988 Sacramento Suicide
& Crisis Lifeline
About 988 Sacramento
Who Can Apply
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Open to coaching, feedback, and ongoing learning
- Able to complete a two-week, 60-hour intensive training
- Willing to commit to a minimum of one 4-hour shift per week
- Able to commit to at least one year of service
- Comfortable working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences
Desired Qualifications
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High school diploma or equivalent
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Strong listening skills with the ability to show empathy and compassion
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Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills
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Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, technology-based environment
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Emotional awareness and the ability to remain calm under pressure
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Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries
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Basic computer skills (typing, navigating multiple systems/screens)
Application & Training Requirements
Know Before You Apply:
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Review the application deadlines and training schedules linked below to ensure you are able to commit to our training dates. All training is mandatory.
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Volunteers are expected to complete at least one 4-hour shift per week, with a one-year commitment. Though there is some flexibility in scheduling, volunteers are expected to work their chosen shift to ensure consistent coverage.
Application & Hiring Process:
- Complete a volunteer application and email your resume to 988volunteers@wellspacehealth.org. Prospective candidates will be contacted for an in-person interview at our call center located in South Sacramento.
- After the interview process is complete, selected candidates will begin the onboarding process, which includes a mandatory three-day orientation.
- After onboarding, training begins in-person at our call center. Volunteers may be trained on crisis calls, chat, or text, depending on center needs.
- Volunteers will complete ASIST when slots are available.
988 Volunteer FAQ
What is the role of WellSpace Health in suicide prevention?
WellSpace Health operates the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Line for Sacramento County and over thirty additional counties in Northern and Central California. We have operated this program for seventy years! We answer calls, chats, and texts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2024 alone, we answered about 62,000 calls and about 32,000 chats and texts, providing compassionate, often life-saving support to people seeking help.
Who contacts the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line?
People of all ages and backgrounds contact us. Some are experiencing thoughts of suicide, some are seeking support during a challenging time, some call requesting mental health or other resources, and some are third parties concerned about a friend or loved one who is suicidal. No matter the reason, all are in need of someone to listen to them with compassion, dignity, and respect. We provide guidance for callers to make sense of the confusion they may be feeling, find hope, and choose life.
How do help-seekers contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line?
Help is available via phone, chat, or text simply by dialing or texting 9-8-8. For help-seekers who speak a language other than English, we connect to a language line that provides interpreters of hundreds of languages and dialects.
Are there opportunities to volunteer remotely?
All volunteer positions are in-person at our call center.
What skills do I need to become a Crisis Counselor?
Successful Crisis Counselors possess good listening skills, a keen sense of empathy, ability to multi-task, and strong written and verbal communication skills. We help you expand upon these skills with comprehensive training, personalized feedback, and frequent debriefing sessions.
Who can become a Volunteer Crisis Counselor?
We are seeking volunteers over the age of 18 from all walks of life. Your life experience is valuable! All volunteer candidates must be open to coaching, constructive feedback, and learning new perspectives, as our callers are incredibly diverse and multifaceted people.
What training will I receive?
All training cohorts are completed in-person on a quarterly basis. Training is preceded by a mandatory three-day onboarding session facilitated by Human Resources. Crisis Counselor training is conducted in our call center and consists of a five-day, 40-hour interactive, multimedia program followed by one of two five-day, 20-hour additional trainings. All volunteers will also complete the two-day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Certification. All training courses are evidence-based and designed to teach you best practices in assisting those experiencing intense emotional pain. We think of training as an ongoing process and provide additional learning opportunities on a regular basis.
What will I learn in training?
You will learn several skills that will benefit you in your personal and professional life, including motivational interviewing skills, cultural competency, crisis de-escalation, effective crisis intervention, and creating concise HIPAA-compliant documentation. We will also discuss effective methods of self-care to help you maintain your own mental health and well-being.
What if I can’t commit to the training schedule?
You can still learn lifesaving skills with ASIST and CALM! ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a two-day evidence-based course that will give you the tools you need to keep someone safe from suicide. CALM (Counseling Access to Lethal Means) is a three-hour workshop designed to teach you to initiate carry out effective conversations with friends, family, or community members about reducing access to lethal means when they are experiencing thoughts of suicide. If you are interested in ASIST and/or CALM please email volunteer988@wellspacehealth.org for available training dates.