Crisis Line Staff  

In 2021, CONTACT answered over 25,000 calls, chats, and texts to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. With the watershed launch of 988 in July 2022, we expect the number of crisis conversations we answer to grow exponentially.

In 2020 we began remote operations, which opened remote work opportunities in many areas across the US (listed below.) We use Slack and Zoom as tools to support our crisis counselors 24/7 while they work on the lines; despite many of us working remotely, our team is warm, dependable, and well-connected. 

We are looking to add new crisis counselors to our team! Ideal candidates:

  • are passionate about helping people in a mental health crisis 
  • have (or are working toward) an Associates or Bachelors's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field 
  • are skilled in active listening, verbal, and written communication 
  • work calmly in stressful situations 
  • are comfortable working with and troubleshooting technology 

If you would like to learn more about becoming a paid staff crisis counselor, please send questions and/or your resume to azita@contactlistens.org. 

Remote positions are currently available for people who reside in AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, MA, NV, NH, NY, OH, OK, TN, TX, VA, WA, or WY.

Internship & Volunteer Opportunities

Intern Training Dates

Next Training starts August 25, 2022

  • 6 pm to 8 pm each Tues and Thurs (Class runs 8 weeks; total of 16 class sessions.) 
  • Location: on campus at University of Tennessee/Knoxville & Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
  • ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) for this class will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 3rd AND 4th. You MUST attend both days of training from 8am till 5:00pm. 

For PSCY 399 credit at the University of Tennessee, you MUST also register with UTK. 

For more information enter your name and email below. Then look for an email with detailed information (please check your “junk” email folder). Please contact our Executive Director (bruce@contactlistens.org) if you have questions.

 

Completion of training is the first step to becoming a CONTACT Care Line Crisis Line Specialist and responding to calls on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). Our “Art of Active Listening” training provides hands-on experience in helping people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The training program teaches powerful listening skills everyone can use in their daily lives with family, friends, and co-workers. It enables participants to develop empathetic, non-judgmental listening techniques. This training offers important information about how to respond to a variety of problems in skilled, helpful ways. Practice sessions in a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere help participants begin to use their new skills and gain confidence as they discover the value of constructive, caring listening, and responding. In addition, students complete the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and learn an evidence-based model for providing suicide first aid.

The Art of Active Listening training requires active participation in large and small group discussions, role-play activities, and apprenticeship observation. Course requirements also include independent reading, written reflections, and practice role-plays.

Interested in Applying?

Enter your name and email address below and we’ll send you detailed information to help you decide if this is the right opportunity for you.