How to Become a Crisis Counselor: The Ultimate Guide to Volunteer and Paid Jobs
Whether you are already working in mental health or seeking a career-building volunteer opportunity, becoming a crisis counselor can be a deeply rewarding experience. If you feel called to make a positive impact while providing vital support to those in need, you may thrive in crisis counseling.
One of the most common questions prospective crisis counselors ask is whether they can find paid positions. Fortunately, the answer is a resounding yes! Crisis counseling encompasses both volunteer and paid positions, making it an attractive job choice for both aspiring mental health professionals and experienced practitioners.
Crisis counseling isn’t just a job—it’s a calling to help people through their darkest moments. In order to excel in this role, counselors need both personal resilience and dedication, as well as specialized training to effectively assist people in crisis.
What do crisis counselors do?
Crisis counselors play a crucial role in providing support and intervention during times of acute crisis. They serve as a lifeline for individuals in distress, offering immediate assistance and helping them navigate through challenging circumstances. Responsibilities of a crisis counselor may include referring callers to local resources, de-escalating tense situations, providing crisis intervention counseling, and determining the appropriate level of intervention for each caller.
One important way crisis counselors provide support is through mental health helplines like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. These helplines provide individuals in crisis with a safe and confidential way to express their feelings and receive guidance from trained crisis counselors. Crisis counselors actively listen, assess the severity of the situation, and provide compassionate support, helping callers feel heard and understood.
Crisis counseling offers a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on those who need it most. As a source of much-needed support and resources, crisis counselors play a direct role in the well-being of the community. Your dedication ensures that individuals in crisis have a source of hope and feel heard.
Qualifications for Crisis Counselors in North Carolina
Paid Positions
Unlike Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) or therapists, crisis counselors in North Carolina aren’t required to hold a specific license or degree. However, having a relevant educational background can greatly enhance your suitability for the role. If you’re an aspiring crisis counselor, degrees in subjects such as psychology, social work, human services, or a related field can provide a strong foundation for working in crisis intervention.
While most paid crisis counselor positions require at least an associate’s degree, it’s possible to find a paid position without one. Many organizations and crisis centers offer specialized training programs designed to equip trainees with the necessary skills for effective crisis intervention. These training programs typically cover topics such as active listening, de-escalation techniques, and crisis assessment, all of which are necessary skills for this role.
In addition to formal education and certifications, life experience, empathy, and compassion are highly valued qualities in crisis counselors. Crisis situations often require individuals who can connect with people in distress, providing them with emotional support and a non-judgmental space to express their feelings. The ability to draw from your own life experiences, demonstrate empathy, and commit to your passion for helping others are important attributes for any mental health professional to have.
Volunteer Positions
Fortunately, volunteer crisis counselors can often find positions without a degree. If you have aspirations for a career in mental health, volunteering as a crisis counselor offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in providing support.
Different organizations may have varying requirements for their volunteers. In general, qualities such as compassion, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and a demonstrated interest in the field of mental health can greatly enhance your candidacy for a volunteer position.
Regardless of whether you are a volunteer or a paid counselor, you will likely need to undergo additional training once you’ve secured a position. This training will equip you with the necessary skills to effectively support people in crisis while also emphasizing the importance of your own mental well-being.
Volunteer Opportunities at REAL Crisis Center
REAL Crisis Center offers a range of volunteer opportunities for individuals looking to make a difference through crisis counseling and mental health support. Our volunteer positions are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and training to excel as a support lifeline.
REAL Crisis Center accepts volunteer applications for the following positions:
Internship for College Students
Requirements:
- Interview
- 56 hours of training, including:
- 32 hours in the classroom
- At least 24 hours of internship with an experienced counselor
Volunteer Crisis Counselor
Requirements:
- 56 hours of training, including:
- 32 hours in the classroom
- At least 24 hours of internship with an experienced counselor
Volunteer Bilingual Assistant
Requirements:
- Volunteer orientation training
- Internship (minimum 12 hours)
Rape Victim Companion Program
Requirements:
- Volunteer crisis counseling training
- Three months as a crisis counselor
- Additional 12-hour training course
- Minimum 10 hours of internship
Special Events Assistant
Requirements:
- Volunteer orientation training for that specific event
Volunteer Information Specialist
Requirements:
- Volunteer orientation training
- Internship (minimum 12 hours)
Volunteer Board of Directors
Requirements:
- Nomination by an active board or staff member and voted on as a board member
Crisis Counselor Jobs at Real Crisis Center
REAL Crisis Center also offers a range of employment opportunities in crisis counseling and mental health support. A career with RCC enables you to play a vital role in supporting individuals in need throughout North Carolina.
Explore current job openings on our dedicated career page for detailed job descriptions, qualifications, and application instructions.
Bottom Line: Becoming a Crisis Counselor in North Carolina
In a world of rising uncertainty and mental health challenges, crisis counselors offer a crucial beacon of hope. Whether you choose to pursue a volunteer or paid position, this role offers a rewarding opportunity for those who feel called to make a difference. Together, we can create a world where compassion and assistance are readily available to those who need it the most.
