Full Time Text Line Counselor

Crisis Support Services of Alameda County•Oakland, CA

1d•$25•Hybrid

About The Position

The Text Line Counselor position answers texts through both our Local Alameda County Text Line and 988 Lifeline to provide crisis intervention, information, and referral services and to meet the needs of the community. The counselor will also adhere to the highest possible ethical standards, and comply with program policy and procedures. This assignment is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and work collaboratively with a team in an innovative and compassionate environment. You must also be open for emergency fill-in shifts.

Requirements

Requires comparable mental health work experience or graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's or bachelor’s degree in a social science or closely-related field.
Comfortable with learning new technology, multi-tasking and toggling across multiple technology platforms.
Flexibility and availability evenings, overnights and weekends
Experience applying a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging lens to work in mental health field
Ability to utilize supervision
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Values working cooperatively with others
Ability to manage deadlines / handle confidential information in professional manner
Sensitive to the cultural and ethnic diversity of Alameda County
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 and at least one booster.) Or have a valid religious or medical exemption.
Must have access to a secure internet connection (If secure, you should see a padlock next to the wifi symbol), a computer with camera (for remote meetings), a mobile phone (for multi-factor authentication), and a private space for completing confidential work, making calls, and attending meetings. Or be able to work fully onsite to accommodate any of these needs.

Nice To Haves

Preferred one year of crisis work or text/chat counseling experience - including completion of crisis counseling training.

Responsibilities

Establish rapport, build connections with texters, and take responsibility for texter feedback.
Recognize that texter-centered solutions and connectedness are key to providing crisis line intervention.
Display confidence and composure in crisis situations.
Communicate effectively and compassionately with volunteers, staff, and texters.
Work collaboratively with others and openness to constructive feedback.
Work independently using creativity and resourcefulness.
Willingness to continuously improve skills through supervision, research, and individual development.
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 text and phone call as needed
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
Actively participate in weekly pod supervision
Maintain confidentiality of other counselors and text/chat visitors
Other duties as needed