Counsellor, Crisis Assessment Team

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services; London; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a leading community organization to work with individuals experiencing urgent mental health crises. This part-time role involves assessment, crisis intervention, and resource connection, ensuring every client receives dignified and effective support. Ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact while leveraging their health or social services qualifications.

Benefits

Eligible for Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Qualifications

• Must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed within the last six months.
• Ability to attend work regularly.

Responsibilities

• Complete bio-psychosocial assessments based on crisis management theory.
• Establish therapeutic relationships to maximize client engagement.
• Provide short-term psychotherapeutic interventions within the crisis framework.

Skills

Crisis management

Therapeutic relationship building

Advocacy

Harm reduction principles

Risk assessment

Education

Degree or diploma in health or social sciences

Job description

Part-Time, Contract (Ending: October 3, 2025)

When individuals in our community experience an urgent mental health or addictions crisis, they deserve a response that is person-centred and supportive, while focusing on personal dignity and wellbeing.

The Crisis Assessment Team program provides individuals experiencing a crisis with immediate support outside of emergency hospital services by offering 24/7 mental health and addictions support in the community. As a team member, you will work with individuals to assess and mitigate their immediate crisis, then collaborate on strategies and resources to enhance their physical and mental health, aiming to prevent future crises.

Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• Starting rate for this role is $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential based on regulation ($30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated). Successful candidates registered with a designated professional college (e.g., OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation.

• External applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 for regulated).
• Internal applicants' grid level placement will follow the Collective Agreement.
• Work schedule: 14 hours bi-weekly, every other weekend, from 2 pm to 9 pm.
• Immediately eligible for optional enrollment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

• Complete bio-psychosocial assessments based on crisis management theory, including rapid response, risk assessment, de-escalation, stabilization, and referral.
• Establish therapeutic relationships to maximize client engagement.
• Assess available resources/supports and make appropriate referrals.
• Identify relapse risk factors and safety concerns for staff and clients.
• Assess barriers to community living (e.g., treatment, transportation, finances).
• Provide short-term psychotherapeutic interventions within the crisis framework.
• Respond calmly and efficiently in emergencies, respecting client privacy and dignity.
• Utilize harm reduction principles to reduce risk factors.
• Advocate for clients to access necessary services and supports.
• Refer clients for further assessments as needed.
• Assist clients in identifying and connecting with personal supports.
• Provide short-term follow-up support to bridge to long-term services.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources, including mental health, addiction services, and entitlement programs.
• Support clients in accessing resources, advocating, and linking to appropriate services.
• Build positive relationships across the service system, including CMHA and hospitals.
• Assist clients with face-to-face support and information about mental health and addiction services.
• Help clients develop strategies for managing health needs based on available resources and skills.
• Collaborate with clients and team members to develop holistic care plans.
• Provide nonjudgmental support, demonstrating sensitivity to diversity (culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs, values).

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:

Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed within the last six months. Applicants residing in London are encouraged to apply early, as PVSC processing takes approximately 2 weeks, and offers cannot be made without it.

Qualifications:

• Degree or diploma in health or social sciences (original credentials required during hiring).
• Ability to attend work regularly.

Preferred qualifications:

• Registration with a professional college (e.g., OCSWSSW, CNO, CRPO, CPSO, COTO, CPO).
• Current First Aid / CPR certification.

Internal applicants: Use your @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address to apply.

Application deadline: June 9, 2025

We value diversity and encourage applications from all community members, including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and visible minorities. Accommodations are available upon request during the recruitment process.