Experienced Remote Crisis Chat and Text Specialist for Mental Health Support and Crisis Intervention

Introduction to blithequark

blithequark is a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide, promoting mental health, and providing support to individuals and communities in need. Our mission is to educate, train, and advocate for the prevention of issues related to substance abuse, mental illness, and thoughts of suicide, while offering personalized help and intervention when crises arise. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for our clients, and we are seeking a compassionate and skilled Remote Crisis Chat and Text Specialist to join our team.

Job Summary

As a Remote Crisis Chat and Text Specialist at blithequark, you will play a vital role in providing emotional support, assessment, crisis intervention, and treatment referrals to individuals in need. You will be responsible for responding to incoming chats and texts on our crisis and referral helplines, conducting research on community resources, and documenting interactions in an electronic health record system. If you are a empathetic and skilled individual with a passion for mental health support, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the culture of blithequark by modeling behavior that supports the organization's goals and philosophies
• Respond to crisis chats and texts with care and compassion, providing emotional support, assessment, crisis intervention, and treatment referrals to individuals in a consistent and non-judgmental manner
• Conduct thorough assessments of each individual's suicide risk, following established protocols and practices, and provide adequate and relevant safety/action planning
• Follow up on imminent risk chats to ensure emergency contact is made with individuals and confirm outcomes or re-engage as indicated
• Document interactions in an accurate and timely manner, including relevant clinical information, in an electronic health record system
• Conduct research on community resources, placing follow-up chats and texts to clients as scheduled by the shift supervisor
• Complete mandatory trainings and workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest policies, protocols, and crisis intervention tools and techniques
• Answer crisis calls as part of the training process and potentially during shifts, should the need arise
• Perform administrative and organizational tasks as needed

Essential Qualifications

• Able to meet Qualified Mental Health Associate requirements
• Crisis intervention knowledge and experience
• Mature, sensitive, emotionally stable, flexible, and adaptable to varying situations and coverage needs
• Strong empathy, communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills
• Able to handle high levels of stress and maintain a calm demeanor in crisis situations
• Proficient in the use of technology, including telephones, computers, software, and email
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot common technology issues
• Understanding of and ability to apply mental health assessment, treatment, and service terminology
• Able to implement skill development strategies and identify, implement, and coordinate services and supports
• Strong attendance and punctuality, with the ability to consistently show up on time and work scheduled shifts

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in psychology, social work, or a behavioral science field, or a CADC/Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a behavioral science field with relevant crisis intervention experience
• Veterans preferred
• ASIST certification
• CADC certification strongly preferred
• Experience in a call center environment

Training and Development

At blithequark, we are committed to providing our Remote Crisis Chat and Text Specialists with extensive training and development opportunities. Our comprehensive training program includes:

• 5 weeks of paid crisis lines onboarding training, which can be completed remotely
• 3 weeks of training from 8:30am-5:00pm Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, plus 2 weeks of additional precepting training
• Participation in group trainings, with full engagement and participation required
• Use of equipment provided, with private high-speed internet and a confidential workspace required

Work Schedule and Environment

Our crisis lines operate 24/7, and this position requires working some holidays and weekends. The work schedule will be determined at the time of offer, based on blithequark's crisis contact volume trends. All full-time employees are required to work at least one weekend shift per week.

We offer a range of shifts, including:

• 9 pm – 8 am Sat-Mon (10.5 hr shifts, 31.5 hrs) Pacific Time
• 9 pm – 8 am Wed-Fri (10.5 hr shifts, 31.5 hrs) Pacific Time
• 6 pm – 4 am Wed-Sat (9.5 hr shifts, 38 hrs) Pacific Time
• 5 pm – 4 am Thur-Sat (10.5 hr shifts, 31.5 hrs) Pacific Time
• 10 pm – 8 am Tue-Fri (9.5 hr shifts, 38 hrs) Pacific Time
• 3 pm – 2 am Sat-Mon (10.5 hr shifts, 31.5 hrs) Pacific Time
• 3 pm – 2 am Sun-Tue (10.5 hr shifts, 31.5 hrs) Pacific Time
• 3 pm – 2 am Thur-Sat (10.5 hr shifts, 31.5 hrs) Pacific Time
• 1 pm – 9:30 am Tue-Sat (8 hr shifts, 40 hrs) Pacific Time

Physical Requirements and Remote Work

This position requires the ability to sit or stand and work on a computer for long periods, with high energy, patience, and emotional control. Telecommuting is available, with a clinical evaluation, HIPAA-compliant workspace, and technology requirements necessary.

Quality Assurance and Performance Evaluation

We are committed to ensuring the quality and safety of our crisis contacts. All crisis contacts are recorded, and we review them regularly to ensure safety and quality assurance, as well as for training and supervisory purposes. You will receive clinical feedback on your performance, with opportunities for growth and development.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting wage for this position is $24.04/hr for individuals with graduate degrees in a related field and $21.99/hr for individuals with bachelor's degrees. We offer a range of benefits, including:

• Overnight shift differential of $1.75/hr when working between 10 pm-5 am Pacific Time
• Time and a half holiday pay when required to work holidays
• A comprehensive benefits package valued at over $9,500 per year, including coverage for employee health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance premiums
• A matching 401K plan
• A flexible spending plan
• An employee assistance program
• A free Fitbit

Conclusion

If you are a compassionate and skilled individual with a passion for mental health support, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity. As a Remote Crisis Chat and Text Specialist at blithequark, you will play a vital role in providing emotional support and crisis intervention to individuals in need. With comprehensive training, a supportive work environment, and a range of benefits, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Apply today to join our team and make a difference in the lives of others.