Online Crisis Counselor I

Volunteers of America Western Washington

Online Crisis Counselor providing emotional crisis support via chat for clients in distress. Working with a 24/7 crisis center offering various crisis intervention services.

Posted 8/2/2026full-timeRemote • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesJunior💰 $25 - $28 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and supportive counseling, with a strong focus on compliance with legal requirements such as HIPAA and mandated reporting. Proficient in using electronic medical records and Microsoft Teams for effective communication and documentation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Crisis InterventionSuicide PreventionMotivational InterviewingHIPAA ComplianceClient Documentation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Crisis InterventionSuicide PreventionMotivational InterviewingActive ListeningClient DocumentationSafety AssessmentsTyping Speed (35 WPM)Information GatheringMultitasking

Soft Skills

EmpathyProfessional DemeanorProblem-SolvingCommunication SkillsCoaching

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft TeamsElectronic Medical Records

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science/Behavioral HealthAgency Affiliated Counselor Registration

Industry Keywords

Crisis CounselingMental HealthLegal RequirementsMandated ReportingLifeline Best Practices

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Answer incoming chats and texts, providing crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and supportive counseling to clients in emotional distress or at risk of suicide
Conduct safety assessments in line with agency policies, funding, accreditation, and Lifeline Best Practices
Manage client interactions to ensure efficient and appropriate support
Initiate police intervention procedures if a Visitor is at immediate risk of harm
Adhere to state and federal legal requirements, including HIPAA confidentiality and mandated reporting (e.g., CPS, APS, Tarasoff Duty to Warn)
Collaborate with the online crisis counselor team and Shift Leads on complex cases
Consult with Shift Leads and Master’s level Crisis Shift Managers on compliance issues, including mandatory reporting, HIPAA, and imminent risk
Use Microsoft Teams to engage 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, and accountability

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree in a social science/behavioral health or related field and one (1) year experience in a mental health or related field
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
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
Efficiency in documenting notes in electronic medical records

Benefits

Comp & perks

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