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How much do 988 counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for 988 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 is a 988 counselor?

988 counselors are trained professionals who provide immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They listen without judgment, offer guidance, and connect callers to resources or emergency services if needed. These counselors play a vital role in helping people manage emotional distress and find help during difficult moments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 988 counselor?

To thrive as a 988 Counselor, you need a background in mental health, crisis intervention, and active listening, often supported by a degree in psychology, social work, or counseling. Familiarity with crisis management protocols, risk assessment tools, and secure communication systems like call center software is typically required. Compassion, emotional resilience, and strong communication skills enable counselors to support individuals in severe distress effectively. These competencies are vital to ensuring immediate, empathetic, and safe intervention for callers experiencing mental health crises.

What are some common challenges 988 counselors face when supporting individuals in crisis, and how is support provided to manage these challenges?

988 Counselors often encounter emotionally intense situations, such as supporting callers experiencing severe distress, suicidal thoughts, or trauma. These challenges can be emotionally taxing and require strong emotional resilience and self-care practices. To help manage these demands, counselors typically receive regular supervision, participate in debriefing sessions, and have access to mental health support resources within their organizations. Ongoing training and a supportive team environment also play a key role in helping counselors navigate these difficult situations effectively.
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988 Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various 988 Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

Overnight 988 Counselor

HEADQUARTERS KANSAS INC

Lawrence, KS • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Call and Chat Counselor – Overnight- Full Time

Location: Lawrence, KS

Applications will be accepted until filled.

Hiring for 3rd Shift (Overnight Days & Weekends)

Compensation and Benefits

  • Full-time, non-exempt
  • $15/hour during training, increasing to $22.00/hour plus shift differential upon completion of training program
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Access to LMH Health Workplace Wellness
  • Paid time off
  • EAP Program
  • Access to 401k

Position Summary: The Call and Chat Counselor position is a full-time, non-exempt, 36-hour week average position. This position is expected to work weekends and some holidays. This position will report directly to the Crisis Call and/or Chat Center Coordinators. Call and Chat Counselors are employees of HeadQuarters Kansas and housed under the program, HeadQuarters Kansas Counseling Center (HQCC). HQCC is accredited by the International Council of Helplines.

Job Duties: Call and Chat Counselors are required to complete a paid in-house crisis counselor training and a minimum of 60 paid hours of on-the-job practice. Call and Chat Counselors play an integral role in providing crisis and emotional support through call, chat, and text services. This training prepares individuals to answer the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) for all Kansas communities and the local Douglas County crisis line.

Position Expectations

  • Understand and communicate persuasively the mission, vision, and values of HeadQuarters Kansas;
  • Able to represent HeadQuarters Kansas and themselves with integrity and professionalism at all times;
  • Reliable transportation;
  • Must be able to pass State and Federal criminal background checks.

Responsibilities include:

  • Answers the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and local crisis lines using the philosophy of care and counseling skills included in HQCC’s Crisis Counselor Training;
  • Provides crisis intervention to consumers using reflective listening skills, de-escalation, assessment of risk (e.g.suicide, homicide, substance use, sexual violence, domestic violence, and abuse & neglect), safety planning, follow-up, care linkage, and referral to resources;
  • Assess consumers on the call or chat lines for imminent risk in accordance with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Policy for Helping Callers at Imminent Risk of Suicide;
  • Completes documentation in a timely and quality manner, while monitoring the quality and completeness of documentation of peers and volunteer counselors
  • Handles incoming contacts effectively to ensure timely speed of answer and target answer rate
  • Participates in organizational events intended to promote connectedness within the organization and the broader community.

Required Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Proficiency in English written and oral language skills
  • Excellent communication skills written, and verbal.

Preferred Education and Experience:

  • Completion of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
  • Previous experience in conflict resolution

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

It is HeadQuarters Kansas intention to create and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive employment consideration without discrimination toward race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process. A request for accommodation will not affect your opportunities for employment with HeadQuarters. If you wish to request an ADA accommodation, please contact our office at 785-841-9900.

HEADQUARTERS KANSAS IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER