Remote Recovery Helpline Specialist - WA State — Columbus
Traveler-Friendly Insight
This role is not suitable for location-independent digital nomads. While it is listed as fully remote, the job posting explicitly requires applicants to be located in Washington State, USA. This is a hard geographic restriction, not just a timezone preference.
Additionally, the schedule is fixed: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Pacific Time). This is a synchronous, real-time crisis helpline role — you must be available live on phones, which eliminates async flexibility entirely. You also need a private, confidential space to take calls, ruling out coworking spaces, cafés, or shared accommodations.
For context, at $26.79/hour (~$55,700/year annualized), this salary comfortably covers living costs in many WA cities but offers no nomad lifestyle upside since you must remain in-state.
- Lisbon, Bangkok, Medellín: Irrelevant — you cannot legally work from these locations in this role.
- Visa options: Only US residents or those with existing US work authorization in WA state are eligible.
If you're seeking a truly location-flexible remote role in mental health or social services, look for positions that specify "work from anywhere in the US" or international remote roles in counseling, wellness tech, or online therapy platforms instead.
Headquarters: Tacoma, Washington, United States
URL: http://www.crisisconnections.org
Position Title: Recovery Helpline Specialist
Reports to: WA Recovery Helpline Manager
Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: $26.79/hour
Union Representation: Represented by OPEIU
Location: Fully Remote — must be located in WA state
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Crisis Connections provides a variety of telephone-based support services that are easily accessible to anyone in our community experiencing crisis. Our service area includes King County and WA State. Our passion is to foster resilience and wellbeing for all by connecting people to accessible and compassionate support.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Washington Recovery Help Line Specialist is responsible for supporting and responding to incoming calls on the Recovery Helpline. The Specialist provides support in identifying appropriate resources and referrals to those struggling with issues related to substance use disorder.
The Specialist responds to calls on the Help Line by email and text and performs quality assurance screening for all calls completed. The Specialist is expected to facilitate warm transfers to other providers and will make follow-up calls to ensure the callers are connected with specific resources.
SERVICE DELIVERY
- Responds to incoming phone calls, emails, and text messages from individuals seeking information about recovery-related resources for those struggling with substance use disorder.
- Demonstrates knowledge of Washington State resources for substance abuse.
- Demonstrates knowledge of Recovery Help Line resources, including competent use of Vision Link database, MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder) Locator, and non-computerized information.
- Demonstrates knowledge of phone room protocol and procedure.
- Provides adequate consultation to professionals and non-professionals.
- Timely completion of call back and follow-up calls.
- Accurate and timely completion of Vision Link call logging and QA as assigned.
- Makes appropriate use of the Shift Supervisor.
- Participates in training and other non-phone room responsibilities as assigned.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Participates in program meetings and planning on site as directed by the Director.
- Attends at least four (4) training courses and in-services annually.
QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF WORK / WORK HABITS
- Arrives at work on time and maintains regular attendance; works assigned shifts and other shifts when needed.
- Follows personnel policies and procedures.
- Written and verbal communication is clear, concise, accurate, and thorough.
- Demonstrates genuine relationships by cooperating with others, handling disagreements directly with the person(s) concerned in a truthful and open manner, and accepting constructive feedback. Shows respect to co-workers, volunteers, and customers/clients.
- Makes appropriate use of the supervisor.
- Promotes a healthy work environment by demonstrating collaborative decision-making and team-building behaviors; provides peer support and motivates staff and volunteers to outstanding performance.
- Suggests solutions to identified problems.
Requirements
- Preferred: Bachelor of Arts in social or human sciences and/or two years working in addiction treatment settings.
- Experience working in a call center or conducting telephone assessments as a staff member or volunteer.
- Substance Use Disorder Professional or Trainee designation is a plus.
- Evidence of ability to work with a team of clinical staff and volunteers in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Should be proficient with the application of communication technology.
- Must have a private and confidential location to perform duties.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. As an adaptive organization, responsibilities can and will change in alignment with greater efficiencies and mission metrics.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION:
Crisis Connections (CC) is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. CC does not discriminate with regards to hiring, assignment, promotion, or other conditions of staff employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal law.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of our positions.
Crisis Connections is an equal opportunity employer. We value having employees whose skills, experience and background reflect the diverse populations we serve.
To apply: https://weworkremotely.com/remote-jobs/crisis-connections-recovery-specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is a clinical license or SUDP certification required for this position?
What does the "warm transfer" responsibility involve?
