The 988 Volunteer aids in responding to calls from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that is operated by our Helpline’s 24/7 call center. The 988 Volunteer works collaboratively with Helpline staff, New Vista service programs, and with community partners to meet the needs of 988 callers. Volunteers will assess risk by using a person-centered approach, gathering information, building rapport, asking important questions, and collaborating with callers in creating a safety plan, if warranted. It is important that we not just listen to the caller’s story, but actively give them the time to talk to someone who cares, and potentially reduce the crisis they are in. The 988 Volunteer is able to think outside the box and promotes a “no wrong door” approach – that any program a client enters can provide a universal gateway to enter any New Vista Services. The 988 Volunteer is a positive team player that promotes a culture of inclusion and participation.

Required Education and Experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience/education related to mental health, suicide, and/or substance use
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member
• Demonstrates respect for diversity
• Experience with customer service, particularly interaction with customers by phone
• Proficient computer skills using various Microsoft Office applications

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Answer crisis or emotionally distressing calls
• Assess suicidality and caller risk using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
• The volunteer will help the caller with coping skills, developing a safety plan, or if necessary, consult with and/or transfer calls to the Helpline Crisis Workers
• Document information regarding the call following specific guidelines
• Complete 40 hours of training within the first 6 weeks of the volunteer commitment and any additional training as assigned:
  • New Vista Orientation for Volunteers
  • QPR 20-hour online training which includes certification. This training includes QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention, Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), and key modules from the QPRT Suicide Risk Assessment and Risk Management Training program
  • Volunteers will be required to cover a variety of topics through training that aligns with the program and our accreditation. During training, volunteers will have opportunities to work through simulated calls through the SIMMERSION module that simulates calls, as well as receive training in crisis intervention
  • All volunteers must pass a competency call supervised by the Volunteer Coordinator before they can begin taking calls
• Time Requirements
  • Volunteering 4 or more consecutive hours with the minimum of 18 hours per month
  • Committing to at least 9 months of volunteering service time

While we welcome all to apply, there are some position specific background stipulations that must be met to comply with various regulatory and contractual requirements.

New Vista prohibits discrimination and harassment against any applicant, employee or contractor based on sex, race, color, age, national or ethnic origin, religion, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, working conditions, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, wage and salary administration, employee benefits and training. It is also the company’s policy to prohibit all forms of retaliation against any individual who has complained of harassing or discriminatory conduct, encouraged another to complain, participated in an investigation into such complaints, or opposed unlawful discrimination.