Careers

ABOUT SAMARITANS

Samaritans, Inc. is the leading suicide prevention organization in Massachusetts, providing lifesaving services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Samaritans’ purpose is to alleviate despair, isolation, distress, and suicidal feelings among individuals in our community; to educate the public about suicide prevention; and to support those impacted by a suicide loss. For nearly 50 years, Samaritans volunteers – selected, trained and supported by a dedicated professional staff – have provided compassionate and non-judgmental support, free of charge, to callers through its Helpline, and now to texters as well. This growing organization provides prevention, intervention, and postvention services that make our communities healthier and happier, and reduces the stigma associated with suicide and mental health concerns. We provide a working environment that celebrates the positive lifesaving work that occurs here each and every day.

ABOUT THE POSITION

One of Samaritans’ core programs is Community Education and Outreach (CEO). This branch of the organization serves to educate the public about suicide prevention and awareness through workshops, trainings, and community events. These are provided for any group, including, but not limited to youth, adults, and older adults. Workshops occur in a variety of settings, such as schools, corporations, non-profit organizations, and many others. Workshops are tailored to the individual groups, and generally provide the following information related to suicide prevention and awareness:

• Tools on how to best support someone that may be in a crisis, focusing on active listening, asking questions, asking about suicide, and getting them help
• Facts, figures, and myths of suicide
• Risk factors, warning signs, protective factors, and self-care
• Providing Samaritans’ resources and information on how to access them The

Training Specialist’s role is to deliver and participate in workshops, trainings, and community events and reflect best practices in suicide prevention.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver community education and outreach trainings and workshops
• Maintain data collection and integrity for program evaluation
• Develop interactive, vibrant, and engaging workshop using the latest curricular building tools
• Support and manage trainers through the process of learning the workshops, developing their skills, and reflecting on their practice
• Build relationships and communicate with workshop hosts
• Provide training for new staff, board members and others as appropriate
• Works with Director to continually update the training curriculum based on current best practices and ongoing evaluation of its effectiveness and needs identified through monitoring of feedback from attendees
• Develop, maintain, and distribute appropriate suicide prevention materials to partners through workshops
• Attend outreach events as needed to promote Samaritans services
• Incorporate emerging training technologies into existing training programs
• Stay up to date on current trends and information as it relates to suicide prevention
• Provide knowledge leadership within the agency on befriending and suicide prevention, including risk factors, warning signs and related issues
• Regularly attend training, conferences, and workshops related to suicide prevention, and other related topics

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday, Hybrid (2 days in the office and 3 days remote)

REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Community Education & Outreach

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• MA strongly preferred with a focus/specialization in Education, Curriculum Development, Leadership, Human Services
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in training, curriculum development, and or/teaching
• Insight and experience into the latest trends, tools, and resources in training and curriculum development
• Knowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention preferred
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to make effective and persuasive presentations to communities, volunteers, staff, industry peers, board members, donors and others as required
• Adept at interacting with others in person, over the phone, on zoom, or via email
• Resolves conflicts and internal issues appropriately, ability to provide difficult feedback
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required
• Experience with Salesforce preferred
• Strong analytical thinking and organizational skills
• Detail oriented and able to accomplish tasks within prescribed time frames

STARTING SALARY & BENEFITS:

• $54,000 annually
• Employer matched 401(k) Plan
• Short and Long-Term Disability coverage as well as Life Insurance
• Health (Samaritans covers 85% of premium), Dental (Samaritans covers 90% of premium) and Vision insurance
• Healthcare and Childcare FSA, Commuter Benefits and Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Vacation (New hires start with 10 days), Sick (8 days) and Personal Time Off (5 days)
• Paid Family Medical Leave benefits
• 14 paid holidays
• Direct deposit payroll

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Travel for workshops, trainings, and industry related conferences
• Lifting/moving of supplies and being outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather, for events
• Flexibility in working hours appropriate to meet responsibilities in training is required
• Successfully completes Samaritans’ staff Befriending Training

HOW TO APPLY

All applicants must submit materials through this link: SamaritansHope ApplicantPro career site- Training Specialist

Samaritans’ employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. An offer is contingent upon proof that the candidate is fully vaccinated or qualifies for an exemption. Currently our office is re-open on a hybrid schedule with an average of 2 days per week in office, after a period of onboarding for new hires.

Samaritans is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Candidates of color, bilingual, and bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply to join our Samaritans team as a Per Diem Community Education and Outreach Trainer.

Apply Now

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under the general direction of the Director of Crisis Services, the Overnight Shift Supervisor is the direct supervisor of the helpline volunteers. Shift Supervisors are responsible for monitoring the ongoing quality and consistency of the helpline services provided by volunteers, ensuring policies and procedures are followed accurately, providing feedback to Crisis Services Staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors crisis calls; to ensure highest service level and quality
• Responsible for ensuring continued helpline coverage by thorough monitoring of volunteer communication and soliciting additional volunteer coverage as needed
• In response to a full risk assessment where the caller/texter is determined to be at imminent risk and refuses offers of help, makes the appropriate decision to involve outside organizations, including emergency services for helpline conversations where the caller or a third party is in imminent danger or for people in vulnerable populations experiencing abuse or neglect
• Conducts follows up calls with emergency services regarding outcome of attempted emergency intervention
• Ensures completion of scheduled helpline call backs and completion of call reports
• Provide basic troubleshooting and technical assistance to volunteers using helpline tools
• Identifies volunteer training needs and informs Manager of Helpline Training
• Communicates with volunteers on shift, ensuring scheduled volunteer shift compliance, monitoring helpline dashboard including volunteer breaks, performance, engagement, and quality, especially during shift change
• Provides consultation and support to volunteers when needed and ensures compliance with policies and initiates debriefing sessions with volunteers after they have taken a call
• Adheres to performance measure in attending to call volume
• Provides Quality Assurance Assessments as assigned by the Training Manager
• When in the office, provide on-site support to volunteers in the event of an emergency, as relayed in the emergency management plan
• Attends weekly crisis services team meeting, weekly supervision and agency staff meeting monthly

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or minimum of two years of professional experience in a social services agency
• Experience working on a crisis helpline strongly preferred
• Previous work as a volunteer or working with volunteers preferred
• Knowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention
• The ability to provide unconditional and non-judgmental support to anyone who feels alone, depressed, or in crisis.
• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information
• Creative, resilient, and strategic in approach
• Must be able to learn to use new technologies
• Must be able to evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound judgment
• Must be results-oriented, mission-driven, and accountable
• Must be able to pivot and act to support the organizations’ needs
• Must possess strong communication skills
• Ability to resolve conflicts appropriately
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to maximize teamwork across the organization

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of the 26-hour Volunteer Befriender Training and assigned learning shifts on the helpline after hire
• Flexibility in meeting demands and remaining positive during interactions is essential
• Attends conferences and other related meetings outside of the organization as requested by supervisor; schedule permitting
• Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Starts at $24/hour
• Direct deposit payroll
• Sick Time Benefits at a part time rate

* Samaritans’ employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. An offer is contingent upon proof that the candidate is fully vaccinated or qualifies for an exemption.  Currently our office is re-open on a hybrid schedule with an average of 2 days per week in office, after a period of onboarding for new hires.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume (saved as Lastname_resume) and brief cover letter* (saved as Lastname_coverletter) explaining your interest in the position, and how you learned about this opportunity. Email to [email protected] with “Overnight Shift Supervisor” – Crisis Services” in the subject line.

*Applications that are missing a resume or cover letter may not be considered.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under the general direction of the Director of Crisis Services, the Weekend Shift Supervisor is the direct supervisor of the helpline volunteers. Shift Supervisors are responsible for monitoring the ongoing quality and consistency of the helpline services provided by volunteers, ensuring policies and procedures are followed accurately, providing feedback to Crisis Services Staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors crisis calls; to ensure highest service level and quality
• In response to a full risk assessment where the caller/texter is determined to be at imminent risk and refuses offers of help, makes the appropriate decision to involve outside organizations, including emergency services for helpline conversations where the caller or a third party is in imminent danger or for people in vulnerable populations experiencing abuse or neglect
• Conducts follows up calls with emergency services regarding outcome of attempted emergency intervention
• Responsible for ensuring continued helpline coverage by thorough monitoring of volunteer communication and soliciting additional volunteer coverage as needed
• Communicates with volunteers on shift, ensuring scheduled volunteer shift compliance, monitoring helpline dashboard including volunteer breaks, performance, engagement, and quality, especially during shift change
• Provides consultation and support to volunteers when needed and ensures compliance with policies and initiates debriefing sessions with volunteers after they have taken a call
• Adheres to performance measures in attending to call volume
• Provides Quality Assurance Assessments as assigned by the Training Manager
• Ensures completion of scheduled helpline call backs and completion of call reports
• Provide basic troubleshooting and technical assistance to volunteers using helpline tools
• Identifies volunteer training needs and informs Manager of Helpline Training
• When in the office, provide on-site support to volunteers in the event of an emergency, as relayed in the emergency management plan
• Attends weekly crisis services team meeting, weekly supervision and agency staff meeting monthly

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or minimum of two years of professional experience in a social services agency
• Previous work as a volunteer or working with volunteers preferred
• Knowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention
• Experience working on a crisis helpline preferred
• The ability to provide unconditional and non-judgmental support to anyone who feels alone, depressed, or in crisis
• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information
• Creative, resilient, and strategic in approach
• Must be able to learn to use new technologies
• Must be able to evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound judgment
• Must be results-oriented, mission-driven, and accountable
• Must be able to pivot and act to support the organizations’ needs
• Must possess strong communication skills
• Ability to resolve conflicts appropriately
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to maximize teamwork across the organization

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of the 26-hour Volunteer Befriender Training and assigned learning shifts on the helpline after hire Flexibility in meeting demands and remaining positive during interactions is essential
• Attends conferences and other related meetings outside of the organization as requested by supervisor; schedule permitting
• Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Starting at $24/hour
• Direct deposit payroll
• Sick time benefit at a part time rate Currently all Samaritans

* Samaritans’ employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. An offer is contingent upon proof that the candidate is fully vaccinated or qualifies for an exemption.  Currently our office is re-open on a hybrid schedule with an average of 2 days per week in office, after a period of onboarding for new hires.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume (saved as Lastname_resume) and brief cover letter* (saved as Lastname_coverletter) explaining your interest in the position, and how you learned about this opportunity. Email to [email protected] with “Weekend Shift Supervisor, Crisis Services” in the subject line.

*Applications that are missing a resume or cover letter may not be considered.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Helpline Coordinator’s role is to ensure 24/7 coverage on the helpline responding to calls from during their assigned shift. The Coordinator will provide emotional support to NSPL callers through Samaritans’ model of Befriending to assist the organization in fulfilling mission of serving those who are isolated, alone and suicidal through compassionate and non-judgmental listening.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Takes 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
• Responsible for submitting call reports after each call
• When in the office, provide on-site support to volunteers in the event of an emergency as relayed in the emergency management plan 
• Participates in staff meetings and supervision, schedule permitting

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS

• Minimum of two years of professional experience preferred
• Previous work as a volunteer preferred
• Knowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention preferred
• Experience working on a crisis helpline a plus
• 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 work independently and collaboratively to maximize teamwork across the organization

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of the 26-hour Volunteer Befriender Training and assigned learning shifts on the helpline after hire
• Flexibility in meeting demands and remaining positive during interactions is essential
• Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Starts at $22 per hour
• Direct deposit payroll
• Sick time benefit at a part time rate

* Samaritans’ employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. An offer is contingent upon proof that the candidate is fully vaccinated or qualifies for an exemption.  Currently our office is re-open on a hybrid schedule with an average of 2 days per week in office, after a period of onboarding for new hires.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume (saved as Lastname_resume) and brief cover letter* (saved as Lastname_coverletter) explaining your interest in the position, and how you learned about this opportunity. Email to [email protected] with “Helpline Coordinator Crisis Services” in the subject line.

*Applications that are missing a resume or cover letter may not be considered.

To learn more about Samaritans, please visit: www.samaritanshope.org

Samaritans is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Candidates of color, bilingual, and bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Overnight Helpline Coordinator’s role is to ensure 24/7 coverage on the helpline responding to helpline calls during their assigned shift. The Coordinator will provide emotional support to helpline callers through Samaritans’ model of Befriending to assist the organization in fulfilling mission of serving those who are isolated, alone and suicidal through compassionate and nonjudgmental listening.     

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Takes crisis calls, texts, and chats 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
• Responsible for submitting call reports after each call
• When in the office, provide on-site support to volunteers in the event of an emergency as relayed in the emergency management plan 
• Participates in staff meetings and supervision, schedule permitting

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS

• Minimum of two years of professional experience preferred
• Previous work as a volunteer preferred
• Knowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention
• Experience working on a crisis helpline a plus
• 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 work independently and collaboratively to maximize teamwork across the organization SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Successful completion of the 26-hour Volunteer Befriender Training and assigned learning shifts on the helpline after hire
• Flexibility in meeting demands and remaining positive during interactions is essential
• Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Starts at $24 per hour
• Direct deposit payroll
• Sick time benefit at a part time rate

* Samaritans’ employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. An offer is contingent upon proof that the candidate is fully vaccinated or qualifies for an exemption.  Currently our office is re-open on a hybrid schedule with an average of 2 days per week in office, after a period of onboarding for new hires.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume (saved as Lastname_resume) and brief cover letter* (saved as Lastname_coverletter) explaining your interest in the position, and how you learned about this opportunity. Email to [email protected] with “Overnight Helpline Coordinator Crisis Services” in the subject line.

*Applications that are missing a resume or cover letter may not be considered.

Youth Text Services Coordinator (Part Time)

ABOUT SAMARITANS

Samaritans, Inc. is the leading suicide prevention organization in Massachusetts, providing lifesaving services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Samaritans’ purpose is to alleviate despair, isolation, distress, and suicidal feelings among individuals in our community; to educate the public about suicide prevention; and to support those impacted by a suicide loss.  For nearly 50 years, Samaritans volunteers – selected, trained and supported by a dedicated professional staff – have provided compassionate and non-judgmental support, free of charge, to callers through its Helpline, and now to texters as well.

This growing organization provides prevention, intervention, and postvention services that make our communities healthier and happier, and reduces the stigma associated with suicide and mental health concerns. We provide a working environment that celebrates the positive lifesaving work that occurs here each and every day.

Samaritans is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Candidates of color, bilingual, and bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

About Hey Sam 

Hey Sam is a dedicated peer-to-peer texting service for youth . Designed for and staffed by young people, Hey Sam gives youth the opportunity to reach peers if they are struggling, need someone to talk to, or need support. 

POSITION REPORTS TO
Director, Youth Services & Technology

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR
None 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Youth Text Services Coordinator’s role is to ensure 24/7 coverage on the helpline responding to Hey Sam text messages during their assigned shift. The Coordinator will provide emotional support to texters through Samaritans’ model of Befriending to assist the organization in fulfilling mission of serving those who are isolated, alone, and suicidal through compassionate and non-judgmental listening.      

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Takes Hey Sam crisis text from those who are seeking emotional support including those who may be at risk of suicide
• Adheres to performance measures in attending to text volume 
• Responsible for submitting conversation reports after each conversation
• When in the office, provide on-site support to volunteers in the event of an emergency as relayed in the emergency management plan  
• Participates in staff meetings and supervision, schedule permitting

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS 

• Minimum of two years of professional experience preferred
• Previous work as a volunteer preferred
• Knowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention
• Experience working on a crisis helpline a plus
• 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 work independently and collaboratively to maximize teamwork across the organization

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Successful completion of the 26-hour Volunteer Befriender Training and assigned learning shifts on the helpline after hire 
• Flexibility in meeting demands and remaining positive during interactions is essential 

• Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

SALARY & BENEFITS

• $22 per hour
• Direct deposit payroll
• Sick time benefit at a part time rate

* Samaritans’ employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. An offer is contingent upon proof that the candidate is fully vaccinated or qualifies for an exemption.  Currently all Samaritans employees are working remotely. Applicants should be aware that this position is currently remote. It is anticipated that the Samaritans office, located in Downtown Boston, will reopen in early 2022 at which time employees will return with flexibility per agreement with their supervisor and after a period of onboarding for new hires.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume (saved as Lastname_resume) and brief cover letter* (saved as Lastname_coverletter) explaining your interest in the position, and how you learned about this opportunity. Email to [email protected] with Helpline Coordinator Crisis Services” in the subject line.

*Applications that are missing a resume or cover letter may not be considered.

Samaritans is seeking a motivated Special Events Intern for 10-20 hours per week who enjoys a growth-oriented environment to oversee aspects of our annual fundraising events.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Development Director and Special Events Manager as needed for special events such as/but not limited to: the 5K Run/Walk (September), the Breakfast for Hope Event (April/May), Boston Marathon Team (April/October), and other donor driven events
• Help to provide direct support to 5K Team Captains, HopeRaisers, and others who commit to fundraising in support of Samaritans
• Support event sponsorship management and acquisition
• Work with the 5K fundraising platform where needed (Classy)
• Support the Boston Marathon Team
• Create blog and social media posts for fundraising events
• Work with the Development Team to strategize and implement marketing plans for events
• Assist with other projects as they arise

Qualifications

This position requires strong written and oral communication skills, and an ability to work well with all types of people. Organizational skills and an attention to detail are a must.  Other helpful characteristics are being flexible, taking initiative, and having a cooperative spirit.  Special Events can sometimes be hectic, so having a positive attitude and a sense of humor is essential. 

This position is unpaid, but we will work with the candidate for the internship to count towards college credit. 

Please send your resume and brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position to [email protected] with “Special Events Intern” in the subject line.

* Samaritans’ employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. An offer is contingent upon proof that the candidate is fully vaccinated or qualifies for an exemption.  Currently our office is re-open on a hybrid schedule with an average of 2 days per week in office, after a period of onboarding for new hires.

Samaritans is currently seeking interns to staff our 24/7 Helpline. Successful candidates will possess the ability to empathize with others and have strong listening skills. No previous experience is required; all interns receive training that will equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide emotional support to callers. We offer a traditional 9-month commitment of a few hours a week as well as accelerated commitments for those who have more time to give within a smaller time frame.

To begin the application process, interested candidates must attend an Information Session and complete an interview with a current staff member or volunteer. Complete our online volunteer inquiry and receive upcoming information session dates. (links to Volunteer on the 24/7 Helpline request form)

Samaritans is seeking a Development Intern for 15-20 hours per week who enjoys a growth-oriented environment to oversee aspects of our annual fundraising activities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide general support to the Development Team on a variety of projects, including the Boston Marathon (April) and Breakfast for Hope (May)
• Support the Database Manager in overseeing functions of donor database (Salesforce) management, including inputting new contacts, and ensuring accuracy of records and information entered, and updating donor information
• Participate in weekly Development team meetings
• Research donors and potential donors
• Provide grant proposal support to the Grants contractor and Chief Development Officer
• Assist with other projects as they arise

Qualifications

This position requires strong written and oral communication skills, and an ability to work well with all types of people. Organizational skills and an attention to detail are a must, as well as the ability to work independently within the framework of a given project. Flexibility, optimism and a cooperative spirit in a sometimes hectic working environment are all very helpful characteristics. Dedication to Samaritans’ mission is a must. This position is unpaid, but we will work with the candidate for the internship to count towards college credit. The position can be extended for the entire school year.

Please send your resume and brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position to [email protected] with “Development Intern” in the subject line.