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

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? Do you have a strong desire to work in a dynamic and supportive environment where you can utilize your skills and experience to help individuals in crisis? If so, we encourage you to apply for the Crisis & 988 Specialist position at blithequark. **About blithequark** blithequark is a leading organization dedicated to creating 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 strive to create a workplace culture that reflects these values. **Job Summary** As a Crisis & 988 Specialist at blithequark, you will play a critical role in providing emotional support and resources to individuals in crisis. You will be responsible for handling incoming phone contacts on our National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL), also known as 988, while collecting and documenting all required data and offering applicable resources and referrals to callers. This is a remote part-time opportunity that requires a high level of proficiency in web-based systems, real-time communication systems, and Microsoft Office. **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, acknowledging new posts from the Crisis & 988 Director or other supervisory staff promptly * Keep Outlook email account open and minimized on desktop during work hours, responding 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 an acceptable level of contact handling and customer service performance as described by 988 training standards * Assess the needs of persons contacting 988 and provide para-professional counseling, information, and referral services, crisis intervention, suicide de-escalation/intervention, and linkage services via various channels of communication * 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 * Engage 911 to assist in response if imminent risk to the individual or others * 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 * Follow-up with designated at-risk callers to determine referral outcomes, in line with 988 policy and procedures **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 required * Must successfully complete Inform USA exam once eligible * High level of proficiency in web-based systems, real-time communication systems, 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 an emotionally intense environment * 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 Culture** * blithequark is a hybrid work environment, with the possibility of remote work dependent on performance, reliability, and a private work space with access to a private, secure, and stable internet connection * Staff members who drive a vehicle on blithequark business must provide proof of a valid driver's license and current automobile insurance * blithequark is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion * We have built an environment that celebrates the differences in backgrounds and experiences * blithequark invests in activities that lead to greater inclusion, diversity, and equity **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 **General Physical Requirements for Essential Functions of the Job** * The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job * Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions * While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and/or hear * Continual use of the hands with wrist and finger movement using a keyboard is required * Specific vision abilities required by this job include long hours viewing a computer monitor screen * The employee may occasionally travel using personal vehicle and/or work outside normal office environment **How to Apply** If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and have the skills and experience to succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply for the Crisis & 988 Specialist position at blithequark. Please submit your application through our website, including your resume, cover letter, and any other relevant documents. We look forward to hearing from you! Apply for this job