988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat/Text Crisis Specialist – 1st Shift Remote Position (Sunday-Thursday)

Join arenaflex: Making a Difference Through Compassionate Crisis Support

Are you passionate about mental health and ready to make a meaningful impact in someone's life? arenaflex is seeking dedicated professionals to join our national crisis response team as a 988 Chat/Text Crisis Specialist. This is more than just a job—it's an opportunity to be a lifeline for individuals experiencing their darkest moments, providing hope, support, and connection when they need it most.

At arenaflex, we believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, trauma-informed care that can transform lives. As part of our 24/7/365 mental health crisis and suicide prevention team, you will play a critical role in operating the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), serving as the first point of contact for individuals reaching out during times of emotional distress. Your work will directly contribute to saving lives and supporting the wellbeing of communities across the nation.

About arenaflex: A Leader in Behavioral Health Services

arenaflex stands among the nation's leading nonprofit behavioral health systems, with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people's lives. Founded on principles of compassion, expertise, and integrity, we have established ourselves as a dynamic, well-resourced organization that offers rewarding opportunities to serve individuals of all ages in diverse settings.

As a trauma-informed organization, arenaflex is built on a foundation of understanding, recognizing, and responding to those affected by trauma. We are committed to strengthening resilience for our clients, staff, and the communities we serve. Our organizational culture emphasizes respect, expertise, integrity, and empowerment in every interaction. We believe that by embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, we can better serve the populations who depend on us.

When you join arenaflex, you become part of a team that values quality, safety, and clinical excellence. We celebrate team members who champion best practices for quality improvement, clinical risk management, and patient safety. Our commitment to these principles ensures that both our employees and the individuals we serve thrive in a supportive, professional environment.

Position Overview: 988 Chat/Text Crisis Specialist

We are currently seeking a full-time 988 Chat/Text Crisis Specialist to work the 1st shift from Sunday to Thursday, 2:00 AM to 10:30 AM (with Friday and Saturday off). This is a remote position that offers the unique opportunity to provide crisis support through chat and text platforms while also handling telephonic interactions when needed.

As a Crisis Specialist at arenaflex, you will be the initial point of contact for individuals reaching out through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988). This role requires exceptional interpersonal skills, clinical expertise, and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure. You will conduct brief clinical screenings, perform risk assessments, and facilitate appropriate service linkages for individuals experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation.

Key Responsibilities

As an essential member of our crisis response team, your duties will include:

• Crisis Intervention via Digital Platforms: Respond to incoming chat and text messages through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), assessing callers for suicide risk, safety concerns, and emotional distress while providing immediate supportive intervention.


• Clinical Screenings and Risk Assessments: Conduct comprehensive telephonic or chat-based clinical screenings and risk assessments to identify the level of crisis and determine appropriate intervention strategies.


• Resource Linkage: Identify and provide appropriate community resources, programs, and services to meet the individual needs of each person contacting the hotline.


• Follow-Up Support: Conduct follow-up calls for individuals who have been identified as moderate to high risk for suicide, ensuring continuity of care and ongoing safety.


• Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate, confidential documentation of all interactions while meeting ethical and clinical standards in compliance with all accreditation requirements.


• Professional Development: Actively participate in ongoing supervision, training sessions, and team meetings to enhance clinical skills and stay current with best practices in crisis intervention.


• Administrative Support: Assist with administrative tasks as needed to ensure smooth operations of the crisis center.

Essential Qualifications

To succeed in this role, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field is required. Alternatively, certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist will be considered.


• Experience: Six months to one year of related crisis experience is preferred. Experience in mental health, suicide prevention, or crisis intervention is highly valued.


• Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate effectively through written, verbal, in-person, and virtual methods.


• Customer Service: Demonstrated high-level customer service skills and professional etiquette in challenging situations.


• Clinical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of suicide assessment protocols and competency in providing crisis intervention techniques.


• Resource Navigation: Demonstrated knowledge and competency in service linkage and referrals for programs, services, and community resources.

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following qualifications will give you a competitive edge:

• Previous experience working in crisis call centers or suicide prevention hotlines


• Training in trauma-informed care approaches


• Knowledge of community mental health resources and referral networks


• Familiarity with electronic health record systems


• Bilingual capabilities or multicultural counseling experience


• Understanding of cultural competency in behavioral health services

Skills and Competencies for Success

Beyond formal qualifications, successful Crisis Specialists at arenaflex possess the following attributes:

• Emotional Resilience: The ability to remain composed and effective when engaging with individuals in acute distress, while maintaining appropriate boundaries and self-care practices.


• Critical Thinking: Strong analytical skills to quickly assess risk factors and determine appropriate intervention levels.


• Empathy and Compassion: Genuine concern for others and the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds without judgment.


• Written Communication: Excellent written communication skills, particularly for digital platforms where tone and clarity are essential.


• Active Listening: The ability to fully engage with callers, listen actively, and respond appropriately to verbal and emotional cues.


• Decision-Making: Sound judgment in high-pressure situations, including the ability to escalate appropriately when necessary.


• Time Management: Efficient handling of multiple interactions while maintaining quality and accuracy.


• Team Collaboration: Strong ability to work effectively with team members, supervisors, and community partners.

Career Growth and Development Opportunities

At arenaflex, we invest in the professional growth and development of our employees. As a Crisis Specialist, you will have access to:

• Comprehensive Training: Initial training on crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, and our digital platforms, followed by ongoing professional development opportunities.


• Supervision and Mentorship: Regular supervision sessions with licensed clinical supervisors to support your growth and address any challenges.


• Continuing Education: Opportunities for continuing education credits and professional development to maintain and enhance your credentials.


• Career Advancement: Potential pathways to advanced clinical positions, supervisory roles, specialized crisis response teams, or training and quality assurance positions within the organization.


• Specialization Opportunities: Possibility to specialize in areas such as LGBTQ+ youth crisis support, veteran services, or disaster response.

Work Environment and Culture

As a remote Crisis Specialist, you will work from the comfort of your home office while remaining connected to our supportive team environment. Our culture at arenaflex is built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive workplace that celebrates diverse voices and experiences. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion employee resource groups provide additional support and community for team members from all backgrounds. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve the communities we work with and create a more enriching work environment for everyone.

At arenaflex, we understand the emotional demands of crisis work. We are committed to supporting your wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families. We also offer regular team check-ins and peer support opportunities to ensure you never feel alone in your work.

Compensation and Benefits

We recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits:

• Competitive Pay Range: $19.10-$26.80 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.


• Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health coverage for you and your family.


• Financial Security: 403(b) retirement plan with company match to help you save for the future.


• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off including ten paid holidays per year.


• Insurance Benefits: AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability coverage (company-paid).


• Flexible Accounts: Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts to help manage healthcare costs.


• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and resources.


• Professional Development: Continuing education opportunities to advance your career.


• Community: Participation in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion employee resource groups.

Equal Opportunity Employer

arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at arenaflex is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.

Join Our Mission

If you are ready to make a difference in people's lives, we invite you to join the arenaflex team. This is an opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself—to be a beacon of hope for individuals in their most vulnerable moments.

At arenaflex, we use our values as a guide for everything we do. Respect, Expertise, Integrity, and Empowerment are at the heart of every interaction. Our approach to diversity is simple—it's about embracing everyone. Together, we continue to develop an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our employees.

Come talk to us about joining the arenaflex team. We would love to learn more about how your skills, experience, and passion for mental health can contribute to our mission of delivering care that changes people's lives.

Ready to apply? Click the link below to begin your journey with arenaflex.