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
The Follow-Up Specialist provides ongoing, compassionate, timely follow-up support to individuals following initial contact with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This role focuses on promoting safety, emotional well-being, and connection to ongoing resources through scheduled follow-up calls, suicide risk assessment, and supportive engagement. When not completing follow-up activities, the Follow-Up Specialist provides direct crisis intervention and support by answering incoming contacts on the crisis lines.
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
Tuesday-Saturday, 12-8pm; $1,500 Sign-on Bonus
Sunday-Thursday, 12-8pm; $1,500 Sign-on Bonus
Benefits
Starting wage: $20.50/hour
The Crisis Center offers shift differentials on top of your hourly wage:
1st/Day Shift (8am – 3pm)
- Saturday & Sunday: $0.75/hour
2nd/Evening Shift (3pm – 10pm)
- Mon-Thurs: $0.50/hour
- Friday & Saturday: $5.00/hour
- Sunday: $0.75/hour
3rd/Overnight Shift (10pm – 8am)
- Sun-Thurs: $1.00/hour
- Friday & Saturday: $5.00/hour
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.
Organized. You possess strong organizational skills and can oversee daily responsibilities.
Skilled Communicator. Your words matter to individuals in crisis. You are a strong communicator and can convey important information clearly and compassionately.
Resilient. You can stay grounded and present through difficult or high-stakes moments, and you know how to draw on your team and your own coping tools to sustain the work over time.
What you’ll do
Conduct follow up calls for all assigned clients within designated timeframes and provide care coordination by offering support, assistance, and referral information to connect clients to long term mental health services.
Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and resource connection by answering incoming contacts on the crisis lines when not engaged in scheduled follow-up activities.
Screen every contact for suicide risk and other safety concerns, and respond calmly to crisis situations that may include suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or disclosures of abuse, violence, or trauma, following Foundation 2’s crisis intervention protocols.
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 contact to ensure quality record keeping.
What you need
Live in Iowa, Illinois, or Wisconsin.
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.
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 preferred.
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.
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 jobs@foundation2.org. No inquiries by phone. All questions will be answered during an initial virtual interview. Resumes, applications, and cover letter accepted until position filled.
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.