1

988 Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

988 Chat Clinician

Columbus, OH · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Crisis Assessment And Counseling Specialist Responsible for providing crisis assessment and ... Helps chat visitors reaching out through Lifeline 988 Chat/text while expressing compassion concern ...

988 Crisis Counselor- PT (2nd Shift)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

WellStone is looking for empathetic employees to serve as crisis counselors by answering phones for callers experiencing mental health crisis. 988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number--it's a ...

Showing results 21-40

988 Counselor information

See salary details

$6

$14

$22

How much do 988 counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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.
More about 988 Counselor jobs

What cities are hiring for 988 Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most 988 Counselor job openings:

What states have the most 988 Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for 988 Counselor jobs include:

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.

Crisis Counselor | 988 Mobile Crisis Outreach

Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey

Tinton Falls, NJ • On-site

$25.48 - $27.88/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Respond to calls dispatched through the 988 crisis center to provide immediate support and crisis intervention.

  • Develop individual care plans and provide linkage to ongoing community mental health services, including follow-up contacts.

  • Document services accurately based on billing and regulatory standards.


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
CSPNJ a mental health nonprofit agency is looking for a full-time Bachelor Level Crisis Counselor. The Crisis Counselor position is part of the Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams (MCORT) in Ocean and Monmouth counties. The MCORT team will consist of "Master Level Supervisors" & "Peer Support Specialists". The Crisis Counselors and Peer Support Specialists will respond to calls dispatched through the 988 crisis center. They will provide support and appropriate interventions, to stabilize the situation.
MCORT provides 24/7 mobile community outreach services to adults in crisis, including mental health, substance use, and suicidal emergencies. Calls are dispatched through the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline Call Center. Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams will be available to help individuals de-escalate their crisis and access needed resources.
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Provide immediate support, crisis intervention, and promote mental health and wellness.
  • Document services based on billing and regulatory standards; and reflect all demographic data.
  • Must be able to demonstrate competency in appropriate care, trauma informed, de-escalation techniques, suicide assessment, and safety planning.
  • Develop individual care plans for each crisis.
  • Provide linkage to ongoing community mental health services, and initiate follow-up contacts to ensure further crisis diversion.
  • Collaborate with individuals to identify strengths, goals, and areas for skill-building.• Develop and implement person-centered plans to empower individuals in their recovery journey.
  • Work with community referral sources and stabilization provider networks regarding case management and linkages to stabilization and aftercare services.

Full-time Benefit Eligible (Medical, free DMO dental & free vision) including 6 weeks PTO & 11 Holidays
Hourly Rates:
- Day and Evening Shifts: 7:30am - 4:00pm & 3:30pm - 12:00am: $25.48/hour
- Overnight Shift: 11:30pm - 8:00am: $27.88/hour
Current Opening(s):
Sunday - Thursday: 7:30am - 4:00pm
Sunday - Thursday: 3:30pm - 12:00am
Sunday - Thursda y: 11:30pm - 8:00am
Friday - Tuesday: 3:30pm - 12:00am
Friday - Tuesday: 11:30pm - 8:00am
Additional schedules may become available based on program needs.
Requirements
  • MUST have a Bachelor's degree in a mental health related discipline.
  • 2+ years of experience in a crisis setting.
  • The ability to write clear, concise, and accurate billable progress notes.
  • Excellent communication, assessment, and people skills.
  • A prominent level of patience and emotional resilience.
  • The ability to remain calm under pressure when dealing with challenging situations.
  • Great critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt and act accordingly to situations.
  • Highly organized with proven ability to manage time efficiently in fast-paced environments.
  • Ability to effectively engage and support individuals with mental health diagnoses through empathy, professionalism, and trauma-informed approaches.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and have strong computer skills.
  • Bilingual skills are a plus!
  • MUST have a valid NJ Driver's License with acceptable driving record.
  • Lived Experience: CSPNJ prioritizes hiring people who use their own life experience dealing with mental health/substance use issues to inspire and support others.

Salary Description
Hourly Rate: $25.48 - $27.88 depending on shift