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988 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$20K

$61.3K

$141K

How much do 988 jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for 988 in the United States is $61,285.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a crisis worker?

To become a crisis worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many roles requiring a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, empathy, and crisis intervention training, often supplemented by certifications such as CPR or mental health first aid. On-the-job training and experience in mental health or social services are also important for this role.

What is the difference between 988 vs Emergency Dispatcher?

Feature988Emergency Dispatcher
CredentialsNone specific; mental health crisis training often preferredHigh school diploma; emergency communication training
Work EnvironmentCall centers, crisis centers, mental health facilitiesEmergency call centers, police, fire departments
Industry UsageNational mental health crisis hotlinePublic safety and emergency response
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While 988 is a national mental health crisis hotline, Emergency Dispatchers handle emergency calls for police, fire, and medical services. 988 operators focus on mental health crises, often with specialized training, whereas Emergency Dispatchers coordinate emergency responses across various services. Both roles are vital in emergency response systems but serve different functions within the public safety network.

Do 988 operators get paid?

Yes, 988 operators are paid employees who typically work in call centers or crisis centers. Their compensation varies by organization and location, and they often require training in crisis intervention and communication skills.

What are 988 crisis counselors?

988 crisis counselors are trained professionals who provide immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises. When someone calls, texts, or chats the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, these counselors listen with compassion, provide emotional support, and connect people to resources or emergency services as needed. Their goal is to help individuals navigate difficult moments, de-escalate crises, and ensure safety for all involved. 988 counselors work in crisis centers across the United States and receive specialized training to handle sensitive situations effectively.

What can I expect when working as a 988 crisis counselor in terms of collaboration with other mental health professionals?

As a 988 crisis counselor, you'll regularly collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including supervisors, licensed clinicians, and community resource providers. You'll often consult with colleagues to ensure callers receive appropriate support and, when necessary, coordinate with local emergency services or mental health agencies for higher-level interventions. Team meetings and debriefings are common, fostering a supportive work environment and ensuring best practices are followed in crisis situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 988 Crisis Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 988 Crisis Counselor, you need strong active listening skills, crisis intervention training, and a background in mental health or social work, often supported by relevant certifications. Familiarity with crisis call center software, risk assessment tools, and reporting systems is typically required. Compassion, emotional resilience, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for supporting individuals in distress. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, timely, and empathetic support for people experiencing mental health crises.

Are 988 workers real?

Yes, 988 workers are real professionals who provide mental health crisis support through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They are trained crisis counselors who assist individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, often working in call centers or crisis centers with specialized training and certifications.

Is it hard to become a crisis text line volunteer?

Becoming a crisis text line volunteer typically involves completing an online training program that covers active listening and crisis intervention skills. The process may include background checks and a commitment to a certain number of shifts, but it is designed to be accessible to those interested in helping others in crisis.
More about 988 jobs
What cities are hiring for 988 jobs? Cities with the most 988 job openings:
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988 jobs near you
Infographic showing various 988 job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,285 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

988 Director

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

East Providence, RI

$92K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 71 rated call and contact centers

Job description

NOW HIRING: 988 DIRECTOR


The Hire is partnering with Community Care Alliance to identify two exceptional behavioral health leaders to join Rhode Island's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline program.


If you're passionate about crisis intervention, behavioral health leadership, and driving meaningful systems-level change, we'd love to connect.


988 Director

A high-visibility leadership role responsible for program oversight, supervisor management, strategic planning, data analysis, community outreach, and operational excellence across a critical statewide crisis response program. This individual will help shape the future of behavioral health crisis services while leading complex systems and driving measurable outcomes. Salary $92,000/year.


Key Qualifications:

✔ Master's degree in Social Work or related field required

✔ 3-5+ years of director-level leadership experience strongly preferred

✔ Community mental health and/or emergency services experience preferred

✔ Strong budget management and data analytics experience

✔ Exceptional written communication skills

✔ Demonstrated ability to lead complex systems and multidisciplinary teams


Job Description

Community Care Alliance seeks a highly qualified candidate for 988 Director.


ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Demonstrated capacity to lead complex systems -- i.e., proven ability to manage large and diverse teams, to execute multiple high-level projects simultaneously, and to build relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to articulate and adhere to a program’s mission, vision, and values, evidenced by experience with strategic planning, program design or expansion, or similar
  • Exceptional writing abilities
  • Advanced proficiency in managing budgets and in analyzing and applying data and outcomes measures
  • Demonstrated commitment to addressing systemic, community, and individual challenges in suicide prevention and crisis intervention through an anti-oppression lens
  • Proven ability to flourish in high-acuity settings and in 24/7 programs
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with colleagues, supervises, and clients


CORE FUNCTIONS:

  • Provides direct supervision to the 988 clinical and compliance managers
  • Engages in routine evaluation of program needs and develops policies and procedures accordingly
  • Coordinates with various administrative departments (HR, payroll, finance, IT, etc.) to ensure the program is appropriately resourced and aligned with the agency’s mission and values
  • Oversees compliance to contract and accreditation requirements
  • Communicate progress toward key metrics with internal and external stakeholders via data and outcomes reports, care coordination agreements, and other written reports
  • Participates in contract oversight meetings, division and agency leadership and staff meetings, and other committees as assigned
  • Leads program staff meetings
  • Participates in outreach opportunities to promote 988 services and ensure program coordination and access


SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree in social work or related field, with independent licensure preferred. Can substitute education and/or licensure with a master’s degree and 10+ years of leadership experience in human services, social services, or adjacent.
  • 3-5 years of director-level leadership experience
  • Experience managing crises strongly preferred, in settings such as behavioral health treatment programs, emergency services, homeless shelters, crisis centers, or similar


SALARY: $90,000

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Acute Services

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