Hybrid Text Line Counselor

at CRISIS SUPPORT SERVICES OF ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Job title: Text Line Counselor
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Junior
• Salary: $25 per hour
• Degree requirement: Associate's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Oakland, United States

About the role

• Counselor providing crisis intervention through text on Alameda County Text Line and 988 Lifeline. Engage with diverse communities and support mental health needs remotely and onsite.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct service on our Alameda County Text Line and the 988 Text Line
• Respond to third party texters and chat visitors
• Provide outreach support to high risk contacts via phone call and text
• Actively engage with teammates during shift
• Accurately document staff hours in timesheets and MAA sheets.
• Document contact notes for each and every chat and text session
• Utilize consultation as required
• After consultation with a supervisor, make outreach contacts and referrals to CPS, APS, and emergency services in a timely manner for mandated reporting and imminent risk situations.
• Refer texters presenting with medium-high risk for suicide to the follow-up program
• Connect texters in crisis with the appropriate level of care
• Participate in weekly pod supervision
• Maintain confidentiality of other counselors and text/chat visitors
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• One year of mental health work experience required.
• One year of crisis line text or phone counseling experience preferred - including completion of crisis line training.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's or bachelor’s degree in a social science or closely-related field is preferred. This may be substituted for comparable work experience.
• Must complete Background Check (DoJ) and LiveScan.
• Must live within a 100 mile radius of Oakland, CA 94609.
• Must be able to commute onsite to fulfill the role's onsite requirements.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (Fully vaccinated is defined as having received both initial doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine OR the single dose of the Jansen vaccine.) Or have a valid religious or medical exemption.
• Must have access to a secure internet connection, a computer with camera, a mobile phone, and a private space for taking text sessions, making calls, and attending meetings. Or be able to work fully onsite to accommodate any of these needs.

Benefits

• Employees who work more than 20hrs/week are eligible for medical, dental, and retirement plans.