Experienced Native and Strong Lifeline Chat & Text Crisis Counselor – Tribal Affiliated

At arenaflex, we are committed to providing exceptional care and support to our community members, particularly those from Native and Strong Lifeline Chat & Text subnetworks. As a dedicated crisis counselor, you will play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of our clients by providing non-judgmental, empathetic emotional support through online chats and texts.

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a non-profit organization operating in Western Washington for over 125 years. Our Christian roots drive us to put our faith into action for the benefit of every member of the community. We celebrate our unique perspectives and lived experiences that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other. arenaflex is officially a designated CARE trauma-informed organization.

Benefits (Full-time)

As a full-time employee at arenaflex, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Vacation and Sick Time: Up to 200 hours of vacation time and 108.64 hours of sick time
• Competitive compensation
• Holidays: 8 paid holidays per year, plus 2 paid floating holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Savings Account (FSA) medical & dependent care
• Free Employee Assistance program
• 403(b) Retirement Plan matching
• Professional Development opportunities

About Care Crisis Response Services (CCRS)

CCRS is a 24/7 crisis center offering suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and professional consultation services, including behavioral health evaluations. We provide brief crisis counseling and help clients identify appropriate services for their behavioral health crises. Our operations include regional and 988 crisis lines across Washington State.

Job Summary

As a Native and Strong Lifeline Chat & Text Crisis Counselor, you will be responsible for providing non-judgmental, empathetic emotional support to visitors in crisis through online chats and texts. You will also be expected to welcome and coach new counselors, offer support and consultation to them as necessary, and perform imminent risk and mandated reporting procedures in accordance with policy.

Key Responsibilities

* Answer incoming chats and texts, providing crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and brief supportive counseling to visitors in emotional distress or considering suicide

• Offer population-specific, trauma-informed care to visitors accessing the Native and Strong Lifeline Chat & Text service
• Conduct safety assessments following agency policies, funding requirements, and Lifeline Best Practices
• Manage visitor interactions efficiently to ensure appropriate support
• Initiate police intervention procedures if a visitor is at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others
• Adhere to legal requirements, including HIPAA and mandated reporting (e.g., CPS, APS referrals, Tarasoff Duty to Warn)
• Collaborate with the online crisis counselor team and Shift Leads on complex cases
• Consult with Shift Leads and Shift Managers on compliance issues, including mandatory reporting, HIPAA, and imminent risk
• Use Microsoft Teams to communicate with remote staff and 988 Crisis Shift Leads
• Attend staff meetings and trainings to enhance clinical skills and promote professional development
• Mentor and coach new staff
• Contribute to an environment that focuses on ensuring integrity, respect, accountability, and trauma-informed service

Requirements

* Tribally affiliated (tribal enrollment or descendancy with ties to a tribal community)

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred and at least one (1) year of experience in a mental health position
• Knowledge of Native populations in Washington State preferred
• Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration is required within 30 days of employment, or equivalent, and must remain in active status during employment
• Passing a typing test with a score of 35 WPM or higher
• Demonstrated respect for diversity and understanding of issues faced by tribal communities

Required Skills

* Fluency in English (oral and written)

• Courteous, empathic, and professional demeanor
• Proficiency in Motivational Interviewing and active listening
• Strong problem-solving and information-gathering skills
• Superior communication skills to convey information clearly and effectively
• Ability to multitask, including talking and typing simultaneously
• Respect for diversity and cultural competency
• Efficiency in documenting notes in electronic medical records

Home Office Technology Requirements

* High-Speed Internet: Minimum download speed of 100Mbps and upload speed of 10Mbps. To ensure smooth workflow, you will be required to provide a recent internet speed test result as proof

• Secured Wired Connection: A direct wired connection to the internet using a secured ethernet cable is mandatory. Wireless connections (WiFi) are not allowed due to potential security risks and performance limitations
• No Satellite Internet: Satellite internet service providers such as HughesNet, Starlink, or Visat are not supported due to latency issues that can negatively impact service delivery

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment-related decisions are made without consideration of individuals' race, sex, age, national origin, disability status, or any other protected characteristic.

Why Join arenaflex?

At arenaflex, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a crisis counselor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients while developing your skills and expertise in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and compassionate individual who is passionate about providing exceptional care and support to our community members, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you! Apply for this job