Experienced Crisis Counselor – Phone, Chat & Text Support – 3rd Shift (Limited/ESA) – Hybrid Remote & Cedar Rapids Office

About brighthush

brighthush is a pioneering, mission‑driven nonprofit that has been safeguarding lives for over five decades. Our statewide network delivers 24/7 crisis intervention through phone, text, and chat services, while also operating an emergency youth shelter, community‑based programs, mental‑health support groups, and comprehensive training initiatives. At brighthush, we believe that every call, message, or chat is an opportunity to change a life, and we are committed to providing compassionate, trauma‑informed care to individuals in their most vulnerable moments.

Why Join brighthush?

When you become a member of the brighthush family, you join a team that saves lives every day. Our counselors handle more than 90,000 contacts annually, and each interaction is a chance to make a tangible difference. We offer a supportive, collaborative environment that values resilience, continuous learning, and personal growth. Whether you work from our Cedar Rapids office or from a private home office across Iowa, Wisconsin, or Illinois, you’ll be part of a community that celebrates empathy, skill, and dedication.

Position Overview

As a Crisis Counselor on the 3rd Shift (10 p.m. – 8 a.m.), you will provide real‑time, non‑judgmental support to individuals in crisis via phone, chat, and text. Your role will involve:

• Listening actively and responding with empathy to callers, chatters, and texters.
• Screening for suicide risk, self‑harm, abuse, or other safety concerns.
• Implementing brighthush’s evidence‑based crisis intervention protocols.
• Coordinating with Mobile Crisis Outreach and other internal services when additional support is required.
• Maintaining meticulous, confidential documentation in our electronic health record system.
• Participating in initial training (some during daytime hours) and all‑staff meetings 1–2 times per month.

Key Responsibilities

• Real‑Time Crisis Support: Deliver compassionate, trauma‑informed care through phone, chat, and text, ensuring each client feels heard and safe.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct rapid suicide and safety screenings, and respond calmly to emergent situations.
• Dispatch additional services, such as Mobile Crisis Outreach, when a client’s needs exceed the scope of the call.
• Document every interaction with precision, adhering to confidentiality and quality standards.
• Engage in continuous professional development through mandatory training and peer‑learning sessions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create holistic care plans for clients.

Essential Qualifications

• Resident of Iowa, Wisconsin, or Illinois.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field with at least 30 hours of human‑services coursework; or a bachelor’s degree in any discipline plus one year of relevant experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word), Google Chrome, and Electronic Health Records.
• Fast, accurate typing skills and strong data‑entry abilities.
• Excellent written communication, grammar, and attention to detail.
• Private home office with a wired, high‑speed internet connection (minimum 50 Mbps download / 15 Mbps upload).
• Successful completion of background checks and required training within specified timelines.
• Valid college transcript or degree documentation for personnel file.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in crisis services, conflict resolution, or de‑escalation techniques.
• Background in motivational interviewing or related counseling methods.
• Knowledge of mental health, substance use, or problem gambling fields.
• Strong emotional resilience and the ability to manage high‑stakes situations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the capacity to convey emotional support effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

What You’ll Gain

• Career Growth: Opportunities to advance into supervisory roles, specialized crisis units, or program development positions.
• Learning & Development: Access to ongoing training, certifications, and workshops in trauma‑informed care, crisis intervention, and mental‑health best practices.
• Supportive Culture: A workplace that values empathy, self‑care, and peer support, with quarterly wellness reimbursements and a dedicated mental‑health resource hub.
• Flexibility: Hybrid work model with the option to work remotely or from our Cedar Rapids office, depending on your location.
• Impact: Directly contribute to saving lives and improving community mental‑health outcomes.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting hourly rate: $20.00. In addition, brighthush offers shift differentials to recognize the demands of each schedule:

• 1st/Day Shift (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.) Saturday & Sunday: +$0.75/hour
• 2nd/Evening Shift (3 p.m. – 10 p.m.) Monday–Thursday: +$0.50/hour
• Friday & Saturday: +$5.00/hour
• Sunday: +$0.75/hour
• 3rd/Overnight Shift (10 p.m. – 8 a.m.) Sunday–Thursday: +$1.00/hour
• Friday & Saturday: +$5.00/hour

Additional benefits include:

• Sign‑on bonus of $500.
• Quarterly wellness benefit reimbursements to support your well‑being.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (eligible after 90 days).
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick leave.
• Professional development stipend.

Work Environment & Culture

At brighthush, we foster a culture of compassion, respect, and continuous improvement. Our team members enjoy:

• Open communication channels with leadership and peers.
• Regular debriefing sessions to process challenging cases.
• Access to mental‑health resources and counseling services.
• Team‑building events, volunteer opportunities, and community outreach projects.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring every voice is heard.

How to Apply

Ready to make a difference? Send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining why you’re passionate about crisis counseling to [email protected]. All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please note that phone inquiries are not accepted; all questions will be addressed during the initial virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Employer

brighthush is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other non‑merit factor.

Join brighthush Today

If you are a compassionate, resilient, and client‑centered professional ready to provide life‑saving support during the most critical moments, we invite you to apply. Become part of a legacy of care that has saved lives for over 50 years. Your expertise, empathy, and dedication will help shape the future of crisis intervention across the Midwest.

Apply now and start your journey with brighthush: