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.
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.
About Hey Sam
Hey Sam is a dedicated peer-to-peer texting service for youth . Designed for and staffed by young people, Hey Sam gives youth the opportunity to reach peers if they are struggling, need someone to talk to, or need support.
POSITION REPORTS TO
Director, Youth Services & Technology
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR
None
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Youth Text Services Coordinator’s role is to ensure 24/7 coverage on the helpline responding to Hey Sam text messages during their assigned shift. The Coordinator will provide emotional support to texters 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 Hey Sam crisis text from those who are seeking emotional support including those who may be at risk of suicide
Adheres to performance measures in attending to text volume
Responsible for submitting conversation reports after each conversation
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 early 2022 at which time employees will return with flexibility per agreement with their supervisor and after a period of onboarding for new hires.