Job Details

988 Chat and Text Crisis Counselor (Full‑Time, Remote)

Organization: DeafLEAD

Job Type: Full‑time, hourly (non‑exempt)

Location: Remote

Reports To: Chat and Text Operations Manager

Start Date: April 1st, 2026

Salary Range: $17 to $21 / hour*

External hires are usually brought on to DeafLEAD between the minimum to midpoint of the posted salary range depending on a combination of education, qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.

Position Summary
DeafLEAD is a non‑profit organization that provides crisis intervention services to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late‑Deafened, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Deaf individuals and their families within the state of Missouri and nationwide. Our mission is to promote the emotional and physical well‑being of consumers in a safe and respectful environment utilizing a consumer‑centered, trauma‑informed approach. We are committed to providing a variety of services to effectively meet the changing needs within the Deaf community, including crisis intervention, safety planning, legal/medical/personal advocacy, case management, crisis videophone/text/chat/hotline services, mental health services, training, and interpreting.

Essential Functions

Follow DeafLEAD's policies and procedures

Believe in DeafLEAD's philosophy and goals as stated in the Position Summary

Provide emotional support and crisis management services via the Lifeline chat/text network

Develop action plans and safety plans with everyone who visits the chat/text line

Notify child abuse services when appropriate

Notify emergency services for intervention when appropriate

Complete assigned follow‑ups with crisis line visitors via text, email, or phone call if applicable

Ensure documentation of all chats and texts is completed accurately and thoroughly

Attend quarterly evaluations with the Quality Improvement team, and additional evaluations as needed

Attend all monthly agency in‑service meetings

Successfully complete all Lifeline required trainings annually, as well as other trainings and certifications as assigned

Consult with Shift Supervisor, Senior Crisis Counselors, Program Managers, and Program Director as needed regarding questionable cases

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Must complete DeafLEAD's 40‑hour crisis intervention training

Minimum age of 18

Caring and empathetic person

Exceptional English writing and reading comprehension skills

Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in using essential software such as Zoom, Google Chrome, and standard office applications, along with the ability to adapt to and learn new technological tools efficiently.

Ability to remain calm in crisis situations

Bachelor's degree or higher in psychology, social work, or related field preferred, but not required

Previous experience working in crisis management or mental health preferred

An ability to work with people of various backgrounds and identities (e.g., race, color, gender, ability, religion, veteran status, etc.)

Must be able to pass a background check

Ability to attend all training dates without conflict (see Training section below)

Access to reliable internet and a desktop or laptop computer that can both utilize Zoom and a web browser simultaneously (Google Chrome recommended)

Applicants must have access to a private, secure workspace that ensures confidentiality, privacy, and freedom from external distractions

Training

Hired applicants will be expected to attend and complete DeafLEAD's crisis line training. Following training, counselors will complete a minimum of 40 hours of shadowing senior crisis counselors on crisis chat/text shifts. Hired counselors must attend the entirety of the training without conflicting outside commitments

Crisis Counselor training will take place April 1 – 16. Training is Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM CST during the time period outlined. Upon hiring, a more detailed training agenda will be provided prior to the start of the training period

Compensation

$17 to $21 an hour

Shift differentials are paid for hours worked between 5 PM and 7 AM as well as on weekends (Friday – Sunday)

Monday – Thursday, 5 PM to 11 PM CST: Additional $1 an hour

Friday – Sunday, 5 PM to 11 PM CST: Additional $2 an hour

Monday – Thursday, 11 PM to 7 AM CST: Additional $3 an hour

Friday – Sunday, 11 PM to 7 AM CST: Additional $4 an hour

Paid time off

Technology Requirements
Computer:

Processor: Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) / AMD Ryzen 5 (3rd Gen)

RAM: 8GB minimum (16GB recommended)

OS: Windows 10/11 (64‑bit) or macOS 11

Storage: 256GB SSD recommended

Internet & Network:

Speed: 50 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload minimum

Connection: Wired Ethernet preferred for stability

Audio & Video:

A working webcam and microphone is required to complete training and work all shifts. All crisis line staff are eligible to have a webcam and microphone provided to them upon completion of training

Work Environment
Collaborative virtual workspace: DeafLEAD crisis line counselors work shifts on Zoom alongside fellow counselors and shift supervisors to foster connection, engagement, and support.

Camera requirement: During training and while on shift, staff are expected to be on camera to actively participate and engage with their peers. Since DeafLEAD fosters an inclusive environment for Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing staff, maintaining clear visibility on camera is important for communication.

Distraction‑free space: Staff should work in an environment free from background noise, visual distractions, and interruptions to ensure full engagement with chats, texts, and team interactions. This means working in a private space where conversations cannot be overheard and where movement, flashing lights, or other visual distractions are minimized.

Confidentiality and nondisclosure of trade secret: As a condition of employment, DeafLEAD employees are required to protect the confidentiality of DeafLEAD trade secrets, proprietary information, and confidential commercially sensitive information (i.e., financial or sales records/reports, marketing or business strategies/plans, product development, customer lists, patents, trademarks, etc.) related to DeafLEAD. Access to this information should be limited to a “need to know” basis and should not be used for personal benefit, disclosed, or released without prior authorization from management.

EEO Statement
DeafLEAD is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Remote States
Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin

DeafLEAD

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