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988 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Description Position at Common Ground Job Title : 988 Crisis Specialist Base Pay: $21 hourly + shift differentials Various Full-Time & Part-Time Shifts Available About you: The ideal Crisis ...

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$20K

$61.3K

$141K

How much do 988 jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 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.

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.

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 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, with an average salary of $61,285 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

National 988 Program Director

First Choice Services

Fairmont, WV • On-site

$90 - $135/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Charleston, WV 25311

Position Type: Full Time

Job Category: Management

AGENCY AND MISSION

First Choice Services is a 501c3 non-profit organization. First Choice Services provides free support through helplines, behavioral health training, and expert guidance. We connect individuals, families, and communities to real help. We are proud to offer the lived experience of our team to support, encourage, and help others find a pathway to wellness.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Program Director provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the National 988 program and workflow. This position ensures the delivery of high-quality, crisis counseling and intervention services that promote hope, wellness, self-direction, and community integration. The role is responsible for developing operational strategies, ensuring effective service delivery, managing budgets and resources, leading teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that support organizational objectives.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Program Director reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The position’s direct reports include all National 988 Program staff (Crisis Counselors, Shift Supervisors, Program Coordinators and Assistant Director).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSStrategic Leadership
  • Develop and implement program strategies aligned with organizational goals.
  • Establish annual objectives, performance measures, and key results.
  • Advise executive team on operational and strategic matters related to National 988 Program.
  • Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and growth.
  • Collaborate with Director of Marketing and Communications on media, marketing and outreach.
  • Collaborate with FCS Program Directors to enhance interagency efficiencies and client outcomes.
Operations Management
  • Oversee daily operations and service delivery.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
  • Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.
  • Develop and maintain operational procedures and best practices.
  • Direct, lead and hold responsibility for all aspects of National 988 program in two locations.
Financial Management
  • Prepare and manage departmental budget.
  • Monitor expenditures and optimize resource utilization.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service quality.
  • Prepare financial and operational reports as needed.
Team Leadership
  • Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing staff.
  • Collaborate with Director of Training and Development to enhance staff performance.
  • Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead change management initiatives.
  • Meet regularly in-person with teams in Charleston and Fairmont locations.
  • Collaborate with Employee Services department to manage team members.
Professional Network Leadership
  • Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Represent the department in conferences, executive meetings, community forums, and partner engagements.
  • Address stakeholder concerns and ensure high levels of satisfaction.
  • Meet as needed with national and state partners.
Continuous Quality Improvement
  • Adhere to grant stipulated quality standards and performance benchmarks.
  • Analyze operational data and trends to improve effectiveness.
  • Lead process improvement and organizational excellence initiatives.
  • Attend conferences, community meetings and other learning opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONSEducation and Experience
  • Master’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or Addictions preferred
  • Direct or indirect (loved one’s) lived experience with behavioral health, SUD, homelessness, justice involvement or significant life challenges
  • Clinical experience in behavioral health, addiction, crisis intervention, and or suicide prevention
Knowledge and Skills
  • Knowledge of trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive care.
  • Strong organizational and project management abilities.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong professional ethics and judgement.
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving expertise.
  • Financial and operational management proficiency.
  • Project and change management experience.
  • Ability to build partnerships, lead teams and influence stakeholders.
  • Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and web-based case management platforms
  • Ability to actively listen giving full attention to others and seeking understanding
  • Resilience and composure while dealing with frustration, unpleasantness and stressful circumstances.
WORK ENVIRONMENT

The primary work environment is a climate controlled, contact center environment. The position requires prolonged periods of desk work using computer and phone, as well as a good deal of travel for meetings and remote work at partner sites and other FCS offices. This is not a work from home position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities)
  • Limited physical effort required with limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Must be willing and able to travel involving overnight stays that may include multiple nights.
  • Ability to lift 35 pounds unassisted. Heavier weight with assistance.
  • Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Qualifications

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