Statewide 988 Crisis Chat & Text Specialist – 2nd Shift (Remote, Middle Tennessee) – Suicide Prevention & Clinical Screening Role

About arenaflex – Pioneering Compassionate Behavioral Health Solutions

arenaflex stands at the forefront of nonprofit behavioral health services in the United States, delivering life‑changing care to individuals of all ages across a broad spectrum of settings. As a trauma‑informed organization, arenaflex has built a culture that prioritizes understanding, recognizing, and responding to the impact of trauma on clients, staff, and the wider community. Our mission is to strengthen resilience, foster hope, and provide timely, evidence‑based interventions that save lives.

Joining arenaflex means becoming part of a dynamic, well‑established team that values expertise, integrity, respect, and empowerment. Whether you are a seasoned crisis responder or an emerging professional eager to make a meaningful impact, arenaflex offers a supportive environment where your skills are honed, your voice is heard, and your contributions directly influence the wellbeing of countless individuals.

Position Overview – 24/7/365 Suicide Prevention Chat & Text Service

The Statewide 988 Crisis Chat & Text Specialist – 2nd Shift is a critical member of arenaflex’s high‑volume, round‑the‑clock crisis response team. Working remotely from the Middle Tennessee area, you will field statewide 988 chat and text contacts, conduct brief clinical screenings, perform risk assessments, and connect callers to appropriate community resources. This role operates on a Monday‑Friday schedule from 4:30 pm to 1:00 am, with weekends off, providing a balanced work‑life rhythm while delivering essential, life‑saving services.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Screening & Risk Assessment: Deliver rapid, accurate telephonic or chat‑based clinical screenings, evaluating suicide risk, safety concerns, and emotional distress levels.
• Real‑Time Crisis Intervention: Respond to incoming 988 chat/text contacts via the Zoom contact center platform, assessing immediate safety, providing de‑escalation techniques, and determining the appropriate level of care.
• Follow‑Up Outreach: Conduct timely follow‑up calls for individuals identified as moderate to high risk, ensuring continuity of care and confirming connection to emergency services or mental health resources.
• Service Linkage & Referral Coordination: Utilize comprehensive knowledge of community programs, hospitals, and support agencies to link callers with tailored resources that meet their unique needs.
• Compliance & Ethical Standards: Adhere to all accreditation requirements, clinical guidelines, and ethical standards governing crisis intervention and telehealth services.
• Team Collaboration & Supervision: Actively participate in regular supervision, training sessions, and interdisciplinary team meetings to continuously improve skills and share best practices.
• Customer Service Excellence: Demonstrate professional etiquette, empathy, and cultural sensitivity in every interaction, reinforcing arenaflex’s reputation for compassionate care.
• Administrative Support: Assist with documentation, data entry, and other administrative tasks that support the efficiency and accuracy of the crisis response workflow.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to convey empathy, clarity, and urgency through chat and text platforms.
• Proficiency in multi‑tasking within a high‑stress environment while maintaining composure and accuracy.
• Strong understanding of suicide risk assessment tools and crisis intervention techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport quickly, assess safety, and provide appropriate referrals.
• High‑level customer service orientation, including active listening, respectful dialogue, and cultural competence.
• Technical fluency with virtual communication tools (Zoom, secure chat platforms, electronic health records).
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to evidence‑based practices.

Qualifications – Education & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field is required. Candidates who hold a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential are also eligible.

Experience: While a minimum of six months to one year of crisis response experience is preferred, arenaflex values demonstrated aptitude, empathy, and a willingness to learn. Recent graduates with relevant internships or volunteer work in suicide prevention are encouraged to apply.

Licensure/Certification: No specific licensure is required for this role; however, any additional certifications in crisis intervention, mental health first aid, or related areas will be considered a strong asset.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Predominantly seated work (approximately 80% of the shift) with occasional standing, squatting, kneeling, bending, and light lifting.
• Remote work setup must include a reliable high‑speed internet connection, a quiet private space, and a computer that meets arenaflex’s security standards.
• Candidate must reside within the Middle Tennessee region to comply with state‑specific licensing and service area regulations.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

arenaflex offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $20.05 to $28.10, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support physical, mental, and financial wellbeing:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options with employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for tax‑advantaged savings.
• 403(b) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) plus ten paid holidays each year.
• Company‑paid AD&D, life insurance, and long‑term disability coverage.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for confidential counseling and support.
• Participation in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) employee resource groups.
• Continuing education opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and professional development workshops.
• Remote‑first work model with flexible scheduling and a supportive virtual team culture.

Career Growth & Development at arenaflex

arenaflex is committed to nurturing talent and providing clear pathways for advancement. As a Crisis Chat & Text Specialist, you will have opportunities to:

• Earn advanced certifications in suicide prevention, trauma‑informed care, and crisis counseling.
• Transition into supervisory or managerial roles within the crisis services department.
• Explore cross‑functional moves into program development, training, quality improvement, or clinical supervision.
• Participate in research initiatives and contribute to evidence‑based practice publications.
• Engage in mentorship programs that pair you with seasoned clinicians and leaders.

Culture, Values & Inclusion at arenaflex

At arenaflex, our core values—Respect, Expertise, Integrity, and Empowerment—guide every interaction. We foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated and every employee feels safe to bring their authentic self to work. Our DEI initiatives include:

• Regular cultural competency trainings and workshops.
• Employee resource groups that amplify underrepresented voices.
• Community outreach programs that reflect our commitment to equity and social justice.
• Recognition programs that honor staff who model quality, safety, and compassionate care.

By joining arenaflex, you become part of a mission‑driven community that values collaboration, continuous learning, and the profound impact of mental health support.

Application Process & Next Steps

If you are passionate about suicide prevention, possess strong written communication skills, and thrive in a fast‑paced, remote environment, we invite you to apply today. Submit your resume, a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, and any certifications you hold. Our recruitment team will review applications promptly and reach out to qualified candidates for an initial virtual interview.

Take the next step toward a rewarding career that truly changes lives. Join arenaflex and help us deliver the compassionate, trauma‑informed care that our communities need.

Apply Now