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988 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MiCAL 988 Crisis Specialist Base Pay: $21 hourly + shift differentials Full and Part-Time Shifts Available About you: The ideal MiCAL Crisis Specialist is a strong, self-driven, dedicated individual ...

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$20K

$61.3K

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How much do 988 jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for 988 in the United States is $61,285.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a crisis worker?

To become a crisis worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many roles requiring a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, empathy, and crisis intervention training, often supplemented by certifications such as CPR or mental health first aid. On-the-job training and experience in mental health or social services are also important for this role.

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.

Do 988 operators get paid?

Yes, 988 operators are paid employees who typically work in call centers or crisis centers. Their compensation varies by organization and location, and they often require training in crisis intervention and communication skills.

What are 988 crisis counselors?

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 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 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.

Are 988 workers real?

Yes, 988 workers are real professionals who provide mental health crisis support through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They are trained crisis counselors who assist individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, often working in call centers or crisis centers with specialized training and certifications.

Is it hard to become a crisis text line volunteer?

Becoming a crisis text line volunteer typically involves completing an online training program that covers active listening and crisis intervention skills. The process may include background checks and a commitment to a certain number of shifts, but it is designed to be accessible to those interested in helping others in crisis.
More about 988 jobs
What cities are hiring for 988 jobs? Cities with the most 988 job openings:
What states have the most 988 jobs? States with the most job openings for 988 jobs include:
Infographic showing various 988 job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,285 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
988 Crisis Team Clinician/Shift Lead

988 Crisis Team Clinician/Shift Lead

Johnson County Kansas

Olathe, KS โ€ข On-site

$32.93 - $49.40/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Overview
A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you're searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government! Johnson County Mental Health Center is looking for an Overnight 988 Clinician/Shift Lead to join our 988 Crisis Team that provides mental health crisis services to our community, primarily by phone. JCMHC has supported a local 24/7 crisis line for over 40 years and is also a member of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network (988). This team is co-located in Johnson County's Communication Center, sharing space with Sherriff, Fire and Med-Act 911 dispatch. The 988 Crisis Team works closely with Johnson County's first responders.
JCMHC believes everyone can learn change and grow as human beings. Our role is to provide hope and promote recovery using a strength's approach. It is important for the qualified candidate to understand and reflect these values. First review of applications will be June 9.
Schedule:
Three 12-hour shifts weekly with one additional 8-hour shift every other weekend
Wednesday/Thursday/Friday: 7pm - 7am
Saturday 7pm - 3am (every other week)
Johnson County has implemented a skill-based pay plan of up to $4200 annually for staff who have obtained licensure by the BSRB at the Clinical Level.
Job Description
Job duties includes:
โ€ข Answers 24-hour crisis calls, chats and texts providing empathic and compassionate support.
โ€ข Triage for suicide risk and other safety related concerns, assess needs to include making least restrictive level of care recommendations, and coordinate care for citizens of Johnson County, law enforcement officers, hospitals, and other community agencies.
โ€ข Conducts outreach calls to individuals identified in need of support.
โ€ข Assists in completing assessments of youth at the Juvenile Intake Assessment Center who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
โ€ข Develops safety plans to address the needs of individuals; collaborates with JCMHC teams and other community agencies to advocate and partner for individuals' needs
โ€ข Oversees acquisition and forwarding of all necessary documentation for individuals requiring voluntary or involuntary hospitalization.
โ€ข Completes and submits documentation regarding services provided and assists with data collection in support of program goals.
โ€ข Provides clinical support and guidance to 988 Crisis Call Specialists
Additionally, this position is eligible to be a Shift Lead who may complete the following duties:
โ€ข Serve as a Lead in decision making and oversight of staff within parameters specified by the Team Leader and or Deputy Division Director.
โ€ข Assume operational responsibility for the assigned shift.
โ€ข Assist in the performance evaluation, hiring process, and provide input on employment discissions within the assigned shift at the 988 Center.
โ€ข Serve as role model for other staff and a positive representative of the department.
โ€ข Provide guidance, coaching and mentoring of staff, assist with staff development and new hire training.
โ€ข Attend meetings with and sometimes in lieu of the Team Leader.
โ€ข Complete quality review processes to ensure quality and integrity of the work being done.
โ€ข Collaborate with 988 leadership to implement training and wellness curriculum for 988 staff.
โ€ข Participate in and lead employee work groups seeing projects through to completion and keeping supervisor apprised of status.
The Shift Lead role will add up to an additional 5% Lead Pay to salary offer, not to exceed the top of the pay range.
Job Requirements
Minimum Job Requirements:
Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or other Human Services field and Kansas Behavioral Sciences licensure at the master's level in the area of focus are required. Requires a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. *Applicants who meet Kansas licensure requirements may be considered if Kansas licensure is obtained by time of an employment offer and licensure is pending confirmation at the time of employment application.
Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.
Preferred Job Requirements:
Kansas Behavioral Sciences license at the clinical level and one year of experience in the area of focus is preferred.
Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:
All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.