988 Chat & Text Crisis Specialist – 3rd Shift (Evenings/Night) – Remote Suicide Prevention, Clinical Screening & Risk Assessment for arenaflex

Why Join arenaflex?

At arenaflex, we are a national leader in nonprofit behavioral health, dedicated to transforming lives through compassionate care and innovative crisis response. As a trauma‑informed organization, we prioritize understanding, recognizing, and responding to the impact of trauma on individuals, families, and communities. Our mission is rooted in empowerment, respect, integrity, and expertise—values that shape every interaction, from the front‑line chat window to strategic leadership decisions. Joining our team means becoming part of a vibrant, purpose‑driven culture where your skills help save lives and your professional growth is nurtured.

Position Overview

The Remote 988 Chat & Text Crisis Specialist – 3rd Shift is a critical member of arenaflex’s 24/7/365 mental health crisis and suicide‑prevention team. You will engage with callers through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) chat and text platform, delivering brief clinical screenings, comprehensive risk assessments, and safe‑linkage to community resources. While the primary modality is online, you may also provide telephone support when callers prefer or require voice communication for continued safety.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct real‑time clinical screenings and risk assessments via chat, text, or phone for individuals expressing emotional distress or suicidal ideation.
• Identify level of risk (low, moderate, high) and determine appropriate immediate interventions, including safety planning and emergency referrals.
• Provide follow‑up outreach calls for moderate to high‑risk callers to monitor safety, reinforce coping strategies, and confirm connection to services.
• Document all interactions accurately in the electronic health record, adhering to arenaflex’s confidentiality, ethical, and accreditation standards.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, participating in supervision, ongoing training, and shift debriefings to maintain clinical excellence.
• Maintain a current knowledge base of community resources, referral pathways, and crisis‑intervention programs to ensure timely service linkage.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as data entry, shift handovers, and quality‑improvement initiatives as needed.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field, or certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist.
• Experience: 6 months to 1 year of direct crisis‑intervention experience (preferred) with exposure to suicide risk assessment tools.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication; ability to convey empathy, establish rapport, and convey clear instructions through digital platforms.
• Customer Service Orientation: Professional etiquette and a client‑centered approach that prioritizes safety and dignity.
• Technical Proficiency: Comfortable navigating chat/text software, electronic health records, and remote‑working technologies.
• Knowledge Base: Familiarity with suicide assessment frameworks (e.g., Columbia‑Suicide Severity Rating Scale), crisis de‑escalation techniques, and community resource landscapes.

Preferred Qualifications & Attributes

• Certification or training in suicide prevention (e.g., ASIST, QPR, or similar).
• Experience working in a trauma‑informed setting, understanding the impact of adverse experiences on mental health.
• Demonstrated resilience and self‑care strategies for managing high‑stress situations.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong connections with the remote team.
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving protocols, technology upgrades, and emerging best practices in crisis care.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Critical Thinking: Rapidly assess complex emotional states and determine appropriate clinical responses.
• Empathy & Compassion: Provide a supportive presence that validates callers’ experiences and fosters hope.
• Risk Management: Apply evidence‑based assessment tools to gauge suicide risk accurately and intervene appropriately.
• Collaboration: Work seamlessly with peers, supervisors, and external partners to ensure continuity of care.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a dynamic, remote environment with shifting caseloads and emergent crisis trends.
• Professional Ethics: Uphold confidentiality, informed consent, and cultural humility in every interaction.

What’s In It for You? – Growth, Learning & Advancement

arenaflex invests heavily in the professional development of its crisis specialists. As part of our team, you will gain access to:

• Ongoing clinical supervision and peer‑support groups that enhance skill mastery and reduce burnout.
• Continuing education stipends for certifications, workshops, and conferences in mental health, trauma care, and crisis response.
• Mentorship pathways that can guide you toward advanced roles such as Crisis Team Lead, Clinical Trainer, or Behavioral Health Program Coordinator.
• Opportunities to contribute to research and quality‑improvement projects, influencing arenaflex’s evidence‑based practice standards.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

Our remote workforce is supported by a collaborative, inclusive culture that celebrates diversity of thought and lived experience. At arenaflex, you will experience:

• Trauma‑Informed Leadership: Management that models empathy, fosters psychological safety, and prioritizes staff well‑being.
• Employee Resource Groups: Communities focused on mental health advocacy, LGBTQ+ inclusion, veteran support, and more.
• Recognition Programs: Acknowledgement of frontline heroes who demonstrate excellence in crisis care.
• Flexibility: A shift schedule that respects work‑life balance—Thursday to Monday, 6 pm–2:30 am CST—allowing you to maintain personal commitments.
• Technology Backbone: Secure, user‑friendly platforms that enable seamless communication and documentation while working from home.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

arenaflex offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $19.10 to $26.80, commensurate with experience and performance. In addition to salary, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for tax‑advantaged health expense management.
• 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer matching contributions.
• Paid time off (PTO), ten paid holidays, and additional leave for volunteer service or mental‑health days.
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Life Insurance, and Long‑Term Disability coverage paid by the organization.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling, legal, and financial resources.
• Access to wellness initiatives, virtual fitness classes, and mindfulness workshops.
• Dedicated technical support for remote‑work equipment and secure home office setups.

Commitment to Equality & Inclusion

arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all candidates based solely on merit, qualifications, and the ability to contribute to our mission. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any protected characteristic is strictly prohibited.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are passionate about providing lifesaving support to individuals in crisis, thrive in a remote, fast‑paced environment, and want to grow within an organization that values expertise, integrity, respect, and empowerment, we invite you to apply today.

Click the link below to submit your application and begin a rewarding career with arenaflex:

Apply Now – Join arenaflex’s 988 Crisis Team