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988 Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

988 Chat Clinician

Columbus, OH · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

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

988 Crisis Counselor

Omaha, NE · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

As a Crisis Counselor at Boys Town, you'll be a lifeline for individuals in crisis-offering calm, compassionate, and solution-focused support via phone, text, or chat. Help guide others through ...

988 Crisis Counselor

Omaha, NE · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

As a Crisis Counselor at Boys Town, you'll be a lifeline for individuals in crisis-offering calm, compassionate, and solution-focused support via phone, text, or chat. Help guide others through ...

Showing results 21-40

988 Counselor information

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How much do 988 counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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.

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.
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 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

$25 - $28/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

This per-diem position responds to and manages calls for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; callers of all ages who may be experiencing emotional distress, mental health crisis, and those who may be actively suicidal.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Answer calls on assigned incoming lines in accordance with the organization's training and scope
  • Assess for risk, provide crisis intervention, complete safety plans, and make appropriate referrals to resources in the community
  • Place outgoing and follow-up calls to callers, third parties, and community resources when needed
  • Document calls in an accurate and timely manner in web-based software
  • Assist with placing rescue calls as needed for callers requiring emergency assistance
  • Be equipped to apply crisis intervention tools and techniques and make appropriate connections to community resources
  • Preform additional responsibilities as they develop and are assigned

Additional requirements:
  • Active listener that is patient, non-judgmental, collaborative with strong interpersonal and empathy skills
  • Possesses strong documentation skills that can collect all necessary data
  • Ability to adapt quickly to various procedures for each incoming/outgoing call
  • Can exercise good judgement and decision-making skills, particularly in a crisis
  • Effectively multi-task and use internal messaging system during calls and throughout shift
  • Can participate in required trainings, supervision, and meetings
  • Communicate effectively and frequently throughout shift with supervisors and crisis team staff; can promptly alert supervisor of concerns and seeks guidance/support when needed
  • Work in collaboration with St. Vincent's Crisis Prevention and Response Team
  • Good working knowledge of resources in the community

Other important features:
  • Education Requirements: Bachelors in a Mental Health/Human service field
  • Shifts may vary; including evenings and weekends
  • Remote option may be available once trainings have been completed and employee has proven enough competence to practice remotely

Pay: $25-28/hr