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988 Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Crisis Services Coach

Oakton, VA ยท Hybrid

$58K - $66K/yr

The 988 Learning and Development Specialist (Coach) oversees staff within the Crisis Services program, providing supervision, performance management, and professional development. This role manages ...

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988 information

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 job categories do people searching 988 jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for 988 jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for 988 jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most 988 job openings:

Infographic showing various 988 job openings in Springfield, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Director, 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Coordination Office

Department of Human Services

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$151K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) seeks a senior executive to serve as Director of the 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Coordination Office. This leader directs implementation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, oversees behavioral health crisis policy and operations, coordinates with federal agencies and external partners, advises senior leadership on crisis system strategy, and drives initiatives to strengthen nation's behavioral health crisis response.Qualifications:Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.
There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
TQ 1:Behavioral Health Crisis Systems Leadership

Demonstrated executive-level experience providing strategic leadership for behavioral health crisis systems, including the development, implementation, and oversight of behavioral health crisis programs, policies, and services. This includes expertise in crisis response systems, phone-based crisis services, mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders, program planning and implementation, and advising senior leadership on behavioral health policy and national program initiatives.

TQ 2:Executive Management and Organizational Leadership

Demonstrated executive-level experience leading complex public health or behavioral health organizations through strategic planning, organizational management, workforce leadership, budget formulation and execution, and performance management. This includes supervising multidisciplinary staff, building high-performing teams, managing employee performance and workforce development, ensuring responsible stewardship of fiscal resources, and using performance data to drive organizational decision-making and continuous improvement.
TQ 3:

Executive Collaboration, Legislative Affairs, and Stakeholder Engagement

Demonstrated executive-level experience developing and sustaining collaborative relationships with Federal, state, Tribal, local, nonprofit, and private-sector partners to advance behavioral health or comparable public health initiatives. This includes leading coalitions and cross-sector collaborations, providing subject matter expertise on legislative and policy matters, reviewing legislative proposals and responding to congressional or executive inquiries, and effectively communicating complex technical and policy information to senior executives, policymakers, and diverse stakeholder audiences.


EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
There are five ECQs:
  • ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
  • ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
  • ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
  • ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
  • ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Education:No minimum education requirements for this position.Employment Type: OTHER