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Crisis Text Line Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pathways Inc.

Crisis Line Counselor I

Ashland, KY

$20/hr

We are seeking a calm, reliable, and tech-savvy Crisis Line Counselor I to provide crisis ... Provide immediate crisis and suicide intervention support via phone, text, and chat * Refer callers ...

Pathways Inc.

Crisis Line Counselor I

Ashland, KY

$18/hr

We are seeking a calm, reliable, and tech-savvy Crisis Line Counselor I to provide crisis ... Provide immediate crisis and suicide intervention support via phone, text, and chat Refer callers ...

Pathways Inc.

Crisis Line Counselor I

Ashland, KY · On-site

$18/hr

We are seeking a calm, reliable, and tech-savvy Crisis Line Counselor I to provide crisis ... Provide immediate crisis and suicide intervention support via phone, text, and chat Refer callers ...

Pathways Inc.

Crisis Line Counselor I

Ashland, KY · On-site

$20/hr

We are seeking a calm, reliable, and tech-savvy Crisis Line Counselor I to provide crisis ... Provide immediate crisis and suicide intervention support via phone, text, and chat * Refer callers ...

Pathways Inc.

Crisis Line Counselor I

Ashland, KY · On-site

$20/hr

We are seeking a calm, reliable, and tech-savvy Crisis Line Counselor I to provide crisis ... Provide immediate crisis and suicide intervention support via phone, text, and chat Refer callers ...

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How much do crisis text line counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for crisis text line counselor in the United States is $23.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Crisis Text Line Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crisis Text Line Counselor, you need strong active listening skills, emotional intelligence, and a solid understanding of mental health principles, often supported by relevant training or education. Familiarity with crisis management platforms, de-escalation techniques, and secure messaging systems is typically required. Compassion, patience, and resilience are vital soft skills for building trust and effectively supporting individuals in distress. These abilities ensure that counselors can provide timely, empathetic, and effective help to those experiencing crisis, ultimately promoting safety and well-being.

What is a Crisis Text Line Counselor?

A Crisis Text Line Counselor is a trained volunteer who provides free, confidential support to people in crisis through text messaging. These counselors help individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health concerns, or urgent situations by listening, offering empathy, and helping them identify coping strategies. They do not provide therapy or long-term solutions, but they play a crucial role in offering immediate support and connecting texters to additional resources if needed. Crisis Text Line Counselors complete comprehensive training to prepare for a wide range of situations and work under the supervision of professional staff.

What are some common challenges faced by Crisis Text Line Counselors and how can they be managed?

Crisis Text Line Counselors often encounter emotionally intense situations and must manage high levels of empathy and resilience. One common challenge is maintaining emotional boundaries while providing support to texters in distress. Counselors are encouraged to utilize available supervision, peer support, and self-care strategies to prevent burnout and maintain their well-being. Regular debriefing sessions and ongoing training are also provided to help counselors process difficult conversations and continuously improve their skills.

What is the difference between Crisis Text Line Counselor vs Crisis Hotline Volunteer?

AspectCrisis Text Line CounselorCrisis Hotline Volunteer
CredentialsTypically requires training in crisis intervention, active listening, and mental health awarenessOften requires basic training in crisis response; certifications vary by organization
Work EnvironmentOnline via text messaging platform, flexible hoursPhone-based, may be in a call center or remote
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations focused on mental health supportVarious organizations providing crisis support services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in online crisis interventionComparing volunteer crisis support roles

The Crisis Text Line Counselor primarily provides online text-based crisis support, requiring specific training in mental health and crisis intervention. In contrast, Crisis Hotline Volunteers typically offer support via phone, often with basic training. Both roles serve in nonprofit settings but differ in communication methods and training requirements, catering to different preferences for crisis intervention.

More about Crisis Text Line Counselor jobs
What cities are hiring for Crisis Text Line Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Crisis Text Line Counselor job openings:
What job categories do people searching Crisis Text Line Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Crisis Text Line Counselor jobs are:
Crisis Text Line Counselor jobs near you
Full Time Text Counselor

Full Time Text Counselor

Crisis Support Services of Alameda County

Oakland, CA

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Position Title: Text Line Counselor
Employment Type: FT
Pay Rate: 25.00/hr
Shift Differential Eligibility:  up to $5 per hour for evening, weekend, and overnight shifts
Eligibility for Remote Work: Eligible for remote work after initial training. Must permanently reside in California and be able to commute to office located in North Oakland. Must attend training on-site when specified by the training team.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision insurance eligibility. Retirement plan eligibility with 2% employer match. 13 paid holidays. Paid sick time off, paid vacation and paid floating holidays available. 
Start Date: July 9, 2026
Training Schedule: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PZnbkCSSQywgAeZVuaOqFEpEZLKW8q-ODsBxF2CTT_o/edit?usp=sharing
Shift Schedule: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Shiv_H4A5VjwG0sRqqXlI7cdWA5pbJSgUVx2-WH4Jq4/edit?gid=0#gid=0 

Position Summary
The Text Line Counselor position answers texts through both our Local Alameda County Text Line and 988 Lifeline to provide crisis intervention, information, and referral services and to meet the needs of the community. The counselor will also adhere to the highest possible ethical standards, and comply with program policy and procedures. This assignment is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and work collaboratively with a team in an innovative and compassionate environment. You must also be open for emergency fill-in shifts.

Supervision/Direction Received:
The Text Line Counselor reports to Text Line Shift Supervisors for consultation on shifts. The Text Line Counselor are required to report to a Text Line Program Coordinator for minimum of 60 minutes of individual supervision per month. Text Counselors are also required to receive at minimum 1.5 hour of group supervision per week. All staff are also highly encouraged to attend remote staff meetings 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 9:30AM-10:45AM.

Level of Decision Making:
The Text Line Counselor has the authority for the following actions: Answers incoming text/chat sessions on local text line and 988 Lifeline. Utilizes a wide range of crisis line interventions to meet the needs of text line clients. Recommends blocking texters for up to 3 days who are using abusive, aggressive, or disruptive behavior. Recommends breaking confidentiality for mandated reporting (consultation is mandatory) -The agencies you can break confidentiality with include: CPS, APS, Ombudsman. Recommends breaking confidentiality for imminent risk (consultation is mandatory) - another crisis line or community mental health agency, local law enforcement agency or a texter's family member. Recommends program policies, practices, and purchases that increase the effectiveness of the Text Line program
  • Establish rapport, build connections with texters, and take responsibility for texter feedback.
  • Recognize that texter-centered solutions and connectedness are key to providing crisis line intervention.
  • Display confidence and composure in crisis situations.
  • Communicate effectively and compassionately with volunteers, staff, and texters.
  • Work collaboratively with others and openness to constructive feedback.
  • Work independently using creativity and resourcefulness.
  • Willingness to continuously improve skills through supervision, research, and individual
  • development.
  • Provide direct service on our Alameda County Text Line and the 988 Text Line
  • Respond to third party texters and chat visitors
  • Provide outreach support to high risk contacts via text and phone call as needed
  • Accurately document staff hours in timesheets and MAA sheets.
  • Document contact notes for each and every chat and text session
  • Utilize consultation as required
  • After consultation with a supervisor, make outreach contacts and referrals to CPS, APS, and emergency services in a timely manner for mandated reporting and imminent risk situations.
  • Refer texters presenting with medium-high risk for suicide to the follow-up program
  • Connect texters in crisis with the appropriate level of care
  • Actively participate in weekly pod supervision
  • Maintain confidentiality of other counselors and text/chat visitors
Other duties as needed
  • Requires comparable mental health work experience or graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's or bachelor's degree in a social science or closely-related field.
  • Comfortable with learning new technology, multi-tasking and toggling across multiple technology platforms.
  • Flexibility and availability evenings, overnights and weekends
  • Experience applying a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging lens to work in mental health field
  • Ability to utilize supervision 
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Values working cooperatively with others
  • Ability to manage deadlines / handle confidential information in professional manner
  • Sensitive to the cultural and ethnic diversity of Alameda County
  • Preferred one year of crisis work or text/chat counseling experience - including completion of crisis counseling training.
Minimum Qualifications 
  • Must complete Background Check (DoJ) and LiveScan
  • Must live within a 100 mile radius of Oakland, CA 94609
  • Must be able to commute onsite to fulfill the role's onsite requirements
  • Must have access to a secure internet connection (If secure, you should see a padlock next to the wifi symbol), a computer with camera (for remote meetings), a mobile phone (for multi-factor authentication), and a private space for completing confidential work, making calls, and attending meetings. Or be able to work fully onsite to accommodate any of these needs.
Agency Mission
To reach out and offer support to people of all ages and backgrounds during times of crisis, to work to prevent the suicide of those who are actively suicidal, and to offer hope and caring during times of hopelessness.

Agency Values
We care, from the inside out. With open hearts and minds, we build connections and remain committed to growth to be the best for the people we serve.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
CSS works toward the elimination of the tragic experience of suicide in Alameda County and this cannot be accomplished without the elimination of racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of oppression in our community. We acknowledge that dismantling systems of oppression requires active engagement and constant effort. In order to better serve the diverse communities of Alameda County, address the above inequities, and elevate voices and experiences of those directly impacted by suicidal thinking or behaviors.
Crisis Support Services of Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status. We value the range of life experiences our staff bring with them and are stronger for having staff and volunteers with lived experience of surviving suicidal crises.

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