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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 ...

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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988 information

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$20K

$61.3K

$141K

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.
Crisis Call Specialist (988 Case Manager)

Crisis Call Specialist (988 Case Manager)

Johnson County Kansas

Olathe, KS

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

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 a Crisis Call Specialist to join our 988 Crisis Team. This team provides mental health crisis services to our community by phone. JCMHC has supported a 24/7 crisis line for over 40 years and recently became a member of the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988). The intent for the 988 phone number is to prevent suicide, divert individuals from hospitals and law enforcement contact, and support individuals in navigating resources to meet their needs. 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.  The 988 Crisis Team is a 24/7/365 team working 12 hour shifts (7a-7p and 7p-7a).Crisis Line Specialists will work seven 12-hour shifts every fourteen days, on a fixed rotation.

This position is eligible for a shift differential specific to overnight hours($1.50/hr), weekend hours ($0.75/hr), and evening hours ($0.75/hr).

The following schedules are available for this position:

  • Overnight shifts 7:30pm-7:30am on a 2-week rotating schedule:
    • Week 1-Sunday, Monday, Friday, Saturday.
    • Week 2- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
  • Day Shifts 7am-7pm on a 2-week rotating schedule:
    • Week 1-Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday
    • Week 2-Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday

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. We are always looking for great candidates.

First review of applications will be May 27.


• Answers 24-hour crisis calls, chats and texts providing empathic and compassionate support.
• 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.
• Conducts outreach calls to individuals identified in need of support.
• Develops safety plans to address the needs of individuals; collaborates with JCMHC teams and other community agencies to advocate and partner for individuals’ needs
• Oversees acquisition and forwarding of all necessary documentation for individuals requiring voluntary or involuntary hospitalization.
• Completes and submits documentation regarding services provided and assists with data collection in support of program goals.


Minimum Job Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field is required.  May require KS/MO driver’s license, depending on department or agency.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

 

Preferred Job Requirements:

One year of related work experience is preferred.

 

Education/Experience Substitutions:

Experience may be substituted for degree. Education may be substituted for experience.

In some instances, statutory or regulatory requirements may prohibit substitution of education and/or experience. 

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.