Are you a compassionate and empathetic individual with a passion for helping others in crisis? Do you have a strong foundation in mental health services and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those struggling with emotional distress? If so, we invite you to join arenaflex as an Online Chat Text Counselor for our 988 Crisis Support Services. As a member of our team, you will play a vital role in providing emotional support, crisis intervention, and resources to individuals in need, while working in a dynamic and supportive environment that values your growth and well-being.
**About arenaflex**
arenaflex is a leading provider of crisis support services, dedicated to delivering high-quality care to individuals in emotional distress. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can receive the help they need to navigate life's challenges. With a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, we strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
**Job Summary**
As an Online Chat Text Counselor for arenaflex's 988 Crisis Support Services, you will be responsible for providing crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to individuals in need through our online chat and text services. You will work closely with a team of professionals to ensure that individuals receive the support they need to navigate crisis situations, while maintaining a high level of quality assurance and adhering to our agency's policies and procedures.
**Key Responsibilities**
* Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to individuals in emotional distress through our online chat and text services
* Conduct thorough assessments of each chat/text visitor to determine the appropriate means of intervention
* Complete risk assessments, safety planning, de-escalation, and follow-up with chat visitors
* Establish good rapport with a wide range of chat/text visitors and provide crisis intervention counseling
* Intervene with suicidal chat/text visitors, including making assessments and taking appropriate action, as well as tracing IP addresses and coordinating with emergency responders when active rescue is required
* Provide information and referral to visitors as appropriate, while maintaining a high level of knowledge of local and statewide community resources
* Complete thorough documentation for all crisis chat/text, including real-time documentation
* Meet or exceed quality evaluation standards, including a minimum of 75% on the quality evaluation and an answer rate of 85% within the first 5 weeks
* Participate in weekly supervision and quality evaluation processes
* Work independently with confidence, as well as work as an integral part of a team of professionals
* Maintain a high level of flexibility and adaptability to varying situations and coverage needs
* Adhere to schedules based upon call center needs and consistently adhere to call center program policies and procedures
* Skilled in the use of technology, including telephones, computers, software, and email
* Arrive on shift on time and properly attired
* Assist in training new Crisis Chat staff
* Meet with Crisis Chat Supervisors and Program Manager regularly to discuss program operations, concerns, and potential improvements
**Secondary Responsibilities**
* Ability to report on-site on an as-needed basis
* Other duties as assigned, required, or needed
**Agency-wide Responsibilities**
* Participate in supervision, in-service training, and staff meetings
* Maintain good working relationships with co-workers and positively contribute to group morale
* Complete all administrative duties, including time sheets, leave requests, etc. on time
* Use appropriate channels of communication to resolve conflicts with other staff
* Interact with staff, clients, and visitors in a professional and courteous manner
**Education and Experience**
* Bachelor's Degree required, Master's degree in counseling, Social Work, or mental health-related field preferred
* Bachelor's Degree from an accredited school with a minimum of 120 college credits, Master's degree from an accredited school with a minimum of 30 graduate school credits
* Transcript or copy of degree(s) required
* 1 year of experience in mental health services, preferably in crisis intervention services, suicide prevention, and intervention
* Computer skills with various software, including Microsoft Products, proficient skills required
**Skills and Abilities**
* Excellent oral and written communication skills
* Ability to function successfully in an environment requiring immediate response to urgent situations
* Knowledge of and familiarity with local and statewide community resources
* Analytical and problem-solving skills
* Computer skills with various software and the internet
**Work Conditions**
* Share office space with Crisis Chat Counselors
* Holiday and evening coverage required, depending on scheduled shifts
* Hours are flexible to meet program needs
* Must be able to lift 25lbs
**Grassroots Rewards & Incentives**
arenaflex offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
* 100% coverage of expenses for licensure and/or renewal, CEUs, professional trainings, and field certifications
* Instant wage increases for certifications achieved while employed
* $250 hiring bonus for full completion of onboarding and HR trainings
* $500 retention bonus
* Small loan option at 0% interest for 1 year
**Equal Opportunity Employer**
arenaflex is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
**Ready to Apply?**
If you are a motivated individual ready to contribute to a thriving team, we encourage you to apply now! We are excited to review your application.