988 Lifeline Crisis Counseling Specialist
About The Position
Crisis Services is seeking experienced crisis counseling professionals to provide crisis support to people in need. The Crisis Counseling Specialist ensures the seamless availability and delivery of crisis phone and chat counseling, including lethality assessment, supportive counseling, and information and referral. The role serves people contacting the Crisis Services and Chautauqua County 24-hour hotlines, the 988 Lifeline, the chat platform, and other dedicated lines in the Crisis Counseling Program. The position is based onsite at the Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service in Buffalo, New York. Full- and part-time positions are available, with day, evening, overnight, and weekend scheduling options listed. Pay is $22.04–$25.81 per hour, with the exact rate based on experience and education under the collective bargaining agreement. Shift differentials are available for specified weekend day and evening shifts. Crisis Services is a 24-hour comprehensive crisis center and community resource. Its first responders work to restore safety, promote emotional strength, and reduce the impact of trauma through intervention, education, prevention, and community collaboration.
Requirements
- For Crisis Counseling Specialist Level II: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a human service field, social work, or a relevant field.
- For Crisis Counseling Specialist Level II: Licensure in Social Work (LMSW or LCSW) or Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) is required.
- For Crisis Counseling Specialist Level I: Associate degree with equivalent experience may be considered.
- Strong knowledge of mental health and suicide dynamics and effects, public awareness, and crisis prevention and intervention services.
- Superior knowledge of HIPAA laws and regulations concerning protected health information, codes of ethics, confidentiality, and privacy principles.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and establish priorities in a rapidly changing, fast-paced environment.
- Intermediate computer skills.
- Availability to work onsite in the Buffalo office during scheduled shifts.
Nice To Haves
- For Crisis Counseling Specialist Level I: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a human service field, social work, or a relevant field is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide crisis phone and chat counseling, including lethality assessment.
- Provide supportive counseling to individuals contacting crisis service lines and chat platforms.
- Provide information and referrals to people contacting the Crisis Services hotline, Chautauqua County hotline, 988 Lifeline, chat platform, and other dedicated program lines.
- Help ensure the seamless availability and delivery of crisis counseling services.
Benefits
- Competitive pay, including regular annual increases.
- Paid training and professional development opportunities.
- CWA Local 1122 union membership.
- Generous paid time off and paid meal breaks.
- Employee self-care and wellness supports, including a Calm app subscription for employees and their family members.
- Onsite Quiet Room, Exercise Room, and Lactation Room.
- Health insurance with a generous employer premium contribution.
- $300 per year Flexible Spending Account provided by the agency.
- Access to dental, vision, and other ancillary insurance coverage options.
- 403(b) plan with employer match after one year of service.
- Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
