988 Chat and Text Crisis Counselor (Part-Time, Remote)

988 Chat and Text Crisis Counselor (Part-Time, Remote) Organization: DeafLEAD Job Type: Part-time, hourly (non-exempt) Location: Remote Reports To: Chat and Text Operations Manager Start Date: April 6th, 2026 Salary Range: $17 to $21 / hour

• External hires are usually brought on to DeafLEAD between the minimum to midpoint of the posted salary range depending on a combination of education, qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.

Position Summary DeafLEAD is a non-profit organization that provides crisis intervention services to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Deaf+ individuals and their families within the state of Missouri and nationwide. Our mission is to promote the emotional and physical well-being of consumers in a safe and respectful environment utilizing a consumer-centered, trauma-informed approach.We are committed to providing a variety of services to effectively meet the changing needs within the Deaf community. These services include (but are not limited to): crisis intervention, safety planning, legal/medical/personal advocacy, case management, crisis videophone/text/chat/hotline services, mental health services, training, and interpreting.DeafLEAD is looking to hire part-time (24 hours a week) crisis counselors to join an exciting, supportive, and engaging team that provides crisis intervention services as part of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat and Text network. DeafLEAD is a non-profit organization that provides crisis intervention services to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Deaf+ individuals and their families within the state of Missouri and nationwide. Our mission is to promote the emotional and physical well-being of consumers in a safe and respectful environment utilizing a consumer-centered, trauma-informed approach. We are committed to providing a variety of services to effectively meet the changing needs within the Deaf community. These services include (but are not limited to): crisis intervention, safety planning, legal/medical/personal advocacy, case management, crisis videophone/text/chat/hotline services, mental health services, training, and interpreting DeafLEAD is looking to hire part-time (16 to 24 hours a week) crisis counselors to join an exciting, supportive, and engaging team that provides crisis intervention services as part of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat and Text network.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow DeafLEAD's policies and procedures
• Believe in DeafLEAD's philosophy and goals as stated in Summary of Organization
• Provide emotional support and crisis management services via the Lifeline chat/text network
• Develop action plans and safety plans with everyone who visits the chat/text line
• Notify child abuse services when appropriate
• Notify emergency services for intervention when appropriate
• Complete assigned follow-ups with crisis line visitors via text, email, or phone call if applicable
• Ensure documentation of all chats and texts is completed accurately and thoroughly
• Attend quarterly evaluations with the Quality Improvement team, and additional evaluations as needed
• Attend all monthly agency in-service meetings
• Successfully complete all Lifeline required trainings annually, as well as other trainings and certifications as assigned.
• Consult with Shift Supervisor, Senior Crisis Counselors, Program Managers, and Program Director as needed regarding questionable cases
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Must complete DeafLEAD's 40-hour crisis intervention training
• Minimum age of 18
• Caring and empathetic person
• Exceptional English writing and reading comprehension skills
• Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in using essential software such as Zoom, Google Chrome, and standard office applications, along with the ability to adapt to and learn new technological tools efficiently.
• Ability to remain calm in crisis situations
• Bachelor's degree or higher in psychology, social work, or related field preferred, but not required
• Previous experience working in crisis management or mental health preferred.
• An ability to work with people of various backgrounds and identities (e.g., race, color, gender, ability, religion, veteran status, etc.)
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Ability to attend all training dates without conflict (see Training section below).
• Access to reliable internet and a desktop or laptop computer that can both utilize Zoom and a web browser simultaneously (Google Chrome recommended).
• Applicants must have access to a private, secure workspace that ensures confidentiality, privacy, and freedom from external distractions.

Training

• Hired applicants will be expected to attend and complete DeafLEAD's crisis line training. Following training, counselors will complete a minimum of 40 hours of shadowing senior crisis counselors on crisis chat/text shifts. Hired counselors

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