Community Crisis Intervention Worker, Various Programs

Gerstein Crisis Centre; Toronto; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Gerstein Crisis Centre in Toronto is seeking a Community Crisis Intervention Worker (CCIW) to provide crisis intervention, de-escalation and follow-up services for individuals in mental health and/or substance use crisis. The role involves collaboration with community partners to divert from unnecessary police or medical emergency responses.

Applicants should have 5+ years in related fields, a strong understanding of trauma and social determinants of health, and the ability to work in diverse,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in community mental health, crisis intervention, or related field.
• Strong understanding of trauma, poverty, homelessness, and social determinants of health.
• Ability to deliver and adapt crisis intervention and de-escalation in high-traffic public spaces.
• Experience conducting suicide risk assessments and interventions (ASIST).
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act and PHIPA.
• Experience adapting interventions for diverse populations including BIPOC, LGBTQI2S+ and neurodiverse communities.
• Extensive knowledge of community supports in Toronto.
• Ability to coordinate services with TTC personnel and community partners.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
• Proficiency with multiple computer and communication systems.
• Valid Ontario G Driver’s License

Skills

Crisis intervention

De-escalation

English communication

Time management

Collaboration

Job description

Position Title: Community Crisis Intervention Worker (CCIW)

Reports to: Director, Crisis Services or Team Manager

Salary: $69,127.68 per annum, with comprehensive benefits package

Background: A Community Crisis Intervention Worker (CCIW) provides crisis intervention, de-escalation, crisis management and follow‑up services and referrals to individuals who are experiencing mental health and/or substance use crisis and are not currently in need of Emergency Services. The crisis worker will work collaboratively with community members to provide help and assistance that is adapted to diverse needs and includes diversion away from unnecessary police or medical emergency response.

Gerstein Crisis Centre (GCC) believes strongly that a model in which the earliest intervention for mental health needs is provided by a mental health worker, rather than the police service, can provide opportunities to access the services people want and need to leverage help sooner, while reducing stigma, discrimination, and unnecessary police involvement. Our experience over the past three decades has demonstrated that this early intervention can put needed support in place and often avoid unnecessary interactions with emergency services such as hospitals and police.

Current Opportunities

CCIW’s work across many programs within our organization. These include:

Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS):

Provide timely and appropriate mobile crisis intervention to individuals. These services have hubs in West, Central, and East Toronto.

The Toronto Crisis Service is also in partnership with Toronto Transit Commission (TCCS- TTC) Project: which provides crisis support and services for transit service users experiencing crisis within the downtown U‑Zone of Line 1

Social Crisis Support Services (SCSS):

in partnership with the Toronto Public Library: a collaborative, on‑site resource for providing low‑barrier mental health and crisis support for individuals accessing various libraries downtown

Substance Use / Concurrent Crisis Management / Follow‑Up Team

provides crisis intervention to individuals experiencing serious and/or complex mental health and substance use issues. CCIWs screen and access referrals, complete intakes, provide immediate crisis counselling, intervention, and liaise with other community support providers.

Mental Health and Justice and Women’s Short‑term Program

Gerstein has a limited number of voluntary, non‑medical short‑term crisis support beds for adults with mental health issues experiencing crisis compounded by involvement with the justice system and/or homelessness. CCIWs screen and assess referrals and provide short‑term crisis support, advocacy and community referrals.

Successful Applicants Will Have:

• 5+ years’ experience in community mental health, crisis intervention, substance use services, or a related field
• Strong understanding of intersecting factors including trauma, poverty, homelessness, and social determinants of health
• Ability to deliver and adapt crisis intervention and de‑escalation in high traffic public spaces
• Experience conducting suicide risk assessments and interventions using the ASIST model
• Skilled in applying harm reduction approaches to substance use and concurrent disorders
• Knowledge of the mental health and justice systems, including the Mental Health Act and P.H.I.P.A.
• Experience adapting interventions for diverse populations including people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQI2S+ and neurodiverse communities
• Extensive working knowledge of community supports available in the City of Toronto
• Ability to coordinate services and collaborate with TTC personnel, community partners and frontline staff
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills
• Proficiency with multiple computer and communication systems
• A valid Ontario ‘G’ Driver’s License

Please Note:

• Positions can involve working rotating shift schedules that include days, evenings, overnights, and weekend shifts.
• Work will include travel in the community locations across service geographies
• We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who represent the cultural diversity of Toronto including, Black and Indigenous, LGBTQI2S+ individuals and those with lived experience of the mental health system.

Gerstein Crisis Centre is committed to equitable hiring and compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and AODA. Accommodation is available throughout the hiring process upon written request to [e-mail]