Crisis Hotline Specialist (Part-Time & Full-Time)

Community Crisis Services•Hyattsville, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Community Crisis Services, Inc. seeks Hotline Specialists to staff our 24/7 hotline serving callers in need from Prince George’s County, the state of Maryland, and across the nation. Hotline Specialists serve those needing access to homeless shelters, information about health and human service agencies, support in times of emotional distress, or even help staying safe through thoughts of suicide through contracts with several government and non-profit agencies. CCSI’s hotline program provides a variety of services. Hotline Specialists will receive 40 total hours of training related to active listening skills, suicide prevention practices, and the utilization of agency resources to match callers with needed information. Specialists are needed to be warm, compassionate, patient, calm in crisis situations, and open to continued growth and development. The position has the potential to be mostly performed remotely, as this is a hybrid position. Staff must reside in either the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia. Candidates must be able to participate in and complete mandatory in-person orientation and training during the first 6 weeks of employment.

Requirements

Successful completion of Initial Crisis Intervention Training.
Completes ASIST Training
Must listen and communicate well, be non-judgmental, have self-initiative and work well as a team member.
Successful use of Language Line and TTD services.
High School Diploma/GED
Must have a computer/laptop, high-speed internet and a quiet workspace
Demonstrates maturity and empathy, consistently providing attentive, courteous, and informative service.
Demonstrates exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English to convey information and ideas effectively.
Gives full attention to others, asks appropriate questions, and actively listens to ensure understanding.
Maintains a positive outlook, rebounds quickly from frustrations, and keeps a friendly demeanor in stressful situations.
Confidently works independently while effectively collaborating as part of a professional team.
Demonstrates a systematic approach to tasks and assignments.
Possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills, identifying and addressing issues by following proper procedures.
Reliable and punctual, with a strong ability to adhere to schedules based on call center needs.
Consistently follows call center program policies and procedures.
Proficient in using technology, including telephones, computers (PC), laptops, software, and email.
Manages multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining accuracy and composure in distracting and urgent situation.

Nice To Haves

Staff must reside in either the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia.
Candidates must be able to participate in and complete mandatory in-person orientation and training during the first 6 weeks of employment.

Responsibilities

Have the ability to work in a highly stressful environment that deals with callers in crisis.
Provide counseling, information and referrals to callers.
Assess each caller’s presenting problem, support systems, coping skills and level of emergency to determine appropriate intervention.
Thoroughly and accurately complete a statistics sheet on each call.
Completes homeless forms, protective services forms, suicide forms, regular caller forms, etc. when required.
Maintains confidentiality of callers and agency.
Keeps updated by reading the communication log and other data available.
Completes clerical work as needed.
Communicate problems to supervisors when necessary.
Abides by all hotline policies and procedures, uses Language Line as needed, has good communication skills, shows empathy to all callers/clients
Attend in-services and meetings as scheduled
Does not leave the phones unattended under any circumstances (leaving work location).
Must be available to work holidays as needed and help maintain 24/7 shift coverage.
Hotline specialists are classified as essential personnel and are required to report for duty accordingly.
Acknowledges receipt of the Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector
Performs other duties as requested from time to time that are not specifically listed but are consistent with the position and skills of the incumbent and necessary for the efficient and effective operation of CCSI.