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Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor Jobs in Columbus, OH

Netcare Access

988 Chat Clinician

Columbus, OH

$50.90K - $67.30K/yr

Crisis Assessment Counselor Responsible for providing crisis assessment and counseling via text ... Helps chat visitors reaching out through Lifeline 988 Chat/text while expressing compassion concern ...

New

BrightView Health

Counselor

Lancaster, OH

$36K - $48K/yr

Provide crisis and de-escalation techniques. * TREATMENT PLANNING AND PROGRESS MONITORING: * Assist ... Active entry-level clinical certification or licensure consistent with state-level regulatory ...

Brightview Health

Counselor

Lancaster, OH

Provide crisis and de-escalation techniques. * TREATMENT PLANNING AND PROGRESS MONITORING: * Assist ... Active entry-level clinical certification or licensure consistent with state-level regulatory ...

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Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$12

$24

$37

How much do entry level 988 crisis counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 988 crisis counselor in Columbus, OH is $24.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor, you need a background in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with crisis intervention training and familiarity with mental health protocols. Proficiency with call management systems, documentation software, and sometimes certifications like ASIST or Mental Health First Aid are often required. Outstanding active listening, empathy, and emotional resilience are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals in crisis. These abilities are vital to ensuring quick, compassionate, and effective assistance for those experiencing mental health emergencies.

What types of support and supervision are typically available for Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselors?

Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselors often work in a team-oriented environment where supervision and peer support are prioritized to help manage the emotional demands of the role. New counselors usually receive comprehensive onboarding, regular supervision sessions, and access to experienced team leads or clinical supervisors. Ongoing training and debrief opportunities are common, allowing counselors to discuss challenging calls and receive feedback. Many organizations also provide wellness resources and encourage self-care to ensure staff well-being and professional growth.

What are entry level 988 crisis counselors?

Entry level 988 crisis counselors are professionals who provide immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, emotional distress, or suicidal thoughts. They answer calls, texts, or chats to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offering empathetic listening, safety planning, and referrals to local resources. These counselors typically undergo specialized training in crisis intervention, active listening, and de-escalation techniques. Their main goal is to help callers feel heard, supported, and connected to ongoing care if needed.

What is the difference between Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor vs Entry Level Mental Health Technician?

AspectEntry Level 988 Crisis CounselorEntry Level Mental Health Technician
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Crisis Intervention trainingBasic mental health training, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentHotlines, crisis centers, emergency settingsHospitals, clinics, residential facilities
Employer & Industry UsageBehavioral health agencies, crisis servicesHealthcare facilities, mental health programs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles involve supporting individuals with mental health needs, but Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselors primarily work in crisis hotlines and emergency settings, providing immediate support. Entry Level Mental Health Technicians typically work in clinical environments, assisting with patient care. While certifications overlap, the work environments and focus differ, making each role suited to different career paths within mental health services.

What are the most commonly searched types of 988 Crisis Counselor jobs in Columbus, OH? The most popular types of 988 Crisis Counselor jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor jobs in Columbus, OH? For Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor jobs in Columbus, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor job openings:
Entry Level 988 Crisis Counselor jobs near you
988 Chat Clinician

988 Chat Clinician

Netcare Access

Columbus, OH

$50.90K - $67.30K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Crisis Assessment Counselor

Responsible for providing crisis assessment and counseling via text/chat interactions, as it relates to mental health and/or alcohol and other drug crisis intervention.

Positions supervised: None

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Triage chat visitors via the chat/text platform through active engagement to assess for imminent risk of suicide and provide linkage to appropriate local community services and resources.
  • Helps chat visitors reaching out through Lifeline 988 Chat/text while expressing compassion concern, and expertise in helping them develop solutions.
  • Makes appropriate internal/external emergency and crisis intervention referrals for situations that are deemed imminent risk by 988 Lifeline standards.
  • Maintains timely and complete documentation of services and activities, which meet the standards of Netcare, 988 Lifeline, and accrediting agencies.
  • Documents in Vibrant Emotional Health's 988 Lifeline text/chat platform as well as in Avatar and other databases.
  • Operates and responds to live text/chat interaction requests, incorporating the process of "dovetailing" (taking two chats at once) when appropriate.
  • Maximizes time on shift to be available to receive chat/text interactions and responds to waiting text and chat requests within time parameters.
  • Monitors Microsoft Teams instant messaging system and uses it to communicate with supervisor and coworkers throughout each shift.
  • Responds to all chat visitors with compassion and empathy, incorporating active listening skills, and supportive means of communication throughout the text and chat interaction.
  • Uses clinical skill to de-escalate chat visitors and ascertain risk by using appropriate screening tools and safety planning with clients.
  • Participate in peer review as assigned.
  • Demonstrates skill in engaging clients who may be reluctant to share in texts and chats.
  • Assists with completing and tracking follow-up phone calls with 988 chat visitors depending on shift and need.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential knowledge, skills and abilities:

  • Ability to engage in problem solving processes.
  • Ability to establish therapeutic rapport quickly and compassionately through texts and chats.
  • Ability to assess suicide risk, and develop safety plan with clients.
  • Ability to explore resources in other states and areas, to assist texters and chatters.
  • Ability to relate to clients of a variety of age, economic/educational backgrounds, personality types and problems.
  • Ability to deal with verbally aggressive, violent or potentially violent clients.
  • Ability to quickly assess and prioritize information received.
  • Establish flexibility and ability to manage multiple demands in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to use a range of techniques and interventions.
  • Ability to utilize reference material such as maps, directions and street locations.
  • Basic knowledge of the demographic and human services network in Franklin County.
  • Ability to work in alternate locations as assigned.
  • Demonstrated skills in the use of personal computer to record client data, produce written correspondence or reports.
  • Ability to hear and speak well enough to converse with clients or other employees in person or over the telephone.
  • Ability to see enough and have the manual dexterity and physical ability to access referral source and other information from a wide selection of manual, texts, etc. while engaged in a crisis intervention telephone conversation with a client.
  • Ability to achieve and maintain certification in required training programs.

Essential core competencies:

  • Ability to provide effective clinical interventions via written communication in text and chats.
  • Ability to accurately and succinctly document clinical interventions.
  • Ability to complete required paperwork in a timely and error-free fashion.
  • Ability to apply risk management and problem-solving techniques to clinical/workplace situations.
  • Ability to engage and de-escalate clients in a professional and effective manner.
  • Ability to effectively work as a member of a team.
  • Demonstrates broad knowledge of and ability to access community resources on behalf of clients.
  • Ability to adhere to Agency Policies, Procedures and other expectations.
  • Actively seeks opportunities to develop clinical skills.

Minimum qualifications:

LSW/LPC:

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