Wings Employment FAQs
Wings Employment FAQs
Thank you for you interest in working for Wings Across Alabama. Wings is unique in that we are a peer-run organization from the bottom to the top. We center professional development and personal wellness for all of our staff.
Like other employers, Wings staff works scheduled hours and shifts. Remote work requires a great deal of commitment and personal accountability.
Please note: You must be a resident of the State of Alabama to work at Wings Across Alabama. There are no exceptions to this policy.
What are the requirements to work on the Alabama Warm Line?
You must be an individual with your own lived experience with mental illness, including symptoms arising, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This may be in an inpatient or outpatient/community setting. Being with or working with others who are experiencing symptoms of mental illness does not meet the requirements to be an Alabama Certified Peer Specialist-Adult. You must be able to qualify for certification as a Certified Peer Specialist, which is a 40 hour training.
Please check out the requirements for certification here to discern if you meet the qualifications for certification and employment at Wings Across Alabama.
Is a CRSS the same as a CPS?
No, a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) is an individual who is in recovery from substance use disorders. A Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is an individual who is in recovery from mental illness. Wings is a mental health peer run organization and utilizes the CPS certification for all staff.
Why do you have the job posted if you aren’t hiring?
The job posting for the Warm Line Specialist is an applicant pool. We accept applications on a rolling basis so that we have applicants to choose from when openings arise. We will contact you when interview opportunities open up. We do not always know when the Warm Line needs will change and we will begin interviews.
Should I call to confirm that you received my application?
No. Applications are processed through our HR software program. You will receive a confirmation email when you submit your application. Please remain patient and be assured that we will reach out to you when a position that matches your qualifications opens. Please do not call the office or otherwise engage the Warm Line Director or Wings Staff regarding your application. We have a process in place for reviewing all applications.
Do I have to work an 8 hour shift?
The Warm Line only hires for 8 hour shifts. The Warm Line runs 24/7 and the shifts are divided up as follows:
AM Shift: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PM Shift: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
NT Shift: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
There are no other shifts available. Please consider if you have at least 2 to 3 days per week that you can commit to working one of these full shifts before submitting your application for the Warm Line.
Other positions at Wings may have different work schedules.
Is it ok if I drop off/pick up my child (or other family member) or run errands during my Warm Line shift?
No, you should be fully available, in a quiet and private location throughout the duration of your shift. Callers are reaching out to the Alabama Warm Line, not you individually, it is imperative to maintain the standard of support the AWL is known for. The Warm Line typically receives back to back calls throughout the AM and PM shifts. There are no gaps for doing other things during your scheduled shift.
This expectation applies to all positions when interacting on behalf of Wings.
Can I work full time?
Wings has limited full-time positions. Warm Line Specialist and most other positions are part-time and do not exceed 24 hours per week.
Are the hours flexible?
This is a part-time position, so you should be able to make your appointments and other commitments around your work schedule. Each WL Specialist is assigned a regular work schedule and you are undertaking a commitment to that schedule when you are onboarded to work for Wings Across Alabama. Your presence during your scheduled work hours is imperative just as at any other job.
Other roles may have more flexibility around scheduling, but all staff are expected to maintain a regular work schedule.
What’s it like to work on the Alabama Warm Line?
Telephonic peer support is very different from in-person peer support such as at a drop-in center or behavioral health center. We have very hard boundaries regarding engaging callers outside of the Warm Line and outside of your shift. The AWL operates as a semi-anonymous peer support line, so it is imperative to protect the caller’s privacy and anonymity.
The shifts are eight hours long and you must be able to maintain your own well-being throughout the duration of your shift. We have supports in place for our specialists, but ultimately, maintaining your own recovery is your first responsibility.
Warm Line Specialists perform telephonic peer support, data entry, and are required to attend meetings and trainings as a part of their required job duties.