988 Suicide & Crisis Help Line

Your Support Services Network; Aurora; Remote; CAD 40,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

Your Support Services Network (YSSN) in Ontario is seeking a 988 Crisis Response Worker for overnight remote support. This part-time position (0.67 FTE, 2 shifts weekly) involves crisis assessment, risk reduction, and collaboration to connect individuals with longer-term supports.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related discipline and 3+ years of relevant experience. Shifts are overnight on Fridays and Sundays, with in-office meetings when required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related discipline.
• Minimum three years related experience.
• Experience working with individuals having a serious mental illness is essential.
• Knowledge of the local service system is essential.
• Completion of CPI, CPR and ASIST training as per agency guidelines.
• Knowledge of crisis response, psychosocial rehabilitation and assessment skills are assets.
• Experience with crime/criminal justice systems is an asset.
• Second language is considered an asset; police clearance may be requested.
• A valid G Driver’s License or reliable transportation is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate assessment and support to individuals via 9-8-8 crisis lines.
• Establish initial contact, stabilize crisis, and develop safety plans with callers.
• Collaborate to connect individuals to longer-term supports and recovery activities.
• Work remotely with monthly in-office meetings and trainings as required.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Local services knowledge

CPI CPR ASIST trained

Second language

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related discipline

Job description

At Your Support Services Network (YSSN), we believe in making a difference. As a non-profit charitable organization, we support individuals with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, and complex needs—helping each person build meaningful connections and live their best lives.Through compassionate, person-centered services, we empower individuals to achieve their goals and participate fully in their communities.

YSSN offers more than just competitive compensation—we provide a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment where employees can thrive. From hybrid work options and professional development to wellness programs and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we invest in our team’s growth and well-being.

Our Vision: A Meaningful Life for All – Relationships, Community, Well-Being

Our Mission: Communicate. Connect. Collaborate.

Join one of Canada’s top non-profit employers of choice and be part of a team that values meaningful work, collaboration, and positive change.

Job Opportunity

988 Crisis Response Worker - Overnight Text Line

ONE Part-timeContract (0.67 FTE/ 2 shifts per week) Contract to March 2028 (Overnights) (with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent)

• Status: Contract, Part-time
  • Part-Time = 2 shifts /week
• Shifts:11.25 hours /shift
  • Every Friday & SundayOVERNIGHTS: 7 PM - 7 AM
• Starting Hourly Rate: $34.95/ Hour
• Location: Remote
• Office Expectations: Remote, with in-office for meetings and trainings when required
• Head Office Location: Aurora, OntarioL4G3S9
  • must be within a commutable daily distance from the office and/or service area
• Posting Closes: Wednesday, October 7 at 4:00 pm EST

Job Description

The 9-8-8 Crisis Response Worker provides immediate assessment and support to individuals who calland text the 9-8-8 call line. The 9-8-8 call line is a national mental health call line for individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide and/or emotional distress.Positions cover both 988 telephone and text calls.

Primary goals of service are to establish initial contact with callers to the 9-8-8 call line, provide assessment and intervention to stabilize crisis and to support individuals collaboratively in the development of a plan to reduce risk and promote safety and recovery. Through evidence-based mental health interventions, promote relapse prevention and transition to longer term supports and recovery activities where appropriate.

Work Environment and Emotional Demands

Please note: This position involves supporting individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, trauma, grief, and other mental health crises. Responders may be exposed to difficult, emotionally intense, and potentially distressing conversations on a regular basis. While comprehensive training, clinical consultation, supervision, and wellness supports are provided, applicants should carefully consider their personal resilience, self-care practices, and ability to work effectively in a high-pressure crisis intervention environment.

This position is primarily a remote work environment with monthly in-office team meetings.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related discipline (i.e. Health Sciences)
• Experience;
  • Minimum three years related experience
  • Experience working with individuals having a serious mental illness is essential
  • Knowledge of the local service system is essential
  • Completion of CPI, CPR and ASIST training as per agency guidelines
  • Knowledge and practice of short-term urgent response, psychosocial rehabilitation approach and advanced clinical, crisis and assessment skills are assets
  • Crisis skills for adults and children experiencing a mental health crisis are desirable
  • Experience and knowledge of the criminal justice system is an asset
• Second language is considered an asset
• An understanding of cultural diversity is considered an asset
• * The successful applicant will be required to provide a police clearance that meets agency standards
• * A valid G Drivers License, access to a reliable vehicle and adequate insurance coverage for business responsibilities, OR access to reliable transportation.

YSSN is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and is committed to an accessible, respectful hiring process.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources.