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988 Chat Text Crisis Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a 988 Crisis Call Specialist , you'll play a vital role in providing life-saving emotional ... In this role, you will be a trusted voice for individuals reaching out via phone, chat or text ...

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Crisis Counselor

Sacramento, CA ยท 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 โœ… What We're Looking ...

Job Title : 988 Crisis Specialist Base Pay: $21 hourly + shift differentials Various Full-Time ... Communication may include calls, text, and/or chat * Offer information on available resources like ...

988 Crisis Specialist

Pontiac, MI ยท On-site +1

$21/hr

Communication may include calls, text, and/or chat * Offer information on available resources like ... Find out more at View the full here: 988 Crisis Specialist .pdf

988 Call Center Specialist - PM

Wheaton, IL ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Provide mental health and crisis intervention support to individuals contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline via phone, chat or text * Work collaboratively and engage individuals contacting 988 ...

Job Title: MiCAL 988 Crisis Specialist Base Pay: $21 hourly + shift differentials Full and ... Our caring and dedicated team meets people wherever they are; in person, call, text, chat, or ...

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988 Chat Text Crisis information

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$13

$25

$44

How much do 988 chat text crisis jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for 988 chat text crisis in the United States is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between 988 Chat Text Crisis vs 988 Call Crisis Counselor?

Aspect988 Chat Text Crisis988 Call Crisis Counselor
CredentialsRelevant mental health certifications, crisis intervention trainingRelevant mental health certifications, crisis intervention training
Work EnvironmentOnline chat platform, remote or call center settingsPhone call center, remote or in-person settings
Industry UsageUsed for text-based crisis support servicesUsed for voice-based crisis support services
Search/Comparison IntentCompare chat-based crisis support rolesCompare call-based crisis support roles

Both roles involve providing crisis intervention, but 988 Chat Text Crisis focuses on online text support, while 988 Call Crisis Counselors handle voice calls. The skills and certifications are similar, but the work environment differs, with chat roles being remote and text-based, and call roles often involving phone communication. Understanding these differences helps individuals choose the most suitable crisis support role based on their preferences and skills.

What is a 988 chat text crisis counselor?

988 Chat Text Crisis counselors are trained professionals or volunteers who provide support to individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or suicidal thoughts through text and online chat platforms. They work as part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offering confidential, real-time help and resources. Their role involves active listening, assessing risk, de-escalating crisis situations, and connecting individuals to appropriate local services or ongoing support. They help ensure that people in crisis can access immediate assistance in a way that feels accessible and safe, especially for those who may not feel comfortable speaking on the phone.

What are some common challenges faced by 988 chat text crisis counselors, and how can they effectively manage stress in this role?

988 Chat/Text Crisis Counselors often encounter emotionally intense situations and may support individuals experiencing severe distress or suicidal thoughts. Managing compassion fatigue and emotional burnout is a common challenge, given the high volume and urgency of contacts. To maintain well-being, counselors are encouraged to utilize regular debriefings, participate in peer support groups, and practice self-care strategies. Many organizations also provide ongoing training and access to mental health resources to help staff manage stress and maintain resilience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 988 chat text crisis counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 988 Chat/Text Crisis Counselor, you need strong active listening, crisis intervention, and de-escalation skills, usually supported by relevant training or a background in social work, psychology, or counseling. Familiarity with digital communication platforms, crisis management software, and confidentiality protocols is essential. Empathy, emotional resilience, and clear written communication are vital soft skills for building trust and supporting people in distress. These competencies enable counselors to provide timely, effective support and ensure safety for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
More about 988 Chat Text Crisis jobs
What cities are hiring for 988 Chat Text Crisis jobs? Cities with the most 988 Chat Text Crisis job openings:
What states have the most 988 Chat Text Crisis jobs? States with the most job openings for 988 Chat Text Crisis jobs include:
Infographic showing various 988 Chat Text Crisis job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,410 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

988 Crisis Call Specialist

Crisis Connections

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

$26.79/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description:

Join the Front Line of Compassion

988 Crisis Call Specialist

Part-Time & Full-Time | Fully Remote (WA, AZ, OH, TX)
$26.79/hour | Union-Represented (OPEIU)


At Crisis Connections, we believe that every person deserves compassionate, accessible support during their most difficult moments. As a 988 Crisis Call Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in providing life-saving emotional support to individuals experiencing mental health crises-right when they need it most.


If you’re empathetic, calm under pressure, and motivated by meaningful work, we invite you to join our growing 988 Crisis Services team.

Why This Role Matters

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is transforming how people access mental health support. In this role, you will be a trusted voice for individuals reaching out via phone, chat or text, offering hope, connection, and practical support during moments of distress.

Our approach centers dignity, respect, and non-judgment—meeting people where they are and helping them move toward safety and stability.

What You’ll Do

As a 988 Crisis Call Specialist, you will:

  • Provide empathetic, nonjudgmental crisis intervention via phone, or chat and text
  • Conduct suicide risk and behavioral health assessments and support de-escalation
  • Collaborate with on-shift clinicians to ensure safety when higher-level intervention is needed
  • Develop safety and action plans with individuals in crisis
  • Connect callers to appropriate community resources and crisis response partners
  • Accurately document interactions in the electronic health record
  • Follow established 988 Lifeline protocols and performance standards
  • Contribute to shared team goals for response times, availability, and quality care
Requirements:

What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking candidates who bring both skill and heart to this work.


Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED plus four (4) years of full-time behavioral health experience, or a combination of education and experience (Bachelor’s degree + 1 year BH experience, Associate degree + 2 years BH experience)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to multitask across multiple software platforms in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to remain focused and grounded during emotionally intense conversations
  • Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential required by the end of the probationary period. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of hire. Crisis Connections will reimburse the cost of obtaining the credential.

Preferred Experience:

  • Crisis intervention or suicide prevention experience
  • Behavioral health or contact center experience
  • Knowledge of the King County public mental health system

Technology & Work Environment
This is a fully remote position, with requirements to support confidentiality and service quality:

  • Must reside in Washington, Arizona, Ohio, or Texas
  • Reliable high-speed internet (wired connection preferred; no hotspots)
  • Smartphone capable of using Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Quiet, private workspace suitable for confidential conversations
  • Ability to sit or stand and use a headset for extended periods

A brief computer skills assessment is required as part of the hiring process. Accommodations are available upon request.


Scheduling & Pay

  • Multiple schedules available (part-time and full-time)
  • $26.79 per hour
  • Union-represented position (OPEIU)
  • Paid training and onboarding
  • Full Benefits

Our Commitment to Inclusion
Thriving employees create a thriving mission. Crisis Connections is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value lived experience and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. BIPOC individuals, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.


Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re passionate about mental health, believe in compassionate crisis care, and want to be part of a mission-driven, supportive team-we’d love to hear from you.


Apply today and help answer the call when it matters most.