988 Text and Chat Counselor - Part-Time (10732)

Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc•Baltimore, MD

6d•Remote

About The Position

Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc. (BCRI) is seeking a 988 Text and Chat Crisis Counselor to join their expanding crisis services team. In this role, you will be the first line of support for individuals reaching out through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline digital platforms. You will offer calm, compassionate, and life-saving care through text and chat, connecting with people experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or mental health crises. Your responsibilities will include providing immediate support, conducting risk assessments, and helping individuals find safety and hope. You will use empathy, active listening, and trauma-informed techniques to guide each conversation with care and professionalism.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Strong typing, written communication, and crisis de-escalation skills.
Comfort working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA+, youth, people in active mental health or substance-related crisis.
Required internet connectivity and private, quiet workspace for remote work.
Must adhere to all HIPAA and confidentiality requirements.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or bachelor’s in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field preferred.
Bilingual or multilingual skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

Respond promptly to incoming text and chat messages through the 988 Lifeline platform
Engage with users using active listening, empathy, and evidence-based crisis intervention techniques.
Conduct suicide risk assessments and escalate high-risk situations to supervisors or emergency services as needed.
Maintain professional boundaries, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care practices at all times.
Provide appropriate referrals to local mental health services, shelter, substance use treatment, or other resources.
Document all interactions accurately and promptly in electronic records per agency and legal requirements.
Participate in regular supervision, debriefings, and training sessions.
Uphold confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and 988 Lifeline standards.