988 Lifeline Crisis Counseling Specialist

Job Details
Job Location:    Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service, Inc. - Buffalo, NY
Position Type:    Full Time
Education Level:    2 Year Degree
Salary Range:    $ $30.15 Hourly
Travel Percentage:    Negligible
Job Shift:    Any

988 Lifeline Crisis Counseling Specialists

Crisis Services is looking to add experienced crisis counseling professionals to our team. We are seeking Crisis Counseling Specialists who are available to work onsite in our offices during the day or overnight and are interested in supporting our mission to provide crisis support to anyone in need.

Who we are:

Crisis Services is a 24-hour comprehensive crisis center and community resource whose first responders save lives by restoring safety, promoting emotional strength, and reducing the impact of trauma through intervention, education, prevention, and community collaboration.

What we offer:

• Competitive pay including regular annual increases
• Paid training and professional development opportunities
• CWA Local 1122 union membership
• Generous paid time off and paid meal breaks
• Employee self-care and wellness supports including Calm app subscription for all employees and their family members
• Quiet Room, Exercise Room and Lactation Room onsite
• Great health insurance coverage w/generous employer premium contribution
• $300/year Flexible Spending Account provided by agency 
• Access to dental, vision and other ancillary insurance coverage options
• 403(b) plan w/employer match after one year of service
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

About this opportunity:

The Crisis Counseling Specialist assures the seamless availability and delivery of crisis phone and chat counseling (including lethality assessment), supportive counseling, and information and referral to individuals who contact Crisis Services 24-hour hotline, Chautauqua County 24-hour hotline, 988 Lifeline, Chat Platform and all other dedicated lines in the Crisis Counseling Program.

Job Type: 

• Full- and Part-Time positions available

Schedule: 

• Days (9a-5p)
• Evenings (4p-12a)
• Overnights (12a-8a)

Pay: 

• $ per hour*, exact rate will be based on experience/education per collective bargaining agreement

​​​* Hourly rates increasing in 2026 to $ per hour

• PLUS, shift differentials for:
  • Weekend Days (8a-6p) - additional $0.96/hour 
  • Evenings (4p-12a) – additional $3.00/hour 
  • Overnights (12a-8a) – additional $5.00/hour

Work Setting:

• On-site in Buffalo, NY

What you will bring to this position: 

Crisis Counseling Specialist Level II

• Master's degree from an accredited college and/or university in human service field, social work or relevant field.  
• Licensure in Social Work (LMSW or LCSW) OR licensure in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) required.
• Must possess strong knowledge of mental health and suicide dynamics and effects, public awareness and crisis prevention and intervention services.
• Superior knowledge of HIPAA laws/regulations with regard to protected health information; code of ethics, confidentiality and privacy principles.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and establish priorities in a rapidly changing and fast paced environment.
• Intermediate computer skills. 

Crisis Counseling Specialist Level I

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college and/or university in human service field, social work or relevant field, or equivalent experience.  
• Must possess strong knowledge of mental health and suicide dynamics and effects, public awareness and crisis prevention and intervention services.
• Superior knowledge of HIPAA laws/regulations with regard to protected health information; code of ethics, confidentiality and privacy principles.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and establish priorities in a rapidly changing and fast paced environment.
• Intermediate computer skills.

Ready for the toughest job you'll love coming back to?

Our employees are what make Crisis Services the pinnacle of crisis care for our community. We seek out those who demonstrate self-direction, creativity, and motivation to make Erie County a better place for those in need. Join our team of passionate people making a difference.

EEO STATEMENT:

Crisis Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, citizenship, pregnancy, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law.

DISCLAIMER:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.  It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Qualifications

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