On July 16, 2022, the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands increased crisis line hours  of operation to 24/7/365 and began answering 988 calls.

About 988

• 988 is a direct three-digit phone line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call takers.
• 988 can be used anytime, anywhere you or a loved one is in emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts.
• Trained call takers, who are not licensed clinicians, are available to provide free, confidential emotional support to all callers. You do not need to be suicidal to call 988.
• With an easy to remember number like 988, the Lifeline hopes to reach many more people in emotional distress and connect those to services if needed.
• As of July 16, 2022, 988 is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

What to expect when you call 988

• Calls will be routed to our call center based on a caller’s area code.
• All calls will be answered by a highly trained staff or volunteer who will provide compassionate, non-judgmental support.
• Although the number is shorter, it will still connect to the same service which has been available in Massachusetts for many years.

Frequently asked questions

Come join our team!

Crisis Line Associate

Part-Time

Minimum 10 hrs/wk

Maximum 20 hrs/wk

  Reports To The Crisis Services Associate will report to the Crisis Services Manager. Job Overview The Crisis Line Associate provides support to the Crisis Line program by answering calls for approximately 10-20 hours each week during periods with the least amount of coverage as designated and assigned by Crisis Services Manager with the goal of building Crisis Line response capacity. Responsibilities and Duties The functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Answers crisis calls from those who are seeking emotional support including those who may be at risk of suicide
• Adheres to performance measures in attending to call volume
• Thorough and accurate documentation of completed calls
• Participates in staff meetings and supervision, schedule permitting Attend continuing education and training as needed
• Act as Home Leader on a rotating schedule (mentoring and technical assistance for volunteer(s) on shift)
• Allow volunteer trainees to monitor (shadow) when on shift
• Act as On Call staff on a rotating schedule (additional stipend paid)

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• High school graduate or GED equivalent
• Minimum of two years of professional experience preferred
• Previous work as a volunteer preferred
• Experience working on a crisis helpline a plus
• Ability to respect confidentiality
• 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 tolerate different beliefs and opinions
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to maximize teamwork across the organization
• Some flexibility in working hours
• Must keep time commitments
• Displays willingness to learn
• Ability to accept direction
• Successful completion of the Volunteer Befriender Training and assigned learning shifts on the helpline after hire
• Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

Compensation:  $18-$20 per hour  

On-Call Shift Supervisor

Weekday, Evening and Weekend Shifts

 Reports To The On-Call Supervisor will report to the Crisis Services Manager. Job Overview The role of the On-Call Supervisor is to ensure successful delivery of services for callers by providing support to Crisis Line Associates and Volunteers as they utilize Samaritans’ specialized method of befriending and following National Suicide Prevention Lifeline/988 protocols and procedures.  On-Call Shift Supervisors are experienced in crisis intervention, possess leadership qualities necessary to assist staff and volunteers during varying risk-level situations Responsibilities and Duties The functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist Crisis Line Associates and Volunteers while serving on crisis line shifts.
• Provide guidance and instruction to Crisis Line Associates and Volunteers as needed.
• Enter and review data with accuracy to track the effectiveness and impact of crisis line services.
• Provide written follow-up as needed or requested.
• Build and maintain relationships and communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals, including supervisors, Crisis Line Associates, Volunteers, emergency services, and behavioral health professionals, among others.
• Employ strong critical thinking skills using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems within the parameters of Samaritans’ guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information.
• Respond to Crisis Line Associate and Volunteer requests for assistance in a timely manner.
• Convey sensitive information in a timely manner to qualified parties.
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively.
• Ability to intervene in crises.
• Maintain composure in high-stress situations.
• Instruct and mentor Crisis Line Associates and Volunteers.
• Be able to multi-task.
• Remain informed on suicide prevention best practices, models, and initiatives.
• Adhere to all Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands policies, procedures, best practices, and those in accordance with our accreditation through the International Council of Helplines, and guidelines from the Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
• Other responsibilities as assigned 

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of an Associate’s degree preferred or two years of professional experience in a social service agency, nonprofit, or similar organization.
• Previous experience working on a suicide prevention crisis line, customer service, and/or phone center required.
• High comfort level with technology, including computer and internet skills, smartphones, and integrated systems.
• Experience with the iCarol software system or similar cloud-based database, telephony applications, and Zoom required.
• Attention to detail required.
• Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot in a fast-paced and evolving remote work environment.

Special Requirements

• Successful completion of Samaritans Crisis Line
• Remote work with potential for some in-person interaction with staff and colleagues.
• Access to active, high-speed internet service.
• Ability to work remotely in a secure, private space where confidentiality can be maintained.
• Refresher training and regular staff meetings.
• Background and CORI checks

  Pay Rate and Benefits

• $21-$22 per hour
• 12 paid holidays (prorated for part-time hours)
• Direct deposit payroll
• Health insurance stipend
• Generous vacation, sick and personal time off Policies
• Opportunity to work from remote location

For more information, email Cheryl Rossi at crossi@capesamaritans.org

Thank you to the Woods Hole Foundation!

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

CAPE COD LOSS TEAM (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors)

  LOSS Team Volunteers:

• Meet with those bereaved by suicide in the immediate hours or days following a death to offer support and share community resources.
• Provide a compassionate presence that fosters hope and mitigates the effects of acute trauma.
• Are present with others to provide empathy, normalize grief, and offer hope.
• Are either loss survivors who have done their own grief work or caring individuals who have not experienced a loss to suicide but who have experience in support roles.
• Work with program staff to determine volunteer hours based on their availability.

Requirements:

• Driver’s license
• Background check
• Must be at least 18
• Proximity to Cape service area
• Initial interview and training

TO APPLY OR LEARN MORE, EMAIL MEBRISCOE@CAPESAMARITANS.ORG

LOSS Team Volunteer flyer

PRESS RELEASE

  The Cape Cod Foundation has awarded a total of $200,000 through its pilot Comprehensive Capacity Building Grant Program to five, local nonprofit organizations: Calmer Choice, Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, Independence House, and Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands. Each nonprofit will receive $10,000 for immediate general operating support and $30,000 for capacity building project implementation over the course of the innovative two-year program. “These nonprofit organizations impact all areas of community life and are at pivotal growth points. They are working to increase access and expand programs and services to meet community needs, especially in response to the pandemic,” said Kristin O’Malley, President and CEO of The Cape Cod Foundation. “This program is designed to help them assess their capacity building needs, and then plan and implement a pivotal project to address those needs.” O’Malley said the Foundation has partnered with industry expert TSNE Mission Works to conduct a capacity building assessment with each nonprofit and to provide the Foundation with technical assistance throughout program design and implementation. The program also includes a unique peer-learning cohort model to strengthen and leverage their individual and collective impact as they address issues affecting Cape Cod residents. The Executive Directors and Board Chairs from each nonprofit will meet regularly to build relationships, share knowledge, and facilitate collaboration. O’Malley said the entire program is iterative. The exact project each nonprofit undertakes will be based on the organizational assessment and developed by each grantee based on individual input and needs. “The Foundation’s goal is to deepen our partnerships with nonprofit organizations by matching substantial funding with other critical support to achieve greater outcomes,” O’Malley added. Thank you so much to The Cape Cod Foundation for investing in and believing in the work of our organization!   The Cape Cod Foundation is a community foundation whose mission is to build permanent charitable resources for community betterment through informed grantmaking and civic leadership. The Foundation has distributed over $90 million in grants and scholarships since its founding in 1989. www.capecodfoundation.org

We are so pleased to be chosen as a recipient of a Cape Cod Healthcare Community Benefits Strategic Grant in support of our Senior Outreach Program.  It’s wonderful to receive funding for the program and to know that Cape Cod Healthcare recognizes the important connection it provides.

Lots of new additions!