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988 Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Mehlvillefire

$72 - $79/hr

Previous experience as a Paramedic or Critical Care Paramedic preferred Wages: $71,988 without CCP Certification, $78,988 with CCP-C or FP-C Certification * 100% paid health insurance premiums for ...

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All Jobs988 Jobs988 Jobs in Kentucky

988 information

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$18.7K

$57.2K

$131.6K

How much do 988 jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for 988 in Kentucky is $57,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,397.00 and $60,662.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 988 crisis counselor?

988 crisis counselors are trained professionals who provide immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises. When someone calls, texts, or chats the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, these counselors listen with compassion, provide emotional support, and connect people to resources or emergency services as needed. Their goal is to help individuals navigate difficult moments, de-escalate crises, and ensure safety for all involved. 988 counselors work in crisis centers across the United States and receive specialized training to handle sensitive situations effectively.

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

To thrive as a 988 Crisis Counselor, you need strong active listening skills, crisis intervention training, and a background in mental health or social work, often supported by relevant certifications. Familiarity with crisis call center software, risk assessment tools, and reporting systems is typically required. Compassion, emotional resilience, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for supporting individuals in distress. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, timely, and empathetic support for people experiencing mental health crises.

What can I expect when working as a 988 crisis counselor in terms of collaboration with other mental health professionals?

As a 988 crisis counselor, you'll regularly collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including supervisors, licensed clinicians, and community resource providers. You'll often consult with colleagues to ensure callers receive appropriate support and, when necessary, coordinate with local emergency services or mental health agencies for higher-level interventions. Team meetings and debriefings are common, fostering a supportive work environment and ensuring best practices are followed in crisis situations.

What is the difference between 988 vs Emergency Dispatcher?

Feature988Emergency Dispatcher
CredentialsNone specific; mental health crisis training often preferredHigh school diploma; emergency communication training
Work EnvironmentCall centers, crisis centers, mental health facilitiesEmergency call centers, police, fire departments
Industry UsageNational mental health crisis hotlinePublic safety and emergency response
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While 988 is a national mental health crisis hotline, Emergency Dispatchers handle emergency calls for police, fire, and medical services. 988 operators focus on mental health crises, often with specialized training, whereas Emergency Dispatchers coordinate emergency responses across various services. Both roles are vital in emergency response systems but serve different functions within the public safety network.

What are popular job titles related to 988 jobs in Kentucky?

For 988 jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 988 jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for 988 jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for 988 jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most 988 job openings:

988 jobs near you
Infographic showing various 988 job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,195 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

988 Shift Lead - Call Center 2nd Shift

RIVER VALLEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Owensboro, KY • On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

1st Shift: 7:00am - 3:30pm

2nd Shift: 3:00pm - 11:30pm

The 988 Shift Lead will oversee daily operations during their assigned shift, ensuring effective management of all incoming calls, texts, and chat requests from individuals seeking mental health support and crisis intervention. This role will provide guidance and support, and ensure all procedures are followed to ensure optimal client care and service delivery. The 988 Shift Lead will play a key role in maintaining a supportive, efficient, and calm environment for both staff and individuals in crisis.

Essential Functions:

  • Supports a team of 988 Specialists and/or other support staff during a shift, ensuring they adhere to policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Provides guidance to 988 Specialists in crisis situations, including de-escalation techniques and offering resources or interventions as needed.
  • Acts as the point of contact for any escalated calls or challenging situations and provide support for complex cases.
  • Assists with training new team members and provide ongoing development opportunities for staff, ensuring that they are equipped to manage calls/chats/texts effectively and ethically.
  • Ensures the efficient operation of the center during the shift, including handling breaks, and managing the flow of calls/chats/texts.
  • Ensure all necessary documentation is completed, including incident reports, shift logs, and service reports. Provides end-of-shift reports to the Administrative Lead 988 Specialist.
  • Work closely with other shift leads, managers, and external partners to ensure continuity of care and crisis intervention services.
  • Promotes and encourages self-care practices for the team to prevent burnout and maintain emotional well-being in a high-stress environment.
  • Adheres to all organizational policies, procedures, and legal requirements regarding confidentiality, privacy (such as HIPAA compliance), and professional conduct.
  • Serves as a fully integrated 988 Specialist to assist with call/text/chat response when necessary.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.  Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, sociology, or human services preferred.
  • At least one year of experience in a customer service, crisis intervention, or mental health support role is required. Experience in handling crises over the phone, via chat, or text is a plus.

Skills:

  • Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and support a diverse team of professionals.
  • Strong verbal & written communication and active listening skills.
  • Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
  • Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude.
  • Familiarity with crisis intervention techniques and mental health first aid is a plus.
  • Proficient in using computer systems, chat platforms, and texting tools for documentation and communication.

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