Chat and Text Crisis Counselor

DeafLEAD is a nonprofit organization that was founded to provide Deaf and hard of hearing individuals comprehensive, unified, and continuous support in enhancing their own socioemotional development, communication skills, and leadership through education within the state of Missouri.

American Sign Language Fluency is not required for this position. Crisis counselors will have the opportunity to participate in DeafLEAD’s internal American Sign Language classes.

At DeafLEAD, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where individuals of all backgrounds and identities can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents enrich our organization and enable us to better serve our consumers. As a Deaf services agency, we specifically encourage Deaf individuals to apply for and become part of our passionate team.

DeafLEAD is looking to hire full-time (40 hours a week) crisis counselors to join an exciting, supportive, and engaging team that provides crisis intervention services as part of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline chat and text network. This position would be worked remotely.

DeafLEAD offers crisis chat and text services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

Primary responsibilities and duties:

• Follow DeafLEAD’s policies and procedures
• Believe in DeafLEAD’s philosophy and goals as stated in Summary of Organization
• Provide emotional support and crisis management services via the Lifeline chat/text network
• Develop action plans and safety plans with everyone who visits the chat/text line
• Notify child abuse services when appropriate
• Notify emergency services or mobile crisis response for intervention when appropriate
• Complete assigned follow ups with crisis line visitors via text, email, or phone call if applicable
• Ensure documentation of all chats and texts is completed accurately and thoroughly
• Attend quarterly evaluations with the Quality Improvement team, and additional evaluations as needed
• Attend all monthly agency in-service meetings
• Successfully complete all Lifeline required trainings annually, as well as other trainings and certifications as assigned.
• Consult with Shift Supervisor, Senior Crisis Counselors, Program Managers, and Program Director as needed regarding questionable cases
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Other Requirements:

• Must complete DeafLEAD’s crisis intervention training
• Minimum age of 18
• Caring and empathetic person
• Exceptional English writing and reading comprehension skills
• Ability to remain calm in crisis situations
• Ability to successfully multi-task
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in psychology, social work, or related field preferred, but not required
• Previous experience working in crisis management or mental health preferred, but not required
• An ability to work with people of various race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
• Ability to attend all training dates for one of the training weeks with no conflicts (see Training section below).
• Access to reliable internet and a desktop or laptop computer that can both utilize Zoom and a web browser simultaneously (Google Chrome recommended). Phones and tablets are not appropriate devices to conduct chat and text counselor responsibilities at DeafLEAD.
• Applicants must have access to a private workspace ensuring confidentiality and freedom from external distractions, where others cannot see or overhear the content of their work.
• Must be able to pass a background check

Training

• Hired applicants will be expected to attend and complete DeafLEAD's crisis line training. Following training, counselors will complete a minimum of 16 hours of shadowing senior crisis counselors on crisis chat/text shifts.
• Crisis Counselor trainings will take place October 10 - 16. Trainings are Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM CST during the time period outlined. Upon hiring, a more detailed training agenda will be provided prior to the start of the training period.

Immediate Supervisor:

• Chat and Text Operations Managers

Compensation:

• From $16 to $20 per hour for hours worked between 7 AM and 11 PM CST (based on previous experience)
• From $20 to $25 per hour for hours worked between 11 PM and 7 AM CST (based on previous experience)
• Full-time Crisis Counselors are eligible for health insurance benefits
• Both full and part-time counselors are eligible for Paid Time Off

DeafLEAD ** hires remote candidates in the following states: **

AL, AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MN, MO, MS, NJ, NM, NV, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, and WI.