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Crisis Text Line Counselor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Description Join the Front Line of Compassion 988 Crisis Call Specialist Part-Time & Full-Time | ... In this role, you will be a trusted voice for individuals reaching out via phone, chat or text ...

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Crisis Text Line Counselor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$15

$27

$37

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for crisis text line counselor in Seattle, WA is $27.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $30.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Crisis Text Line Counselor?

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 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.

How to become a crisis text line counselor?

To become a Crisis Text Line counselor, applicants typically need to complete an online training program that covers active listening, crisis intervention, and confidentiality. Candidates should have strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and be available to commit to scheduled shifts, often including evenings and weekends.

What job categories do people searching Crisis Text Line Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Crisis Text Line Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Crisis Text Line Counselor job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,600 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

988 Crisis Call Specialist

Crisis Connections

Seattle, WA โ€ข Remote

$26.79/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description

Join the Front Line of Compassion

988 Crisis Call Specialist

Part-Time & Full-Time | Fully Remote (WA, AZ, OH, TX)
$26.79/hour | Union-Represented (OPEIU)


At Crisis Connections, we believe that every person deserves compassionate, accessible support during their most difficult moments. As a 988 Crisis Call Specialist, you'll play a vital role in providing life-saving emotional support to individuals experiencing mental health crises-right when they need it most.


If you're empathetic, calm under pressure, and motivated by meaningful work, we invite you to join our growing 988 Crisis Services team.

Why This Role Matters

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is transforming how people access mental health support. In this role, you will be a trusted voice for individuals reaching out via phone, chat or text, offering hope, connection, and practical support during moments of distress.

Our approach centers dignity, respect, and non-judgment-meeting people where they are and helping them move toward safety and stability.

What You'll Do

As a 988 Crisis Call Specialist, you will:

  • Provide empathetic, nonjudgmental crisis intervention via phone, or chat and text
  • Conduct suicide risk and behavioral health assessments and support de-escalation
  • Collaborate with on-shift clinicians to ensure safety when higher-level intervention is needed
  • Develop safety and action plans with individuals in crisis
  • Connect callers to appropriate community resources and crisis response partners
  • Accurately document interactions in the electronic health record
  • Follow established 988 Lifeline protocols and performance standards
  • Contribute to shared team goals for response times, availability, and quality care

Requirements

What We're Looking For
We're seeking candidates who bring both skill and heart to this work.ย 


Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED plus four (4) years of full-time behavioral health experience, or a combination of education and experience (Bachelor's degree + 1 year BH experience, Associate degree + 2 years BH experience)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to multitask across multiple software platforms in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to remain focused and grounded during emotionally intense conversations ย 
  • Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential required by the end of the probationary period. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of hire. Crisis Connections will reimburse the cost of obtaining the credential.ย 

Preferred Experience:

  • Crisis intervention or suicide prevention experience
  • Behavioral health or contact center experience
  • Knowledge of the King County public mental health system

Technology & Work Environment
This is a fully remote position, with requirements to support confidentiality and service quality:

  • Must reside in Washington, Arizona, Ohio, or Texas
  • Reliable high-speed internet (wired connection preferred; no hotspots)
  • Smartphone capable of using Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Quiet, private workspace suitable for confidential conversations
  • Ability to sit or stand and use a headset for extended periods

A brief computer skills assessment is required as part of the hiring process. Accommodations are available upon request.ย 


Scheduling & Pay

  • Multiple schedules available (part-time and full-time)
  • $26.79 per hour
  • Union-represented position (OPEIU)
  • Paid training and onboarding
  • Full Benefitsย 

Our Commitment to Inclusion
Thriving employees create a thriving mission. Crisis Connections is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value lived experience and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. BIPOC individuals, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.ย 


Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about mental health, believe in compassionate crisis care, and want to be part of a mission-driven, supportive team-we'd love to hear from you.ย 


Apply today and help answer the call when it matters most. ย