Flex Crisis Counselor

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About Foundation 2 Crisis Services

Foundation 2 Crisis Services is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that provides critical crisis intervention and prevention services across Iowa. We operate a 24/7 crisis center, including phone, text, and chat services. We also operate an emergency youth shelter, mental health support groups, community-based crisis programs, training, and more. We have been saving lives for over 50 years. Join our team today!

Our crisis center counselors answer more than 90,000 phone, chat, and text contacts per year. You can learn more about the Foundation 2 Crisis Services' crisis center and see what clients can expect when they reach out to Foundation 2 Crisis Services on our YouTube channel.

Overview of the role

Provide real-time, compassionate, non-judgmental crisis support to clients over the phone, text, and chat lines. Attend initial trainings (some will be during daytime hours) and all-staff meetings during daytime hours 1-2 times per month. Dispatch additional client services, such as Foundation 2 Crisis Services' Mobile Crisis Outreach, when necessary. Document each phone, text, and chat contact to ensure quality record keeping.

The Crisis Counselor Flex position will play a vital role in providing coverage for shifts across all time slots within the Crisis Center; the majority of hours scheduled will be Sunday - Saturday, 3 - 11 PM and overnight. This position offers flexibility, giving you the opportunity to pick up open shifts first and then be scheduled according to program needs during the highest volume days and times, as determined by the program leadership.

The position has the flexibility to be hybrid at the Crisis Center in Cedar Rapids or remote within the state of Iowa or Illinois; candidates must be available for two (2) full days of training in our Cedar Rapids office.

Shifts Available

As a Crisis Counselor Flex position, you will be given the opportunity to select available open shifts and then be assigned shifts based on peak demand. Flexibility is required as schedules will vary week to week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on the program's highest needs.

Full Time : $1,500 Sign-on Bonus

Benefits

• This position starts at $19/hour, plus our generous benefit package of $12,000 per year. Flexible benefit dollars can be used toward medical insurance and other benefits. Funds not used for benefits will be added to your paycheck as taxable income. To learn more about the Foundation 2 benefit package visit:
• The Crisis Center offers shift differentials on top of your hourly wage:

o 1st/Day Shift (8am - 3pm) - Saturday & Sunday: $0.75/hour

o 2nd/Evening Shift (3pm - 10pm) - Mon-Thurs: $0.50/hour, Friday & Saturday: 5.00/hour, Sunday: $0.75/hour

o 3rd/Overnight Shift (10pm - 8am) - Sun-Thurs: $1.00/hour, Friday & Saturday: $5.00/hour

• Generous paid time off, including a floating holiday and mental wellness days.
• Quarterly wellness benefit reimbursements to support a sense of wellbeing.
• Go to sleep at night knowing that work you did matters. Foundation 2 Crisis Services staff save lives every day.

Who you are

• Client-centered. You are dedicated and passionate about working with individuals in crisis. You know it is an honor to be trusted to support people at their most vulnerable.
• Compassionate. You have compassion for clients and a willingness to understand and exercise trauma-informed care practices.
• Quick Thinking. You recognize that you will often have multiple irons in the fire at once and will be challenged to manage competing priorities.
• Skilled Communicator. Your words matter to individuals in crisis. You are a strong communicator and can convey important information clearly and compassionately.

What you'll do

• Provide real-time, compassionate, non-judgmental crisis support to clients through our online chat service.
• Attending initial trainings (some will be during daytime hours) and all-staff meetings during daytime hours 1-2 times per month.
• Dispatch additional client services, such as Foundation 2 Crisis Services' Mobile Crisis Outreach, when necessary.
• Document each chat contact to ensure quality record keeping.

What you need

• Bachelor's degree in human services or related field with 30 hours of human service coursework OR bachelor's degree in any field plus one (1) year of relevant experience.
• Proficient with computers and software including Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, etc.), Google Chrome, and Electronic Health Records.
• Able to type quickly, multi-task, and perform accurate data entry.
• Strong written communication skills with excellent grammar and attention to detail.
• Private home office to ensure confidentiality.
• Reliable, high-speed internet at home (Minimum 50 Mbps download speed / 15 Mbps upload speed; wired internet connection required) OR the ability to work all shifts from the Cedar Rapids office.
• Pass all background checks completed by Foundation 2 Crisis Services.
• Live in Iowa.
• Successfully complete required trainings within required time periods.
• Submit copy of college degree or transcript as required by licensure for personnel file.
• Experience in crisis services is preferred.
• Experience in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques preferred.
• Background in motivational interviewing referred.
• Ability to clearly communicate emotional support to people in crisis preferred.
• Knowledge/experience working in the mental health, substance use, and/or problem gambling field preferred.
• Background in motivational interviewing preferred.

Your Application

We're excited to hear from you! To join the Foundation 2 Crisis Services team, please email your resume and cover letter to View email address on us.fitly.work. No inquiries by phone. All questions will be answered during an initial virtual interview. Resumes, applications, and cover letter accepted until position filled.

Not sure you meet every requirement? We understand that strong candidates may not always meet every listed qualification. At Foundation 2 Crisis Services, we value potential, dedication, and a willingness to learn. If this role interests you, we encourage you to apply—even if your experience doesn't align perfectly. You may be the right fit for this or future opportunities.

Foundation 2 Crisis Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate employment on the basis 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 other non-merit factor.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Waterloo, IA 50701