[Hiring] Crisis Support Specialist @The Opportunity Alliance

Role Description

The Opportunity Alliance is hiring Full-Time Crisis Support Specialist(s) to join the team with our Maine Crisis Line (MCL) program. Apply today to join our extraordinary team, helping individuals and families experiencing a mental health crisis.

• Learn how to answer calls and text/chat messages on the crisis line, with the option to work remotely.
• Opportunities for growth and development.
• Skills learned will be valuable for any career path.

The Maine Crisis Line provides 24-hour telephone response for adults, families, and children during a mental health crisis. This role offers invaluable experience to candidates with:

• A background in social work.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• A genuine desire to help others.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a desire to help people in crisis.
• Establish rapport and engage in a calm manner with callers.
• Listen without judgment and offer compassionate support.
• Be interested in learning new skills to positively impact others' lives.
• Expand contact center experience into supporting individuals with mental health.
• Be eager to grow knowledge and skills to better support individuals with mental health challenges.

As a Crisis Support Specialist, you will:

• Build rapport with help seekers by showing empathy and creating a safe, non-judgmental space.
• Complete risk assessments to ensure the safety and well-being of callers experiencing a crisis.
• Develop crisis stabilization plans with callers, utilizing clinical support.
• Work collaboratively with community partners and service providers for comprehensive support.

You will receive training to become certified as a Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician Crisis Service Provider (MHRT/CSP).

Schedule: This is a full-time, 40 hours/week position. Hiring for multiple 2nd shift and weekend schedules.

• 2nd shift
• Weekend; Friday - Monday, 10 hour shifts
• Various schedules available and will be discussed in the interview process.

Location: Office is located in South Portland, but this position has the ability to work remotely (in Maine). Must have the ability to attend an in-person orientation in South Portland.

Qualifications

• An Associate’s degree is required.
• One year of relevant experience is preferred, but not required.
• Relevant experience includes work in behavioral health or human services settings.
• Experience can be as a paid volunteer or as a student/intern.
• One year of relevant experience is defined as the equivalent of 1,200 hours of work, volunteerism, or internship.
• This position is fully remote, requiring a dedicated workspace that is quiet and free from distractions.
• Must have reliable high-speed internet access.
• Employer provides laptop, monitor, and headset.
• Workspace should be ergonomically set up for comfort and productivity.
• Regular communication with the team and supervisors will be maintained through virtual meetings, email, and messaging platforms.
• Must adhere to data security and privacy guidelines.

Requirements

• Ability to earn the MHRT-CSP certification within 30 days of employment required.
• Must have solid oral communication skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly, succinctly, and in a customer-friendly manner.
• Competence to communicate with multiple parties during a crisis call.
• Ability to learn and understand written crisis contact documentation skills.
• Ability to manage complex tasks effectively.
• Previous experience working in a call center or customer service environment is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with complex information.
• Ability to become familiar with DSM-V information.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• A flexible schedule is required.
• Must demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn documentation software and resource applications proficiently.
• Must be able to use telephone, instant messaging, and chat technology.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background, child protective service check & sex offender check.
• Must not be on the state or federal suspension and disbarment list.
• If MHRT is required for the position, you must pass CNA registry check.
• Normal office conditions such as sitting, with occasional standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, typing, and lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Driving may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off accrual.
• 9 paid holidays per calendar year and up to 3 floating holidays per calendar year.
• Excellent medical benefits at very reasonable cost.
• Dental and Vision insurance options.
• Agency paid basic life insurance and STD & LTD disability insurances.
• 403(b) retirement with a generous agency match (all employees are eligible).
• Tuition Reimbursement – offered once per year through an application process.
• The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.