Introduction to blithequark
blithequark is a leading nonprofit behavioral health system dedicated to delivering care that changes people's lives. With thousands of employees and a dynamic, well-established presence, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve individuals of all ages in a variety of settings. Our mission is built on a foundation of respect, expertise, integrity, and empowerment, guiding every interaction and decision we make. As a remote member of our 24/7/365 mental health crisis/suicide prevention team, you will play a vital role in providing critical support to those in need.
Job Overview
This is a unique opportunity to join a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. As a 988 Chat/Text Crisis Specialist, you will be responsible for handling incoming chat and text messages through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL), also known as 988. Your expertise will be utilized to provide brief clinical screenings, risk assessments, and appropriate service linkage for individuals experiencing emotional distress. While interactions begin online, you may also support telephonic intervention if an individual prefers or needs continued support to ensure safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Provides telephonic or chat clinical screenings and risk assessments to identify individuals at risk of suicide or in need of immediate support.
- Answers crisis contacts via the chat/text platform to assess for suicide, safety, and identify appropriate community resources to best meet individual needs.
- Conducts follow-up calls for individuals deemed moderate to high risk for suicide, ensuring ongoing support and connection to necessary resources.
- Meets the ethical and clinical standards in compliance with all accreditation, maintaining the highest level of professionalism and expertise.
- Actively participates in ongoing supervision, training, and team meetings to ensure continuous growth and development.
- Assists in administrative tasks as needed, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the team.
Essential Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- A Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field; or certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist.
- Six months to one year of related crisis experience is preferred, with a strong foundation in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate via written, verbal, in-person, and virtual methods.
- Demonstrated high-level customer service skills and professional etiquette, with a commitment to providing compassionate and supportive care.
- Knowledge of suicide assessments and skill in providing crisis intervention, with the ability to think critically and make sound judgments in high-pressure situations.
Preferred Qualifications
While not required, the following qualifications are preferred:
- Experience working in a crisis or mental health setting, with a strong understanding of community resources and support services.
- Certification in crisis intervention or a related field, with a commitment to ongoing education and professional development.
- Experience working with diverse populations, with a strong cultural competence and ability to provide sensitive and supportive care.
Skills and Competencies
To excel in this role, you will need:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and make sound judgments in high-pressure situations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with individuals in crisis and provide compassionate and supportive care.
- A strong foundation in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, with the ability to provide expert support and guidance to individuals in need.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong commitment to collaboration and teamwork.
Career Growth and Development
At blithequark, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees. As a 988 Chat/Text Crisis Specialist, you will have access to ongoing training and supervision, as well as opportunities for professional development and advancement. Our goal is to support your career goals and provide a challenging and rewarding work environment that allows you to thrive.
Work Environment and Company Culture
blithequark is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, expertise, integrity, and empowerment, guiding every interaction and decision we make. As an employee, you will be part of a dynamic and dedicated team that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.
Compensation and Benefits
blithequark offers a competitive compensation package, including:
- A salary range of $19.10 - $26.80 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision health coverage, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and a 403b retirement plan with company match.
- Paid time off and ten paid holidays, as well as access to employee resource groups and continuing education opportunities.
- Employee assistance program and access to mental health resources, because we care about the well-being of our employees.
Conclusion
If you are a compassionate and supportive individual with a passion for crisis intervention and suicide prevention, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a 988 Chat/Text Crisis Specialist at blithequark, you will be part of a dynamic and dedicated team that is making a difference in the lives of others. Join us in our mission to deliver care that changes people's lives, and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career in mental health crisis support.
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