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988 Chat & Text Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Centerstone

Statewide Chat/Text Crisis Specialist

Alton, IL · On-site

$20.05 - $28.10/hr

This position will answer statewide 988 chat/texts and conduct. As a part of this team, you'd be ... Answer crisis contacts via Zoom contact center or the chat/text platform to assess for suicide ...

AtWork Personnel Services

Crisis Counselor

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$24.90 - $29.88/hr

Crisis Counselor - Call / Chat / Text (Onsite Only) Make a Difference When It Matters Most Are you ... Participate in ongoing training, including 988 crisis response certification ✅ What We're Looking ...

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988 Chat Text Counselor information

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How much do 988 chat & text counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for 988 chat & text counselor in the United States is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a 988 Chat & Text Counselor, you need a background in mental health, counseling, or social services, with strong crisis intervention and active listening skills. Familiarity with chat and texting platforms, confidential record-keeping software, and certifications like Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) or equivalent are often desired. Compassion, resilience, and excellent written communication are standout qualities for this position. These skills are vital to effectively support individuals in crisis, maintain a calm and nonjudgmental presence, and ensure accurate documentation of sensitive interactions.

What is a 988 Chat & Text Counselor job?

A 988 Chat & Text Counselor provides crisis support through text and online chat for individuals experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or mental health challenges. They assess risk, provide emotional support, and offer resources to help individuals in crisis. Counselors use active listening, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention skills to guide texters and chatters toward safety and support. This role is part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a national service aimed at providing immediate, confidential help.

What does a typical shift look like for a 988 Chat & Text Counselor, and how is the work structured?

As a 988 Chat & Text Counselor, you will typically work assigned shifts that may include evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays to ensure 24/7 coverage for those in need. During each shift, you will handle multiple real-time chat or text conversations, provide emotional support, and assess the safety and needs of individuals in crisis. Counselors generally work independently but have access to on-call supervisors and collaborate with a team for complex cases or when arranging emergency interventions. This role demands focused, compassionate engagement, with opportunities for debriefing and ongoing training to support your well-being and professional growth.

More about 988 Chat Text Counselor jobs
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988 Chat Text Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various 988 Chat & Text Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

988 Lifeline Counselor

Mental Health Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$21.50/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Reports to: 988 Lifeline Manager

Staff Direct Reports: None

Job Type: Part-time and full-time opportunities are available (20 hours/week to 40 hours/week), with regularly scheduled hours. Scheduled shifts range from 4 to 8 hours each, and are scheduled throughout the day, as this is a 24/7 service. Lifeline Counselors working between 9AM and 9PM are required to work in the Mental Health Minnesota office, while Lifeline Counselors working between 9PM and 9AM are remote positions.


PLEASE NOTE: Presently, we are seeking candidates to cover the 9am-9pm, in-office, hours only. We are not hiring for remote work at this time.  

Position Summary: 988 Lifeline Counselors are responsible for responding to texts and online chats coming into the Mental Health Minnesota’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Center, which provides counseling, resources and support for those seeking help from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Lifeline Counselors will be responsible for utilizing crisis chat and text services to provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to all help-seekers. 


Primary Duties:

  • Offer crisis-counseling services via chat and text
  • Complete safety/risk assessment, safety planning, de-escalation, and follow-up with chat/text users
  • Provide information and referrals as needed and appropriate
  • Maintain accurate and detailed chat/text reports (documentation must be completed in real time)
  • Complete 1.5 chats/texts per hour (on average)
  • In consultation with a supervisor, provide crisis intervention response as needed
  • Fulfill continuing education requirements as requested or required for the organization and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Attend routinely scheduled meetings for 988 Lifeline staff

Education and Experience: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline responds to individuals experiencing a crisis and/or suicidal ideation, so the ideal candidates will have employment or volunteer experience in crisis services, suicide prevention or mental health services. Experience using text or online chat response is a plus. Candidates must be comfortable with the use of technology, including email, data entry and cloud-based services. 50 hours of training is provided and is paid time for new 988 Lifeline staff, and must be completed within the first 21 days of employment. New hires must adhere to the schedule initially agreed upon for a period of no less than 90 days. 

Salary and Benefits: The starting wage for these positions is $21.50/hour. A pay differential of $2/hour is available for overnight staff (those working 1AM to 9AM). A pay differential of $1.50/hour is also available for staff who work full-time (at least 160 hours per month). Benefits include an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), additional pay in lieu of insurance, generous paid time off and Earned Sick and Safe Time, 401(k) match, free parking, easy access to mass transit, and more.


Mental Health Minnesota is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.