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Crisis 988 Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Crisis 988 information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$12

$25

$43

How much do crisis 988 jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for crisis 988 in Decatur, GA is $25.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $28.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Crisis 988 counselor?

Crisis 988 workers are trained professionals who answer calls, texts, and chats from individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or emotional crises. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides immediate support, resources, and intervention to people in distress, helping them navigate difficult situations and connecting them with local services if needed. Crisis 988 workers offer a compassionate, confidential, and judgment-free environment, aiming to de-escalate crises and prevent harm. Their work is essential for supporting individuals and families in moments of urgent need.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Crisis 988 counselor?

To thrive as a Crisis 988 Counselor, you need a background in mental health, crisis intervention, and active listening, often supported by a degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with crisis management protocols, suicide risk assessment tools, and call center software is typically required. Strong emotional resilience, empathy, and the ability to communicate calmly under pressure are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing effective support, ensuring caller safety, and managing high-stress situations efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by Crisis 988 counselors, and how can they effectively manage stress in this role?

Crisis 988 counselors often face emotionally intense situations, including handling calls from individuals experiencing severe distress or suicidal thoughts. Managing the emotional weight of these conversations, maintaining composure, and avoiding burnout are common challenges. To effectively manage stress, counselors are encouraged to participate in regular supervision, access mental health resources offered by their organization, and practice self-care strategies. Collaborative team environments and ongoing training also provide crucial support, ensuring counselors feel prepared and supported in their vital work.

What is the difference between Crisis 988 vs Crisis Counselor?

AspectCrisis 988Crisis Counselor
CredentialsNone required for 988; training providedState licensure or certification often required
Work EnvironmentCall centers, emergency response settingsCounseling offices, mental health clinics
Industry UsageEmergency response, mental health crisis supportTherapy, mental health treatment
Primary RoleProvide immediate crisis support via callsOffer ongoing mental health counseling

While Crisis 988 operators provide immediate crisis intervention through calls, Crisis Counselors typically offer ongoing mental health therapy. Both roles require training, but Crisis 988 staff focus on urgent response, whereas Crisis Counselors work in therapeutic settings.

What are popular job titles related to Crisis 988 jobs in Decatur, GA?

For Crisis 988 jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Crisis 988 jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Crisis 988 jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Crisis 988 jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Crisis 988 job openings:

Infographic showing various Crisis 988 job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,146 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Director, 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Coordination Office

Department of Human Services

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$151K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 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