AmeriCorps Member - 988 Crisis Call Center (Orlando, FL)
*Please do not apply to this position without thoroughly reading through the following position description*
Healthy Minds Alliance Mission: Healthy Minds Alliance is a community-based approach to the mental health crisis utilizing evidence-based/ informed programs in diverse communities across the nation.
Purpose of Position: AmeriCorps Members will provide expanded support to meet challenges faced by local crisis call centers across the country after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline shifted to the 3-digit number: 988. This position is to serve remotely with the Heart of Florida United Way in Orlando, FL. Applicants must be local to the Orlando area. AmeriCorps members will respond to contacts (calls, text, chats, emails, etc.) from individuals in crisis.
Positions/ shifts available:
- Full-time AmeriCorps member serving 40 hours/ week for 10 months: Sunday - Thursday (3:30 pm - 12 am) OR Tuesday - Saturday (3:30 pm - 12 am)
Responsibilities include:
- Participate in designated mental health evidence-based/ informed training
- Answer inbound suicide, crisis and social service referral contacts via phone, text, chat and email.
- Provide individuals with suicide and crisis de-escalation, problem-solving, brief assessment, and appropriate social service referrals.
- Build capacity to recruit other volunteers for the crisis call center
- Assist with onboarding and training of other volunteers
- Outreach to local community to educate on 988
- Market program through press releases, social media, and informational sessions
- Assist with evaluation, building evidence around services provided
- Establish and foster relationships with community mental health agencies as partners and resources
- Respect the privacy of colleagues and others, including the responsibility to protect personal information
- Participate in monthly calls held nationally by Health360
- Assist host site with ongoing mental health community initiatives and regional events
- Complete required CDC and Public Health AmeriCorps trainings
Experience Preferred:
- Personal and/ or professional knowledge of mental health topics
- Understanding of mental health issues and resources
- Knowledge about mental health resources in her/his community and state
- Enthusiasm for reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and addiction disorders
- Have access to a private, secure and stable internet connection
- Demonstrate proficiency in using multiple types of contact center software, computer hardware and telephone equipment.
- High school diploma/GED required; Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, or related field preferred.
- One year experience in contact center, crisis hotline, or information and referral service preferred.
Details and Benefits include:
- Complete a 10-month service commitment, specific dates will be determined by the host site supervisor*
- Full-time AmeriCorps position - 1700 service hours – 40 hours per week for a minimum of 10 months; 5 holidays, 2.5 personal days off
- AmeriCorps members receive an $18,000 stipend for their service – paid biweekly = 22 checks
- $6,895 Education Award upon completion of service commitment (1700 service hours for full-time members)
- Member Assistance Program
- Childcare assistance waiver available for full-time members
- Loan forbearance for duration of service term