Remote 988 Crisis Chat & Text Counselor – Full‑Time Swing Shift, Compassionate Mental Health Support (Gary, IN)

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a nationally recognized leader in crisis intervention, delivering 24/7/365 mental health support to individuals in acute emotional distress. With a reputation for excellence and a track record of innovation, arenaflex partners with community mental health centers, certified behavioral health clinics, managed behavioral health organizations, college counseling services, and employee assistance programs across the United States and Canada. Our mission is to provide timely, empathetic, and effective assistance to anyone reaching out for help, while fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning.

Position Overview

We are seeking dedicated, remote‑ready professionals to join our 988 Crisis Chat and Text team as Remote Crisis Counselors. In this role, you will serve as a frontline responder, offering compassionate, evidence‑based support to callers and texters who are experiencing emotional crises, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health challenges. The position is fully remote, requires a private, HIPAA‑compliant workspace, and operates on a swing‑shift schedule to ensure coverage during peak hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with individuals via chat, text, and phone, establishing rapport and a safe therapeutic environment.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments, identify safety concerns, and develop appropriate safety plans.
• Document all interactions accurately in arenaflex’s secure electronic health record system, adhering to HIPAA standards.
• Provide crisis de‑escalation techniques, coping strategies, and referrals to community resources.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals to coordinate follow‑up care when needed.
• Maintain composure and professionalism while multitasking in a fast‑paced, high‑volume setting.
• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and quality‑improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery.
• Uphold arenaflex’s commitment to cultural humility, respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of each caller.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university, preferably in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.
• Minimum one year of experience providing 988 chat and text crisis support, or comparable experience in a crisis hotline environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a calm, empathetic tone.
• Reliable high‑speed internet connection and a dedicated, private workspace free from distractions.
• Eligibility to work in the United States and residence in one of the approved states: WA, OR, AZ, NM, MI, KS, IL, IN, GA, NC, MN, MD, TN, PA, OH, AL, CO.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related mental health discipline.
• Certification as a Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS) or Certified Suicide Prevention Specialist (CSPS).
• Experience with telehealth platforms and electronic health record documentation.
• Familiarity with the 988 national suicide prevention lifeline protocols and best practices.
• Multilingual abilities, particularly in Spanish, to serve a broader demographic.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Active Listening: Ability to hear both spoken and unspoken cues, demonstrating genuine concern.
• Critical Thinking: Rapidly assess risk levels and determine appropriate interventions.
• Emotional Resilience: Maintain personal well‑being while supporting others in crisis.
• Technology Proficiency: Comfortable navigating chat platforms, text messaging systems, and secure documentation tools.
• Team Collaboration: Work effectively with supervisors, peer counselors, and referral partners.
• Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and identity factors.

Career Growth & Development

arenaflex invests heavily in the professional development of its crisis counselors. As a member of our team, you will have access to:

• Comprehensive onboarding and continuous training programs covering advanced de‑escalation techniques, trauma‑informed care, and emerging mental health trends.
• Mentorship opportunities with senior clinicians and licensed therapists.
• Pathways to supervisory or managerial roles, including Lead Crisis Counselor and Operations Manager positions.
• Eligibility for specialized certifications funded by arenaflex, such as Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
• Opportunities to transition into related fields within arenaflex, such as program development, quality assurance, or client services.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

arenaflex offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $24.35 to $26.35, reflective of experience and performance. In addition to base pay, you will receive a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with employer contributions.
• Life insurance coverage and short‑term/long‑term disability benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Accrued paid time off that can grow to up to four weeks of vacation within the first year.
• Company‑matched student loan repayment assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and wellness resources.
• Flexible scheduling to support work‑life balance, especially important for remote employees.
• Opportunities for advancement and internal mobility across arenaflex’s national network.

Our Culture & Work Environment

At arenaflex, we pride ourselves on cultivating an inclusive, supportive, and mission‑driven environment. Our core values include:

• Compassion: Every interaction is guided by empathy and respect for the individual’s lived experience.
• Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring confidentiality and trust.
• Collaboration: Teamwork is essential; we share knowledge, celebrate successes, and learn from challenges together.
• Innovation: Continuous improvement through data‑driven practices and adoption of cutting‑edge technology.
• Diversity & Inclusion: We actively recruit and retain talent from varied backgrounds, believing that diverse perspectives strengthen our service delivery.

Our remote workforce enjoys a flexible, home‑based setup while staying connected through regular virtual huddles, peer support groups, and a robust digital infrastructure that mirrors the collaborative spirit of an in‑office team.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health crises, we invite you to join arenaflex’s dedicated team of crisis counselors. To submit your application, please click the link below and complete the online registration process. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications and exploring how your unique strengths can contribute to our mission.

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Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

arenaflex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic that makes each person unique.