AmeriCorps Member - 988 Crisis Call Center (Boston, MA)
*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 a hybrid AmeriCorps position with Samaritans Inc. in Boston, MA. AmeriCorps members will respond to contacts (calls, texts, chats, emails, etc.) from individuals in crisis.
Positions/ shifts available:
Hybrid service position- seeking members to serve overnight and weekend shifts
Responsibilities include:
- Provide support in taking crisis calls from those who are seeking emotional support including those who may be at risk of suicide
- Build capacity to recruit other volunteers for the crisis call center
- Adheres to performance measures in attending to call volume
- Responsible for submitting call reports after each call
- Assist with onboarding and training of other volunteers
- Outreach to local community to educate on 988
- 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
- Advocate for mental health awareness whenever possible
- Participate in monthly calls held nationally by Health360
- Assist host site with ongoing mental health community initiatives and regional events
- Successful completion of the 26-hour Volunteer Befriender Training and assigned learning shifts on the helpline
- Successful completion of the MA 988: Emergency Service Program Warm Connection training
- 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 in her/his community and state
- Knowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention a plus
- Enthusiasm for reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and addiction disorders
- Minimum of two years of professional experience preferred
- High school diploma required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- Previous volunteer experience preferred
Details and Benefits for full-time AmeriCorps members include:
- Complete a 10-month service commitment, specific dates will be determined by the host site supervisor* (Hybrid service position- seeking members to serve overnight and weekend shifts)
- Complete 1700 service hours – 40 hours per week; 5 holidays, 2.5 personal days off
- $6,895 Education Award upon completion of service commitment
- $18,000 stipend for service – paid biweekly in 22 equal installments
- Childcare assistance waiver and Member Assistance Program available