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Suicide Chat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

988 Chat/Text Crisis Specialist

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$20.05 - $28.10/hr

Handles incoming chat/text messages through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL), also known as 988. Provides brief clinical screenings, risk assessments and appropriate service linkage ...

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Statewide Chat/Text Crisis Specialist

Alton, IL ยท On-site

$20.05 - $28.10/hr

SUMMARY OF POSITION This position is part of a 24/7/365 high volume, suicide prevention focused team. This position will answer statewide 988 chat/texts and conduct. As a part of this team, you'd be ...

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Crisis Counselor

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$24.90 - $29.88/hr

... phone, chat, and text platforms. In this role, you'll be on the front lines of mental health support, offering immediate emotional assistance, conducting suicide risk assessments, and connecting ...

988 Crisis Call Specialist

Seattle, WA ยท On-site +1

$26.79/hr

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 ...

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Suicide Chat information

See salary details

$36.5K

$87.8K

$133K

How much do suicide chat jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for suicide chat in the United States is $87,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become an online chat agent?

To become an online chat agent, you typically need good communication skills, computer literacy, and the ability to handle sensitive conversations. Many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent and may provide training on their specific chat platforms. Customer service experience and familiarity with relevant tools can improve your chances of securing such a role.

How to become a crisis text line counselor?

To become a crisis text line counselor, applicants typically need to complete a training program provided by the organization, which covers active listening, crisis intervention, and confidentiality. Candidates should have strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and often commit to a scheduled shift, with some organizations requiring background checks or prior experience in mental health or counseling. Certification or specific qualifications are usually not mandatory but can be beneficial.

Do 988 operators get paid?

Yes, 988 operators are paid employees who typically receive wages comparable to customer service or mental health support roles. Compensation varies by organization and location, and some positions may require specialized training or certifications.

What is the difference between Suicide Chat vs Crisis Hotline Worker?

AspectSuicide ChatCrisis Hotline Worker
CredentialsOften requires training in crisis intervention, mental health awarenessRequires similar training, sometimes certifications in crisis management or mental health
Work EnvironmentOnline chat platforms, remote or call center settingsPhone calls, in-person or remote crisis centers
Industry UsagePrimarily mental health support via digital communicationBroader crisis intervention including mental health, domestic violence, and other emergencies

Suicide Chat specialists focus on providing immediate support through online chat platforms, often working remotely. Crisis Hotline Workers handle a wider range of emergencies via phone or in person, with similar training requirements. Both roles aim to support individuals in crisis but differ mainly in communication medium and scope of issues addressed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Suicide Prevention Chat Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Suicide Prevention Chat Counselor, you need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications such as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) or ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). Familiarity with crisis intervention chat platforms, risk assessment tools, and client management systems is typically required. Exceptional empathy, active listening, and emotional resilience are critical soft skills for building trust and providing support to individuals in crisis. These skills and qualifications are vital for effectively assessing risk, ensuring safety, and offering compassionate, timely assistance to those in need.

How much money do Crisis Counselor chat people make?

Crisis counselor chat positions typically pay between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and organization. Some roles may offer additional benefits or stipends for training and certification in mental health or crisis intervention.

What is a suicide chat counselor?

A suicide chat counselor is a trained professional or volunteer who provides emotional support and crisis intervention through online chat platforms to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. Their primary role is to listen non-judgmentally, offer support, assess risk, and help connect people to appropriate resources and emergency services if needed. Suicide chat counselors are usually available through hotlines, mental health organizations, or crisis intervention services, and they maintain confidentiality while ensuring the safety of those they assist.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in suicide chat support roles, and how can they manage these challenges effectively?

Professionals in suicide chat support roles often encounter emotionally intense situations and may experience compassion fatigue or secondary trauma. Managing these challenges involves practicing self-care, participating in regular debriefing sessions, and utilizing supervision provided by the organization. Many teams foster a supportive environment where colleagues can share experiences and strategies. Access to ongoing training and mental health resources is also essential for maintaining resilience and delivering effective support to individuals in crisis.
More about Suicide Chat jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Suicide Chat jobs? The most popular types of Suicide Chat jobs are:
988 Chat & Text Counselor

988 Chat & Text Counselor

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$24/hr

Part-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

988 Chat & Text Counselor (Olympic Suicide Prevention Center)

This is a fully remote position.ย The pay for this position is $24.00 per hour with a $3.00 overnight differential.ย 

The schedule is Monday and Wednesday from 5:00pm-1:30am, and Friday from 2:00pm-10:30pm PST, totaling 24 hours per week.

This role requires a three-week 40-hour per week training at the start of employment.ย 

Our work schedules are subject to change as necessary to meet the Agencyโ€™s and its client's needs. Reasonable notice is provided to facilitate personal planning.ย 

Ask us about loan repayment programs you may qualify for by working at Didi Hirsch.ย 

About Didi Hirschย 

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has been a national leader in whole-person mental health, crisis care, and substance use services since 1942 and is home to the nationโ€™s first Suicide Prevention Center. We are a nonprofit organization providing care to about 270,000 people annually across our programs. Didi Hirsch has deep roots in community-based mental health and a commitment to providing culturally responsive services that are just and equitable.ย More than 1,000 dedicated employees and volunteers make Didi Hirschโ€™s work possible.ย 

Summary

As a Chat & Text Counselor, you will provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to help-seekers through Crisis Chat and Text services. Operating in a fully remote capacity with an option to work on-site, you will play a critical role in delivering compassionate and effective support during moments of crisis. This position emphasizes maintaining high-quality standards in all interactions to ensure help-seekers receive the best possible care and guidance. By actively listening, assessing needs, and providing appropriate resources, you will make a meaningful impact on individuals seeking assistance.

Primary Duties

  • Offers crisis-counseling services via chat and text.
  • Completes risk assessment, safety planning, de-escalation, and follow-up with Chat/Text visitors.
  • Serves as a mandated reporter in cases of suspected abuse or neglect.
  • Is familiar with resources and providing information and referrals to visitors as appropriate.
  • Maintains accurate and detailed chat/text reports. Documentation must be completed in real time.
  • Responds to concurrent interactions in alignment with 988 Lifeline standards; accept overlapping interactions only when clinically appropriate.
  • Fulfills continuing education requirements as requested or required for the agency and the Suicide Prevention Center program.
  • Assists in the training process of new counselors.
  • Participates in community outreach events such as resources tables and presentation about suicide prevention as needed.
  • Attends routinely scheduled meetings for the Suicide Prevention Center.

Position Requirements

  • Minimum of six months of relevant behavioral health experience, with one year of experience in crisis intervention or suicide prevention strongly preferred.
  • Possess a high school Diploma or equivalent.
  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Possess strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to empathetically engage with any individual regardless of background, and demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence in the process.
  • Exceptional at multi-tasking and time management, able to drive multiple pieces of work forward simultaneously while meeting all deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively use web-based platforms, electronic documentation systems, and communication tools, with strong typing and data entry skills required to accurately document interactions in real time.
  • Have high speed internet with an active Ethernet connection, and a quiet/confidential workspace.
  • Be empathetic, flexible, and adaptable to varying situations.
  • Have open availability and flexibility to work within the programโ€™s operating hours, including weekends and holidays.
  • Be reliable and able to adhere to schedules based upon program needs.
  • Complete yearly required continuing education trainings.
  • Have knowledge of all job specific skills including safety assessment, data collection, and chat/text triage.
  • Goal-oriented team player with strong experience working in large and complex systems.
  • A commitment to team objectives and Didi Hirsch philosophies.
  • Successfully pass our pre-employment screening, including a background check and live scan fingerprinting.
Our Vision

A future where everyone has equitable access to care and is empowered to achieve optimal mental health and well-being.

Our Mission

Didi Hirsch provides compassionate mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services to individuals and families, especially in communities where discrimination and injustice limit access.

Core Values

Excellence:ย We are constantly innovating, learning from the communities we serve, and applying the latest research to advance best practices. We uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure we are providing compassionate and excellent care.ย 

Diversity & Inclusion:ย We value diversity of background, experience, and ideas. We celebrate differences and prioritize creating a sense of belonging.ย 

Equity:ย We are dedicated to promoting health equity in our communities, and we work to dismantle disparities and discrimination within both systems of care and society.ย 

Well Being:ย We are devoted to the well-being of our staff, volunteers, and communities, and believe healthy teams lead to healthy clients.ย 

Advocacy:ย We advocate across all levels of government and use our voice to reduce barriers to care with the goal of access to high quality, integrated healthcare for all.ย 

Community Engagement:ย We build partnerships in the community and across sectors to create a more inclusive and responsive mental health ecosystem and enhance greater accessibility to care and support.ย 

#LI-LR1 #LI-Remoteย