crisis Counselors work in a remote environment. The role may involve sitting for extended periods and using telephone and computer equipment. The role involves extended periods of looking at digital device screens. The demanding nature of this work requires prioritizing self-care and being an advocate for your own wellbeing. Breaks are mandatory to comply with labor laws and to ensure Crisis Counselors get the reprieve they need to be successful. This role requires a degree of flexibility with your availability and time during your scheduled shift (i.e. break times may vary if you are interacting with a person in crisis at the time of your scheduled break).
Other :
Attend quarterly all team meeting on the first Monday of the first month of the quarter (July October January and April) from 3-4 PM.During the second and third month of every quarter attend one virtual team meeting on the first Monday from 3-4 PM or second Thursday from 8-9 AM.Must have a private confidential space to work from in your home that is free of distractions for the duration of your shift. Must be able to work over a private secure password protected internet connection with a minimum speed of 300 Mbps (10 Mbps upload).Base Rate : $24 / hour
NAMI Chicago is an inclusive employer we welcome and encourage BIPOC LGBTQ Veterans Differently Abled Returning Citizens and All Who Are Dedicated to Mental Health to Apply.
Key Skills
Bidding,Apps,Benefits,Corporate Recruitment,Android Development
Employment Type : Part-Time
Experience : years
Vacancy : 1