**Experienced Crisis & 988 Specialist – Remote Part-Time Opportunity at blithequark**

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you have a strong desire to work in a dynamic and supportive environment where you can grow and develop your skills? Look no further! blithequark is seeking an experienced Crisis & 988 Specialist to join our team in a remote part-time capacity. **About blithequark** At blithequark, we envision a community of opportunity where everyone has hope and can reach their full potential. Our mission is to solve our community's toughest challenges by connecting people, resources, and ideas. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a workplace culture that reflects these values. **Our Values** * Teamwork: We work together to accomplish our goals and help each other succeed. * Innovation: We are fearless, imaginative trailblazers. * Mission Focused: We are passionate about our community's wellbeing and creating lasting change. * Integrity: We are honest, transparent, and act ethically to create trust. * Excellence: We set clear, high expectations for ourselves and our work. **Job Summary** As a Crisis & 988 Specialist, you will perform a variety of technical and professional work associated with handling calls, chats, and texts on our National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL), also known as 988. You will provide excellent service to those accessing the service by applying the equivalent of reflective listening and motivational interviewing skills in the context of an electronic exchange. You will be responsible for interacting with callers via phone, chat, and text to understand their unique circumstances and needs, render immediate emotional support, provide options for ongoing support/treatment, and follow up to ensure needs are being met. **Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions** * Attend staff meetings, in-services, training sessions, and conferences when appropriate to job responsibilities. * Participate in staff training activities to maintain the required annual training hours. * Keep Microsoft TEAMS open and check frequently. Acknowledge new posts from Crisis & 988 Director or other supervisory staff promptly. * Keep Outlook email account open and minimized on desktop during work hours; respond to supervisor emails promptly. * Document and maintain accurate, thorough records of all telephone interventions transacted during the work shift. * Be fully prepared to begin answering phone lines promptly per assigned work schedule. * Log into the call queue to take calls. * Adhere to lunch and shift schedule unless change is approved in advance by the Supervisor. * Keep all activities in line with the core values and contribute to the positive culture of blithequark. * Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Crisis and 988 by completing all other tasks as assigned. * Answer phone calls with an appropriate tone of voice, paying close attention to voice inflection and volume. * Answer chats, texts, and emails using correct spelling, grammar, and professional language, paying close attention to the inclusion of feeling reflections. * Demonstrate proficiency in using multiple types of contact center software, computer hardware, and telephone equipment. * Maintain acceptable levels of contact handling and customer service performance as described by 988 training standards. * Within 988 guidelines, assess the needs of persons contacting 988 and provide para-professional counseling, information & referral services, crisis intervention, suicide de-escalation/intervention, and linkage services via various channels of communication, including online chat, phone, texting, and email. * Use active listening skills and conversational intent to develop a strategy that identifies solutions to barriers to access, provide high-quality confidential connections to resources and services, demonstrate objectivity and empathy, and be non-judgmental and neutral in handling all contacts. * Develop and implement crisis-related safety plans. * If imminent risk to the individual or others, the Crisis & 988 Specialist may engage 911 to assist in response. * Maintain a non-judgmental attitude when interacting with contacts, displaying sensitivity to all cultural backgrounds. * Referral process consists of assessing the needs of the inquirer, identifying appropriate resources, and providing enough information about resources to help the inquirer make an informed decision. * In line with 988 policy and procedures, follow up with designated at-risk callers to determine referral outcomes. * Must successfully complete VIBRANT training prior to assisting callers. * Perform other such duties as may be assigned by the supervisory team. **Experience/Qualifications** * High school diploma/GED, with a minimum one-year experience in the human services, social work, or customer services field required. * Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, or related field preferred. Crisis, screening, and suicide prevention work experience highly desirable. * Ability to pass and maintain a Level 2 background check is required. This is a security background investigation requiring submitting fingerprints to be screened through state law enforcement agencies and the FBI for national criminal history records. * Must successfully complete Inform USA exam once eligible. * High level of proficiency in web-based systems, real-time communication systems (i.e., chat/text), Microsoft Office, and other client record management systems. * Able to troubleshoot basic technical issues. * Adaptable and able to move with change while maintaining a positive attitude. * Self-directed to take initiative in follow-up and resolution of daily issues. * Active listening and interviewing skills. * Ability to conduct approved suicide assessment. * Ability to work with people in great need. * Capacity to perform work calmly and effectively in emotionally intense environments. * Clear, concise, and effective written and verbal communication. * Relate and interact successfully with persons of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds. * Deal with people in a manner that shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism. * Ability to problem-solve multifaceted difficulties. **Work Environment and Schedule** * Crisis and 988 is a 24/7 operation open 365 days per year with a variety of shifts available. * Work schedule may include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. * Schedule may be changed as necessary to meet the needs of Crisis and 988 clients. * Must be responsive and able to work shifts as much as 12 hours in length during call surges and declared emergencies. * Crisis and 988 is a hybrid work environment. The possibility of remote work is dependent on performance, reliability, and a private work space which may include access to a private, secure, and stable internet connection. **Compensation and Benefits** * Competitive Pay – Commensurate with education and experience based on current market. * Health Insurance – Generous zero to low-cost Medical, Dental, and Vision for employees and dependents. * 403(b) Matching – Generous matching up to 6% of annual pay. * Holidays – 11 paid holidays, three personal holidays, and four year-end bonus days. * Vacation – Two weeks paid vacation. * Flexible Schedule – Hybrid working environment with the ability to modify as needed. * Vibrant Work Environment – office space in The Jessie in downtown Jacksonville, a nonprofit and community gathering space in a sustainable, state-of-the-art facility with free monthly parking. * Purpose – Help blithequark transform NEFL into a community of opportunity and hope for ALL people. * Employee Assistance Program. * A fun, challenging, and inclusive culture. **How to Apply** If you are passionate about making a difference in people's lives and are looking for a dynamic and supportive work environment, please submit your application through our website. 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