Volunteers of America Western Washington
988 Crisis Counselor I (64047)
Volunteers of America Western Washington, Everett, Washington, us, 98213
988 Crisis Counselor I (64047)
Join to apply for the 988 Crisis Counselor I role at Volunteers of America Western Washington.
About VOAWW Volunteers of America Western Washington is a non‑profit organization operating in Western Washington for over 125 years. Our Christian roots drive us to put our faith into action for the benefit of every member of the community. We celebrate our unique perspectives and lived experiences that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other. VOAWW is officially a designated CARE trauma‑informed organization.
Role Overview This full‑time, hourly position provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, information and referral, and brief supportive counseling services to clients contacting 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by phone. The staff work in a remote or in‑person call center setting, completing all interactions by telephone. The 988 Crisis Counselor I staff are responsible for utilizing Lifeline Best Practices for clients at risk for suicide, including a thorough safety assessment, validation, emotional support, safety planning, and initiating emergency interventions and reporting procedures as needed. The position also refers callers to regional crisis lines as appropriate.
Principal Activities
Provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and brief supportive counseling to clients in emotional distress and/or considering suicide.
Conduct safety assessments of clients according to agency/department policies, funding and accreditation requirements, and Lifeline Best Practices.
Manage interactions with clients to ensure appropriate level of support is provided efficiently.
Operate within legal requirements of state and federal laws including HIPAA, mandated reporting, Tarasoff Duty to Warn, and other applicable laws.
Consult with 988 Crisis Shift Leads and Master’s level Crisis Shift Managers on compliance issues.
Accurately, ethically, and efficiently document all client interactions.
Consistently meet or exceed established key performance indicator goals.
Utilize current technologies to interact with clients and members of the community.
Utilize Microsoft Teams to engage with remote staff and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Crisis Shift Leads.
Attend staff meetings and trainings designed to increase clinical skills and encourage professional development.
Act as mentor and coach to new staff.
Provide back‑up coverage to other Regional Crisis Line and 988 programs as needed.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.
At least one (1) year of experience in a healthcare contact center and/or in mental health counseling.
Experience in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and/or mental health information and referral services preferred.
Comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a collegial environment.
Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration required within 30 days of employment, and must remain in active status.
Ability to adapt and be flexible to changes in protocol and program needs.
Required Skills
Fluency in the English language (oral and written).
Courteous, empathic, and professional manner.
Knowledge of Motivational interviewing techniques.
Active listening skills to establish collaborative relationships with clients.
Efficiency with information‑gathering and problem‑solving to facilitate positive call resolutions.
Superior communication skills to convey information clearly, accurately, and completely.
Ability to simultaneously talk and type while using multiple screens and windows.
Demonstrated respect for diversity.
Ability to quickly and accurately document chart notes in an electronic medical record.
Efficiency with balancing pace and flow of conversation and call time.
Benefits (Full Time)
Vacation up to 200 hours, sick time up to 108.64 hours.
Competitive compensation.
8 paid holidays per year + 2 paid floating holidays.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Flexible Savings Account (FSA) for medical & dependent care.
Free Employee Assistance program.
403(b) retirement plan matching.
Professional development opportunities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment‑related decisions are made without consideration of individuals’ race, sex, age, national origin, disability status or any other protected characteristic.
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About VOAWW Volunteers of America Western Washington is a non‑profit organization operating in Western Washington for over 125 years. Our Christian roots drive us to put our faith into action for the benefit of every member of the community. We celebrate our unique perspectives and lived experiences that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other. VOAWW is officially a designated CARE trauma‑informed organization.
Role Overview This full‑time, hourly position provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, information and referral, and brief supportive counseling services to clients contacting 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by phone. The staff work in a remote or in‑person call center setting, completing all interactions by telephone. The 988 Crisis Counselor I staff are responsible for utilizing Lifeline Best Practices for clients at risk for suicide, including a thorough safety assessment, validation, emotional support, safety planning, and initiating emergency interventions and reporting procedures as needed. The position also refers callers to regional crisis lines as appropriate.
Principal Activities
Provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and brief supportive counseling to clients in emotional distress and/or considering suicide.
Conduct safety assessments of clients according to agency/department policies, funding and accreditation requirements, and Lifeline Best Practices.
Manage interactions with clients to ensure appropriate level of support is provided efficiently.
Operate within legal requirements of state and federal laws including HIPAA, mandated reporting, Tarasoff Duty to Warn, and other applicable laws.
Consult with 988 Crisis Shift Leads and Master’s level Crisis Shift Managers on compliance issues.
Accurately, ethically, and efficiently document all client interactions.
Consistently meet or exceed established key performance indicator goals.
Utilize current technologies to interact with clients and members of the community.
Utilize Microsoft Teams to engage with remote staff and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Crisis Shift Leads.
Attend staff meetings and trainings designed to increase clinical skills and encourage professional development.
Act as mentor and coach to new staff.
Provide back‑up coverage to other Regional Crisis Line and 988 programs as needed.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.
At least one (1) year of experience in a healthcare contact center and/or in mental health counseling.
Experience in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and/or mental health information and referral services preferred.
Comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a collegial environment.
Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration required within 30 days of employment, and must remain in active status.
Ability to adapt and be flexible to changes in protocol and program needs.
Required Skills
Fluency in the English language (oral and written).
Courteous, empathic, and professional manner.
Knowledge of Motivational interviewing techniques.
Active listening skills to establish collaborative relationships with clients.
Efficiency with information‑gathering and problem‑solving to facilitate positive call resolutions.
Superior communication skills to convey information clearly, accurately, and completely.
Ability to simultaneously talk and type while using multiple screens and windows.
Demonstrated respect for diversity.
Ability to quickly and accurately document chart notes in an electronic medical record.
Efficiency with balancing pace and flow of conversation and call time.
Benefits (Full Time)
Vacation up to 200 hours, sick time up to 108.64 hours.
Competitive compensation.
8 paid holidays per year + 2 paid floating holidays.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Flexible Savings Account (FSA) for medical & dependent care.
Free Employee Assistance program.
403(b) retirement plan matching.
Professional development opportunities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment‑related decisions are made without consideration of individuals’ race, sex, age, national origin, disability status or any other protected characteristic.
#J-18808-Ljbffr