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POSITION DESCRIPTION:

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Crisis Counselor - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Calls • Texts • Chats
Part-Time Positions Available | Day, Evening, Overnight, and Weekend Shifts

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Help Save Lives Every Day
At Samaritans Southcoast, every conversation has the potential to change a life.


For more than 43 years, Samaritans Southcoast has provided compassionate emotional support,  suicide prevention, and crisis intervention to people of all ages. Today, we proudly serve as Massachusetts' only full-service 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline center, providing calls, texts, and chats 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Each year, our team responds to more than 40,000 calls, texts, and chats from individuals experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, loneliness, anxiety, grief, and other life challenges. Our highly trained Crisis Counselors provide hope, connection, and support when it matters most.


In addition to 988 services, Samaritans Southcoast operates:

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  • Safe Place, a support program for suicide loss survivors
    Massachusetts

  • Care Calls, a wellness and connection program for older adults

  • Community education and suicide prevention outreach programs throughout 


As a fully remote organization, we employ compassionate, skilled professionals from across the United States who share a commitment to reducing suicide, promoting mental wellness, and ensuring that no one faces a crisis alone.

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About the Position


As a Crisis Counselor, you will provide emotional support and crisis intervention through phone, text, and chat interactions. Using Samaritans Southcoast's evidence-based befriending model, you will help individuals navigate emotional distress, identify coping strategies, create safety plans, and connect with resources that promote hope and recovery.


This position is ideal for individuals who:

 

  • Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence

  • Remain calm under pressure

  • Are skilled listeners and communicators

  • Thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment

  • Are comfortable working in a virtual environment powered by technology

  • Want meaningful work that makes a difference every day

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What You'll Do


Provide Crisis Support

  • Respond to 988 calls, texts, and chats with professionalism, empathy, and respect

  • Support individuals experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, grief, anxiety, loneliness, and other challenges

  • Utilize active listening and crisis intervention techniques

  • Collaborate with individuals to develop safety plans and identify supports


Connect People to Resources

  • Assess needs and provide appropriate referrals and information

  • Advocate for individuals seeking access to services and support

  • Coordinate emergency interventions when necessary


Maintain Excellence

  • Accurately document interactions and outcomes

  • Adhere to all organizational, state, and national 988 standards

  • Participate in training, supervision, coaching, and quality improvement activities

  • Work collaboratively with supervisors and fellow Crisis Counselors

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Qualifications


Required

 

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Authorization to work in the United States and physically reside in the United States while working

  • Reliable computer, internet connection, webcam, and microphone

  • Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism

  • Successful clearance of background screening


Preferred

  • Experience in crisis intervention, behavioral health, social services, healthcare, customer support, call centers, or helping professions

  • Experience with text-based communication platforms

  • Familiarity with Zoom or similar virtual meeting platforms

  • Passion for suicide prevention and mental health advocacy

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Compensation & Benefits


Hourly Rate

  • $21.00/hour – Day & Evening Shifts

  • $22.00/hour – Overnight Shifts


Paid Time Off

  • Up to 96 hours of PTO annually (based on hours worked)

  • Up to 40 hours of paid sick time annually


Additional Benefits

  • Fully remote work environment

  • Comprehensive training and ongoing coaching

  • Opportunity to make a direct impact in suicide prevention

  • Supportive and mission-focused team culture

  • Professional growth opportunities within a nationally recognized 988 center

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Why Join Samaritans Southcoast?


When you join Samaritans Southcoast, you become part of a team that answers thousands of calls for help each year and serves as a lifeline for individuals across Massachusetts and beyond.

Every call. Every text. Every chat. Every voice matters.

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How to Apply


To be considered for a position with Samaritans Southcoast, please complete the following two
steps:


Step 1: Complete Our Online Application


Visit our employment page and complete the online application:


We're Hiring | SamaritansSouthcoast


Step 2: Submit Your Resume and References


After completing the online application, email the following materials to:


Natalie Schrager
Operations & Administrative Director
nschrager@samaritanssoco.org


Please include:

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✓ Current Resume
✓ Three (3) Professional References


Incomplete applications will not be considered.


Applicants selected to move forward in the interview process can expect to participate in:

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  • An initial phone screening/ interview

  • A virtual interview with members of the Samaritans Southcoast leadership team

  • Training, roleplays, and various learning activities and evaluations


We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our mission to provide hope, support, and lifesaving crisis services through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

 

Samaritans Southcoast is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Samaritans Southcoast is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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