Chat/Text Crisis Specialist

About Centerstone

Centerstone is a prominent nonprofit behavioral health organization that employs thousands dedicated to transforming lives through compassionate care. Established and dynamic, Centerstone offers diverse opportunities to aid individuals across all age groups in various settings. The organization emphasizes a trauma-informed culture focused on understanding and responding to trauma to build resilience among clients, staff, and the broader community.

Job Summary

This role operates remotely as part of a continuous, 24/7/365 mental health crisis and suicide prevention team. The specialist engages with individuals via chat and text through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL or 988), delivering brief clinical screenings, risk evaluations, and connecting individuals undergoing emotional distress to suitable services. Though primarily online, the role may require telephone crisis interventions to provide extended support ensuring safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct clinical screenings and risk assessments through chat, text, or telephone.
• Respond promptly to crisis contacts using chat/text platforms, evaluating suicide risk, safety status, and linking to community resources tailored to client needs.
• Perform follow-up calls for individuals assessed as moderate to high suicide risk.
• Adhere strictly to ethical and clinical standards in line with accreditation requirements.
• Engage actively in ongoing supervision, training sessions, and team meetings.
• Provide assistance with administrative tasks as necessary.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills across in-person and virtual channels.
• Exemplary customer service and professional conduct.
• Competency in connecting clients with appropriate programs, services, and community resources.
• Proficiency in conducting suicide risk assessments.
• Experience and skill in crisis intervention techniques.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Social Work, or equivalent field, or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential.
• Preferred experience of six months to one year in related crisis intervention roles.

Work Schedule and Physical Requirements

• Shift: 2 AM to 10:30 AM CST, Friday through Tuesday; Wednesday and Thursday off.
• Physical activities include 10% standing, 90% sitting, and occasional squatting, kneeling, bending, driving, and lifting.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly pay range: $20.05 to $28.10.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• 403b retirement plan with company matching.
• Paid time off plus ten paid holidays annually.
• Company-paid AD&D, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Resource Groups for community and support.
• Opportunities for continuing education.
• Employee Assistance Program available.

Additional Information

Centerstone maintains an equal opportunity employment philosophy, emphasizing merit and competence. The organization's core values - Respect, Expertise, Integrity, and Empowerment - are integral to all interactions and contribute to a supportive, innovative, and quality-focused work culture. This role may evolve alongside organizational needs, with additional duties assigned as necessary.