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Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor Jobs in Columbus, OH

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

Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$15

$32

$92

How much do seasonal 988 crisis counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal 988 crisis counselor in Columbus, OH is $32.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.50 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor, you need a background in mental health, crisis intervention, or counseling, often supported by relevant education or certifications such as a bachelor's degree in psychology or social work. Familiarity with crisis hotline software systems, risk assessment tools, and compliance with confidentiality protocols is essential. Exceptional active listening, empathy, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These skills are vital to effectively support individuals in crisis, ensure their safety, and provide timely, compassionate intervention during high-stress situations.

What are some common challenges faced by Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselors, and how are they supported in managing these challenges?

Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselors often face emotionally intense situations, as they provide immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health crises. The high volume of calls and the unpredictable nature of each conversation can be challenging. To help manage these stresses, counselors typically receive comprehensive training, ongoing supervision, and access to debriefing sessions or employee assistance programs. Team collaboration and regular check-ins with supervisors ensure that counselors are supported both professionally and emotionally throughout their assignment.

What is a Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor?

A Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor is a mental health professional or trained support staff who works temporarily, often during peak times, to answer calls, texts, or chats to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Their role is to provide immediate support, crisis intervention, risk assessment, and connect individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing help. Seasonal counselors help manage increased demand during certain months, such as holidays or back-to-school periods, ensuring that more people in crisis receive timely assistance.

What is the difference between Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor vs 988 Crisis Counselor?

AspectSeasonal 988 Crisis Counselor988 Crisis Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires crisis intervention training and relevant certificationsSame as seasonal, often requires crisis intervention training and certifications
Work EnvironmentTemporary, seasonal settings such as crisis centers or community programsYear-round crisis centers, mental health facilities, or helplines
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, mental health agencies, or government programs during peak seasonsSame industry, but with continuous employment
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing seasonal roles with ongoing crisis counseling jobsIndividuals seeking full-time crisis counseling positions

In summary, Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselors work temporarily during peak crisis periods, often in community settings, while 988 Crisis Counselors typically provide ongoing support in permanent roles. Both roles require similar credentials and serve the same industry but differ mainly in duration and employment stability.

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 Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor jobs in Columbus, OH? For Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor jobs in Columbus, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Seasonal 988 Crisis Counselor job openings:
988 Chat Clinician

$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: