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988 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FirstLink

Manager, 988 Lifeline

Fargo, ND · On-site

$26/hr

As our 988 Manager, you'll lead and develop a team of 988 Crisis Specialists who provide life-changing support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance use ...

FirstLink

Manager, 988 Lifeline

Fargo, ND · On-site

$25/hr

As our 988 Manager, you'll lead and develop a team of 988 Crisis Specialists who provide life-changing support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance use ...

FirstLink

Manager, 988 Lifeline

Fargo, ND

$26/hr

As our 988 Manager, you'll lead and develop a team of 988 Crisis Specialists who provide life-changing support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance use ...

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How much do 988 jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 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.

Do you need a degree to work for a crisis hotline?

For a crisis hotline position like a crisis counselor or responder, a formal degree is often not required, but relevant experience, training, and strong communication skills are essential. Many organizations provide training programs, and certifications in mental health or crisis intervention can be beneficial. Requirements vary by organization, so checking specific job postings is recommended.

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 provide crisis support and mental health assistance. They typically work in call centers, often requiring training in crisis intervention and communication skills, and are compensated according to their employer’s pay scale and experience levels.

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.

What people work for 988?

Individuals working for 988 typically include mental health professionals, crisis counselors, call center staff, and administrative personnel. These roles require strong communication skills, crisis intervention training, and often certification in mental health or related fields. Staff work in call centers or crisis centers to provide support and resources to those in need.

How much does Crisis text line pay?

Crisis Text Line pays its volunteers and staff based on the role, with paid positions typically offering hourly wages that can range from minimum wage to higher depending on experience and responsibilities. Salaries for paid staff, such as crisis counselors or program coordinators, generally align with nonprofit industry standards and may include benefits. Compensation details are often provided during the application process or on the organization's careers page.
More about 988 jobs
What cities are hiring for 988 jobs? Cities with the most 988 job openings:
What states have the most 988 jobs? States with the most job openings for 988 jobs include:
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988 jobs near you
Infographic showing various 988 job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% 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.

Manager, 988 Lifeline

FirstLink

Fargo, ND • On-site

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Are you an experienced crisis response professional who believes great leadership saves lives? FirstLink is seeking an experienced and compassionate leader to serve as our 988 Manager.

As the local answering point for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, FirstLink answers tens of thousands of conversation from across North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota each year via phone, chat, and text. As our 988 Manager, you'll lead and develop a team of 988 Crisis Specialists who provide life-changing support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance use concerns, grief, and other behavioral health challenges.

In this role, you'll ensure every person reaching out for help receives compassionate, evidence-based care while leading a team committed to excellence in crisis intervention.

We offer competitive pay, starting at $26/hour, along with an excellent benefits package which includes 100%-paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability for the employee. We also offer a generous PTO package!

What You'll Do:

As the 988 Manager, you'll provide leadership, supervision, and operational oversight for our team of 988 Crisis Specialists. You'll recruit, coach, mentor, and develop staff while ensuring the highest standards of suicide safety assessment, crisis intervention, documentation, and quality improvement.

You will rely on data to strengthen answering capacity, monitor service quality across voice, chat, and text, and ensure compliance with national 988 Lifeline standards and accreditation requirements. You'll also collaborate closely with quality improvement, staff development, and organizational leadership to continuously improve crisis response and support your team's growth.

Who We're Looking For:

We're looking for someone who leads with both confidence and compassion!

Successful candidates are skilled coaches who know how to build trust, develop talent, and create a culture where both team members and help-seekers feel genuinely supported. They communicate clearly, remain calm under pressure, and are committed to providing high-quality, person-centered crisis intervention.

Ideal candidates will have experience in crisis services, behavioral health, suicide prevention, or contact center operations, along with a strong understanding of crisis intervention practices and a passion for helping others grow professionally. They are equally comfortable navigating complex situations, interpreting operational data, and leading a team toward continuous improvement.

Most of all, they understand that supporting those who answer crisis conversations is just as important as supporting those who reach out for help.

Join FirstLink!

Every conversation answered through 988 has the potential to save a life. As the 988 Manager, you'll help ensure those conversations are met with compassion, clinical excellence, and a team that feels empowered to do their best work every single day.

If you're ready to lead a mission-driven team dedicated to hope, healing, and high-quality crisis response, we'd love to hear from you! Apply today and help shape the future of FirstLink's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.