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988 Chat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Respond to 988 chat, text, and telephone interactions in a timely and compassionate manner * During chat-focused shifts, manage two concurrent chat interactions in alignment with the two-chat policy ...

Crisis Counselor

$18 - $22/hr

Respond to 988 chat, text, and telephone interactions in a timely and compassionate manner * During chat-focused shifts, manage two concurrent chat interactions in alignment with the two-chat policy ...

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988 Chat information

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$9

$23

$51

How much do 988 chat jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for 988 chat in the United States is $23.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 988 Chat job?

A 988 Chat job involves providing emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention assistance through online chat services as part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Chat counselors engage with individuals in distress, assess their needs, and offer resources or referrals to help them navigate their situations. This role requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Counselors typically receive specialized training to support individuals facing mental health challenges.

What does a typical shift look like for a 988 Chat specialist?

As a 988 Chat specialist, your shifts typically involve managing multiple online conversations with individuals experiencing emotional distress or crisis, using structured protocols to provide real-time support and resources. You may collaborate virtually with supervisors and team members for escalations, debriefings, or case reviews, and keep detailed, accurate records after each chat. While most work is performed remotely or in emergency call centers, the role requires adaptability, focused attention, and periods of high intensity. Regular training and peer meetings are common to support professional development and well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 988 Chat position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 988 Chat specialist, you need strong crisis intervention skills, active listening abilities, and experience in mental health support, typically backed by relevant training or a background in psychology, social work, or counseling. Familiarity with secure chat platforms, crisis management software, and compliance with confidentiality regulations such as HIPAA is essential. Exceptional emotional intelligence, resilience, and clear written communication set candidates apart. These competencies ensure effective, compassionate support for individuals in crisis and contribute to positive outcomes during high-stress situations.

More about 988 Chat jobs
What cities are hiring for 988 Chat jobs? Cities with the most 988 Chat job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 988 Chat jobs? The most popular types of 988 Chat jobs are:
What states have the most 988 Chat jobs? States with the most job openings for 988 Chat jobs include:
Infographic showing various 988 Chat job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,844 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
988 Chat & Text Counselor

$24/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

988 Chat & Text Counselor (Olympic Suicide Prevention Center)

This is a fully remote position. The pay for this position is $24.00 per hour with a $3.00 overnight differential. 

The schedule is Monday-Friday from 6:00pm–10:00pm PST, totaling 20 hours per week.

This role requires a three-week 40-hour per week training at the start of employment. 

Our work schedules are subject to change as necessary to meet the Agency’s and its client's needs. Reasonable notice is provided to facilitate personal planning. 

Ask us about loan repayment programs you may qualify for by working at Didi Hirsch. 

About Didi Hirsch 

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has been a national leader in whole-person mental health, crisis care, and substance use services since 1942 and is home to the nation’s first Suicide Prevention Center. We are a nonprofit organization providing care to about 270,000 people annually across our programs. Didi Hirsch has deep roots in community-based mental health and a commitment to providing culturally responsive services that are just and equitable. More than 1,000 dedicated employees and volunteers make Didi Hirsch’s work possible. 

Summary

As a Chat & Text Counselor, you will provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to help-seekers through Crisis Chat and Text services. Operating in a fully remote capacity with an option to work on-site, you will play a critical role in delivering compassionate and effective support during moments of crisis. This position emphasizes maintaining high-quality standards in all interactions to ensure help-seekers receive the best possible care and guidance. By actively listening, assessing needs, and providing appropriate resources, you will make a meaningful impact on individuals seeking assistance.

Primary Duties

  • Offers crisis-counseling services via chat and text.
  • Completes risk assessment, safety planning, de-escalation, and follow-up with Chat/Text visitors.
  • Serves as a mandated reporter in cases of suspected abuse or neglect.
  • Is familiar with resources and providing information and referrals to visitors as appropriate.
  • Maintains accurate and detailed chat/text reports. Documentation must be completed in real time.
  • Responds to concurrent interactions in alignment with 988 Lifeline standards; accept overlapping interactions only when clinically appropriate.
  • Fulfills continuing education requirements as requested or required for the agency and the Suicide Prevention Center program.
  • Assists in the training process of new counselors.
  • Participates in community outreach events such as resources tables and presentation about suicide prevention as needed.
  • Attends routinely scheduled meetings for the Suicide Prevention Center.

Position Requirements

  • Minimum of six months of relevant behavioral health experience, with one year of experience in crisis intervention or suicide prevention strongly preferred.
  • Possess a high school Diploma or equivalent.
  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Possess strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to empathetically engage with any individual regardless of background, and demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence in the process.
  • Exceptional at multi-tasking and time management, able to drive multiple pieces of work forward simultaneously while meeting all deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively use web-based platforms, electronic documentation systems, and communication tools, with strong typing and data entry skills required to accurately document interactions in real time.
  • Have high speed internet with an active Ethernet connection, and a quiet/confidential workspace.
  • Be empathetic, flexible, and adaptable to varying situations.
  • Have open availability and flexibility to work within the program’s operating hours, including weekends and holidays.
  • Be reliable and able to adhere to schedules based upon program needs.
  • Complete yearly required continuing education trainings.
  • Have knowledge of all job specific skills including safety assessment, data collection, and chat/text triage.
  • Goal-oriented team player with strong experience working in large and complex systems.
  • A commitment to team objectives and Didi Hirsch philosophies.
  • Successfully pass our pre-employment screening, including a background check and live scan fingerprinting.
Our Vision

A future where everyone has equitable access to care and is empowered to achieve optimal mental health and well-being.

Our Mission

Didi Hirsch provides compassionate mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services to individuals and families, especially in communities where discrimination and injustice limit access.

Core Values

Excellence: We are constantly innovating, learning from the communities we serve, and applying the latest research to advance best practices. We uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure we are providing compassionate and excellent care. 

Diversity & Inclusion: We value diversity of background, experience, and ideas. We celebrate differences and prioritize creating a sense of belonging. 

Equity: We are dedicated to promoting health equity in our communities, and we work to dismantle disparities and discrimination within both systems of care and society. 

Well Being: We are devoted to the well-being of our staff, volunteers, and communities, and believe healthy teams lead to healthy clients. 

Advocacy: We advocate across all levels of government and use our voice to reduce barriers to care with the goal of access to high quality, integrated healthcare for all. 

Community Engagement: We build partnerships in the community and across sectors to create a more inclusive and responsive mental health ecosystem and enhance greater accessibility to care and support. 

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