Since 1964, Crisis Connections has been a trusted nonprofit serving Seattle, King County, and Washington State. Our mission is to foster resilience and well-being for all by connecting people to accessible and compassionate support. Besides our helplines, we support survivors of suicide, provide community outreach, and offer youth suicide prevention education. Our phone lines support more than 150 languages. This is all possible thanks to 250 staff, 450 volunteers, dozens of community partners, and thousands of donors and advocates.

Crisis Connections connects people in physical, emotional and financial crisis to services that will be of help. We do this to reduce immediate emotional distress and defuse crises for individuals, families and the community; to reduce the immediate risk of violence to one’s self and others; and to increase the ability of people to access the safety net, particularly for mental and emotional support services. Crisis Connections serves all people (in physical, emotional and financial crisis)  with an emphasis on serving King County residents.

Students receive 45-60 hours of training in core micro-level skills such as active listening, crisis intervention, emotional de-escalation, and suicide prevention. Upon completion, students begin 4–5 hour shifts supporting a diverse range of callers, including individuals experiencing acute distress, housing instability, substance use, or chronic mental health needs. Under the supervision of clinical staff, students apply skills in empathy, communication, safety planning, and risk assessment, while also participating in group supervision, debriefs, and documentation review to strengthen their learning and professional development.

Students will learn to recognize and navigate the crisis response continuum of care, providing callers with referrals to essential services such as housing, food, healthcare, legal aid, and employment support. In addition to direct service, students will contribute to project presentations on topics like burnout, cultural sensitivity, and self-care, supporting volunteer wellness and engagement. Students may also attend community and networking events, enhancing their understanding of agency collaboration and service delivery across Washington State.

Students will have opportunities to engage in state and countywide meetings to learn about behavioral health initiatives, DEIB efforts, and how they shape crisis services. They will explore behavioral health legislation, regulations, and international helpline accreditation standards that impact crisis line operations. Students will also review relevant policies and procedures, gaining insight into how macro-level systems, standards, and advocacy efforts influence service delivery.

Must be at least 21 years old for the crisis line & warmline
Communication and problem-solving skills, including ability to respond to callers with patience, objectivity and nonjudgmental attitude.
Ability to problem solve.
Ability to work effectively with a multi-disciplinary team of clinical staff and paraprofessionals
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Verbal, written, computer, and technical skills including the ability to work in multiple software platforms concurrently

*Stipends are limited

Email Geneveve Matundan, Social Work Practicum Manager, expressing interest in completing field experience at Crisis Connections to receive more information.

CONTACT INFO
Geneveve Matundan, LCSW (She/Her)
Phone: 206-333-8801
Email: gmatundan@crisisconnections.org I crisisconnections.org