Crisis Counselor

Location: Charleston, WV
Job Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

The 988 Crisis Counselor responds to incoming calls, chats, and texts to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Crisis Counselors provide a spectrum of support ranging from warmline emotional assistance to crisis de-escalation for individuals in immediate distress. This role helps people regain a sense of safety, stabilize emotionally, and access ongoing treatment or community referrals when appropriate.

Using skills similar to reflective listening, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care, 988 Crisis Counselors communicate with individuals experiencing emotional, mental health, or behavioral health challenges. Counselors must remain patient, empathetic, composed, and supportive while delivering high-quality care through electronic and telephonic modalities.

Essential Job Functions

• Answer incoming calls, chats, and texts with patience, empathy, and respect
• Provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention support, and brief supportive counseling
• Help individuals re-establish emotional safety and return to an appropriate level of functioning
• Refer clients to ongoing treatment services or other helplines based on assessed needs
• Initiate voluntary or involuntary 911 responses when required for safety
• Document interactions and demographic information accurately in designated databases
• Conduct follow-up outreach to check on client progress and ongoing needs
• Maintain strict confidentiality following HIPAA and applicable regulations
• Provide ethical, participant-centered services while preserving dignity and respect
• Participate in training, professional development, and skill-building programs
• Contribute to the organization’s quality assurance processes
• Obtain required CEUs to maintain any necessary licensure or certifications
• Adhere to all duty-to-warn and duty-of-care procedures when safety concerns arise
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality
• Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, behavioral health, or related field preferred
  • Licensure or clinical certification given special consideration
• Experience in crisis intervention, counseling, or behavioral health preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong compassion and empathy; ability to respond without bias or judgment
• Ability to simultaneously document while engaging with individuals by phone, text, or chat
• Emotional stability and resilience to manage challenging crisis situations
• Ability to use sound judgment and demonstrate strong self-awareness
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and compliance

How to Apply

Submit your résumé or work history to:

🌐 MountaineerEmployment.com

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mountaineer Employment Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Employment with Mountaineer Employment Solutions is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.