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

Youth Mobile Crisis Supervisor

Everett, WA ยท On-site

$78K - $110K/yr

WA State Licensure in Social Work, MFT, or Mental Health Counseling (preferred) * Meets WAC ... Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees. (The line about "over 45 paid days off in your ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Sep 2, 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 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,600 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

988 NBU Online Crisis Counselor I (69022)

Volunteers Of America Western Washington

Everett, WA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: 41st Street - Everett, WA 98203Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Bachelor's Degree - 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $25.31 - $27.97 HourlyJob Shift: AnyAbout VOAWW:

Benefits (Full time)
  • Vacation and Sick Time: Vacation up to 200 hours, Sick time up to 108.64 hours
  • Competitive compensation
  • Holidays: 8 paid per year + 2 paid floating holidays
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Savings Account (FSA) medical & dependent care
  • Free Employee Assistance program
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan matching
  • Professional Development opportunities
About Care Crisis Response Services (CCRS):

CCRS is a 24/7 crisis center offering suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and professional consultation services, including behavioral health evaluations. We provide brief crisis counseling and help clients identify appropriate services for their behavioral health crises. Our operations include regional and 988 crisis lines across Washington State.

General Function:

The primary responsibility of this full-time, hourly position is to respond to online chats and texts originating from 988/The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Online Crisis Counselor provides non-judgmental, empathic, emotional crisis support using a crisis intervention model and suicide intervention techniques, as appropriate, for Visitors in self-defined crises. Online Crisis Counselors also participate in welcoming and coaching new counselors and perform other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator. They provide support and consultation to new counselors and are responsible for adhering to imminent risk and mandated reporting procedures according to policy.

Principal Activities:
  • Answer incoming chats and texts, providing crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and supportive counseling to clients in emotional distress or at risk of suicide
  • Conduct safety assessments in line with agency policies, funding, accreditation, and Lifeline Best Practices
  • Manage client interactions to ensure efficient and appropriate support
  • Initiate police intervention procedures if a Visitor is at immediate risk of harm
  • Adhere to state and federal legal requirements, including HIPAA confidentiality and mandated reporting (e.g., CPS, APS, Tarasoff Duty to Warn)
  • Collaborate with the online crisis counselor team and Shift Leads on complex cases
  • Consult with Shift Leads and Masterโ€™s level Crisis Shift Managers on compliance issues, including mandatory reporting, HIPAA, and imminent risk
  • Use Microsoft Teams to engage with remote staff and 988 Crisis Shift Leads
  • Attend staff meetings and trainings to enhance clinical skills and promote professional development
  • Mentor and coach new staff
  • Contribute to an environment that focuses on ensuring integrity, respect, and accountability
Effect on End Results:
  • Decrease the level of a Visitorโ€™s crisis by engaging the Visitor and utilizing crisis intervention and de-escalation skills
  • Reduce the risk for suicide by utilizing intervention techniques
  • Respond to chats efficiently so Visitors are able to engage with an Online Crisis Counselor in the shortest amount of time possible

#voaww2

QualificationsRequirements:
  • Bachelorโ€™s Degree in a social science/behavioral health or related field and one (1) year experience in a mental health or related field
  • Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration is required within 30 days of employment, or equivalent, and must remain in active status during employment.
  • Passing a typing test with a score of 35 WPM or higher
Required Skills:
  • Fluency in English (oral and written)
  • Courteous, empathic, and professional demeanor
  • Proficiency in Motivational Interviewing and active listening
  • Strong problem-solving and information-gathering skills
  • Superior communication skills to convey information clearly and effectively
  • Ability to multitask, including talking and typing simultaneously
  • Efficiency in documenting notes in electronic medical records
Home Office Technology Requirements
  • High-Speed Internet: Minimum download speed of 100Mbps and upload speed of 10Mbps. To ensure smooth workflow, you will be required to provide a recent internet speed test result as proof
  • Secured Wired Connection: A direct wired connection to the internet using a secured ethernet cable is mandatory. Wireless connections (WiFi) are not allowed due to potential security risks and performance limitations
  • No Satellite Internet: Satellite internet service providers such as HughesNet, Starlink, or Visat are not supported due to latency issues that can negatively impact service delivery
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment-related decisions are made without consideration of individualsโ€™ race, sex, age, national origin, disability status or any other protected characteristic.

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