988 Follow-up Counselor

Work with great people doing great things! Buckelew Programs is the leading provider of behavioral healthcare services in the North Bay, dedicated to serving those who may not have access otherwise. Become part of our team and contribute to making a real impact.

We are hiring a 988 Follow-Up Counselor to join our Suicide Prevention team. In this role, you will provide proactive outreach and support to individuals identified as at-risk for suicide following an initial crisis call. This involves suicide risk assessment, emotional support, safety planning, and linkage to mental health services. You will ensure services align with the mission and values of Buckelew Programs while adhering to confidentiality standards, HIPAA regulations, and program protocols. This is a full-time position, working Sunday through Wednesday from 11 am to 7pm, 32 hours per week. This position offers the opportunity to work partially from home after initial training.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide empathetic, culturally sensitive care and build rapport with help seekers.
• Conduct follow-up calls for individuals assessed as high suicide risk or who endorsed suicidal ideation.
• Deliver suicide risk assessments, de-escalation, emotional support, and collaborative safety planning.
• Offer appropriate referrals and assist help seekers in navigating mental health and community resources.
• Communicate with providers to facilitate service linkage.
• Maintain and update local referral databases regularly.
• Accurately document all interactions and follow-up contacts per program guidelines.
• Support incoming crisis calls as needed, meeting KPI standards (e.g., 90% of calls answered within 20 seconds).
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and complete ongoing learning assignments.
• Mentor and support new Crisis Specialists during onboarding and training.
• Maintain accurate time records via Paycom.
• Check and respond to emails and review program materials regularly.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma required; Associate's degree in social services or related field preferred.
• Prior experience in customer service, crisis response, or suicide prevention strongly preferred.
• Completion of Buckelew Crisis Hotline Counseling Training required for continued employment.
• Ability to work independently, including evenings and weekends.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly desirable.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and active listening skills.
• Strong decision-making and crisis intervention abilities.
• Emotional maturity and ability to manage high-pressure situations.
• Proficient in using computers, databases, and Microsoft Outlook.
• Typing speed of at least 35 WPM with high accuracy.
• High attention to detail, reliability, and accountability in managing time and tasks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Primarily office-based; requires sitting, typing, and using fine motor skills.
• Frequent use of computers and phones; ability to hear and communicate effectively.
• Occasional standing, walking, and reaching.
• Visual acuity to read information electronically or in print.

Great Benefits! Medical, dental, vision and life and long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts for health, dependent and transit costs, retirement savings plan with company match, eligibility for loan forgiveness, continuing education credits available through our learning management system, paid meal breaks and generous paid time off.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and fosters inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.