Mental Health Specialist II – Part‑Time 988 Chat & Text Crisis Support Specialist – Remote & Flexible Schedule at arenaflex

About arenaflex – Pioneering Behavioral Health Excellence

arenaflex is a nationally recognized leader in behavioral health and addiction services, delivering a full continuum of evidence‑based care to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors across the region. With a legacy dating back to the early 1970s, arenaflex has grown into one of the largest providers of mental health services in the country, operating more than a dozen sites, a robust tele‑health platform, and a suite of community outreach programs. Our mission is to provide compassionate, client‑centered care that promotes recovery, resilience, and long‑term well‑being. As a part of arenaflex, you will join a dedicated team of over 1,000 professionals who are committed to innovation, collaboration, and the highest standards of clinical excellence.

Position Overview – Why This Role Matters

The Part‑Time Mental Health Specialist II – 988 Chat & Text is a critical frontline position within arenaflex’s Lifeline National Backup Center. In this role, you will respond to real‑time chat, text, and telephone requests from individuals in crisis, conduct brief assessments, provide emotional support, and connect callers with appropriate resources. Your work will directly impact the safety and recovery journeys of thousands of New Jersey residents each year, contributing to arenaflex’s reputation as a trusted lifeline for mental health emergencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Accept and triage incoming 988 chat, text, and phone requests within established response timeframes, ensuring a prompt and courteous client experience.
• Conduct brief, evidence‑based mental health assessments to determine the level of risk, need for immediate intervention, and appropriate disposition.
• Provide empathetic, client‑centered support, helping callers articulate personal recovery goals, set realistic objectives, and identify actionable steps toward those goals.
• Facilitate structured skill‑building sessions (e.g., social skills, assertiveness, anger management, symptom management) via text‑based platforms when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation of each interaction in arenaflex’s electronic health record system, adhering to privacy regulations and internal policies.
• Collaborate with clinical staff, external agencies, and community partners to coordinate referrals, follow‑up care, and crisis stabilization services.
• Advocate for clients by identifying and recommending appropriate resources, including supportive housing, employment programs, and peer‑support networks.
• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and quality‑improvement initiatives to continuously enhance service delivery.
• Uphold arenaflex’s standards of professionalism, cultural competence, and ethical practice in every client interaction.

Essential Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Minimum of four (4) years of full‑time paid experience in a mental health or human services setting, or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology, social work, counseling, or behavioral health.
• Licensure/Certification: Current certification or licensure appropriate to the role (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or equivalent) preferred but not mandatory; candidates must be eligible for licensure in New Jersey.
• Technical Proficiency: Comfortable using digital communication tools (chat platforms, texting applications, electronic health records) and able to navigate multiple screens simultaneously.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a talent for conveying empathy, clarity, and calm under pressure.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand or walk for extended periods and lift up to 20 lb when needed; primarily a sedentary role with occasional movement.

Preferred Qualifications & Additional Skills

• Experience delivering crisis intervention services via telephone, chat, or text in a 988 or similar suicide prevention helpline.
• Training in suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and de‑escalation techniques.
• Familiarity with New Jersey’s mental health resources, community agencies, and emergency services.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a remote environment while maintaining high productivity and adherence to response‑time standards.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage a high volume of concurrent client interactions.

Core Competencies for Success

• Empathy & Compassion: Ability to connect with individuals in distress, validate their experiences, and provide hope‑focused support.
• Critical Thinking: Rapid assessment of risk levels and decisive action to ensure client safety.
• Collaboration: Working seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams, external partners, and peer specialists.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to shift between chat, text, and phone modalities while maintaining consistent quality.
• Resilience: Managing personal stress and preventing burnout through self‑care and utilization of arenaflex’s employee assistance resources.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

arenaflex fosters a supportive, inclusive, and innovative workplace where every team member is valued for their unique contributions. Our culture emphasizes continuous learning, professional growth, and a shared commitment to mental health advocacy. Whether you work from a quiet home office or from one of our modern, well‑lit facilities, you will be part of a collaborative network that prioritizes employee well‑being, work‑life balance, and meaningful impact.

Key cultural highlights include:

• Regular virtual and in‑person team huddles to share best practices and celebrate successes.
• Access to ongoing clinical supervision, mentorship programs, and continuing education credits.
• Employee wellness initiatives such as mindfulness workshops, mental‑health days, and flexible scheduling.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

arenaflex offers a competitive hourly wage of $25.55 with an annual salary range between $53,144 and $55,806, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to base compensation, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
• Retirement savings plans with employer matching contributions.
• Paid time off, holidays, and flexible leave policies.
• Professional development funds for certifications, conferences, and advanced training.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services.
• Access to a robust tele‑health platform and technology stipend for remote work setups.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At arenaflex, your career trajectory is shaped by your ambition and the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent. As a Mental Health Specialist II, you will have pathways to advance into senior clinical roles, supervisory positions, or specialized program development. Opportunities include:

• Leadership development tracks leading to team lead or manager roles.
• Specialized training in trauma‑informed care, substance‑use disorder treatment, and community outreach.
• Participation in research initiatives and quality‑improvement projects that influence statewide mental health policy.
• Mentorship of new hires and peer specialists, enhancing your coaching and supervisory skill set.

Application Process & Next Steps

If you are passionate about providing life‑saving support through innovative digital channels, thrive in a fast‑paced, client‑focused environment, and are eager to grow within a leading behavioral health organization, we encourage you to apply today. To be considered, please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and any applicable certifications through the arenaflex career portal.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre‑employment screenings, background checks, and, if applicable, flu‑season immunization requirements. arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer and celebrates diversity in all its forms.

Join arenaflex and become a vital part of the lifeline that saves lives, restores hope, and builds brighter futures.

Apply Now – Start Your Journey with arenaflex!