988 Follow-up Counselor
About The Position
Buckelew Programs is seeking a 988 Follow-Up Counselor to join their Suicide Prevention team. This role involves providing proactive outreach and support to individuals identified as at-risk for suicide after an initial crisis call. Responsibilities include suicide risk assessment, emotional support, safety planning, and connecting individuals to mental health services. The position ensures services align with Buckelew Programs' mission and values, while adhering to confidentiality, HIPAA, and program protocols. This is a full-time, 32-hour per week position, working Sunday through Wednesday from 11 am to 7 pm. After initial training, there is an opportunity for partial remote work.
Requirements
- High school diploma required.
- Completion of Buckelew Crisis Hotline Counseling Training required for continued employment.
- Ability to work independently, including evenings and weekends.
- Excellent interpersonal and active listening skills.
- Strong decision-making and crisis intervention abilities.
- Emotional maturity and ability to manage high-pressure situations.
- Proficient in using computers, databases, and Microsoft Outlook.
- Typing speed of at least 35 WPM with high accuracy.
- High attention to detail, reliability, and accountability in managing time and tasks.
Nice To Haves
- Associate's degree in social services or related field preferred.
- Prior experience in customer service, crisis response, or suicide prevention strongly preferred.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Provide empathetic, culturally sensitive care and build rapport with help seekers.
- Conduct follow-up calls for individuals assessed as high suicide risk or who endorsed suicidal ideation.
- Deliver suicide risk assessments, de-escalation, emotional support, and collaborative safety planning.
- Offer appropriate referrals and assist help seekers in navigating mental health and community resources.
- Communicate with providers to facilitate service linkage.
- Maintain and update local referral databases regularly.
- Accurately document all interactions and follow-up contacts per program guidelines.
- Support incoming crisis calls as needed, meeting KPI standards (e.g., 90% of calls answered within 20 seconds).
- Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and complete ongoing learning assignments.
- Mentor and support new Crisis Specialists during onboarding and training.
- Maintain accurate time records via Paycom.
- Check and respond to emails and review program materials regularly.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision and life and long-term disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible spending accounts for health, dependent and transit costs
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Eligibility for loan forgiveness
- Continuing education credits available through our learning management system
- Paid meal breaks
- Generous paid time off
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
