Samaritans, Inc. is the leading suicide prevention organization in Massachusetts, providing lifesaving services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Samaritans’ purpose is to alleviate despair, isolation, distress, and suicidal feelings among individuals in our community; to educate the public about suicide prevention; and to support those impacted by a suicide loss. For nearly 50 years, Samaritans volunteers – selected, trained and supported by a dedicated professional staff – have provided compassionate and non-judgmental support, free of charge, to callers through its Helpline, and now to texters as well.

This growing organization provides prevention, intervention, and postvention services that make our communities healthier and happier, and reduces the stigma associated with suicide and mental health concerns. We provide a working environment that celebrates the positive lifesaving work that occurs here each and every day.

Our organization is growing and expanding! Starting this summer, 988 will become the nationwide, easy-to-remember 3-digit dialing code for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health counselors. Samaritans will be one of the organizations answering those calls. We will be able to listen and support even more people who reach out for help.

POSITION REPORTS TO Crisis Services Management Staff

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Overnight Helpline Coordinator’s role is to ensure 24/7 coverage on the helpline responding to helpline calls during their assigned shift. The Coordinator will provide emotional support to helpline callers through Samaritans’ model of Befriending to assist the organization in fulfilling mission of serving those who are isolated, alone and suicidal through compassionate and non-judgmental listening.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Takes crisis calls, texts, and chats from those who are seeking emotional support including those who may be at risk of suicide • Adheres to performance measures in attending to call volume • Responsible for submitting call reports after each call • When in the office, provide on-site support to volunteers in the event of an emergency as relayed in the emergency management plan • Participates in staff meetings and supervision, schedule permitting

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS • Minimum of two years of professional experience preferred • Previous work as a volunteer preferred • Knowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention • Experience working on a crisis helpline a plus • Ability to be empathetic and engage in active, non-judgmental listening with our users • Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information • Must be able to display good, sound judgment • Must possess strong communication skills • Ability to resolve conflicts appropriately • Ability to work independently and collaboratively to maximize teamwork across the organization

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS • Successful completion of the 26-hour Volunteer Befriender Training and assigned learning shifts on the helpline after hire • Flexibility in meeting demands and remaining positive during interactions is essential • Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

SALARY & BENEFITS • $22 per hour • Direct deposit payroll • Sick time benefit at a part time rate • Samaritans’ employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. An offer is contingent upon proof that the candidate is fully vaccinated or qualifies for an exemption. Currently all Samaritans employees are working remotely. Applicants should be aware that this position is currently remote. It is anticipated that the Samaritans office, located in Downtown Boston, will reopen in Spring 2022 at which time employees will return with flexibility per agreement with their supervisor and after a period of onboarding for new hires.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume (saved as Lastname_resume) and brief cover letter* (saved as Lastname_coverletter) explaining your interest in the position, and how you learned about this opportunity. Email to jobs [at ] samaritanshope [dot] org with “Overnight Helpline Coordinator Crisis Services” in the subject line. • Applications that are missing a resume or cover letter may not be considered.

To learn more about Samaritans, please visit: www.samaritanshope.org

Samaritans is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Candidates of color, bilingual, and bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour Apply Job!