Counsellor, Crisis Assessment Team, Strathroy Site

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction & Mental Health Services; Strathroy; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to providing compassionate crisis support in the community. As a member of the Crisis Assessment Team, you will play a vital role in helping individuals navigate mental health and addiction challenges. Your expertise in crisis management and therapeutic communication will be essential in building relationships and providing immediate assistance. This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact while working within a supportive team environment. With a competitive starting wage and opportunities for professional growth, this position is perfect for those looking to revitalize their career and contribute positively to the community.

Benefits

9% in lieu of benefits

Immediate enrollment in pension plan (HOOPP)

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree/diploma in health or social sciences required.
• Registration with a professional college is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bio-psychosocial assessments and provide crisis intervention.
• Build therapeutic relationships and advocate for clients.
• Collaborate on holistic care plans and provide follow-up support.

Skills

Crisis Management

Therapeutic Communication

Risk Assessment

Crisis Intervention

Advocacy

Bilingualism

Education

Degree in Health or Social Sciences

Diploma in Health or Social Sciences

Tools

First Aid/CPR Certification

Job description

Counsellor, Crisis Assessment Team - Strathroy Site

Direct Service - (OPSEU)
Full-Time, Contract (Ending: June 30, 2025)
Strathroy, Ontario (Middlesex Zone)

• Application Deadline: May 18, 2025

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

The Crisis Assessment Team program offers individuals experiencing a crisis an alternative to emergency hospital services by providing 24/7 mental health and addictions supports in the community. As a team member, you'll assess and mitigate immediate crises, then collaborate on strategies and resources to improve their physical and mental health and prevent future crises.

Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Applicants residing in London needing a PVSC are encouraged to apply promptly, as processing takes approximately 3 weeks, and employment offers require receipt of a PVSC.

Revitalize your career and make a community impact by joining our team!

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• Starting wage for this role is $27.14/hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a regulation-based differential ($30.01/hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated). Successful candidates registered with a professional college (e.g., OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, CPO) will receive the regulated wage differential.
• External applicants start at Level 1, with progression up to Level 8 ($34.41/hour non-regulated, $37.26/hour regulated).
• Internal applicants' grid level placement follows the Collective Agreement.

Work schedule: 70 hours over two weeks, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Benefits: 9% in lieu of benefits.

Pension: Eligible for immediate enrollment in HOOPP.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

• Conduct bio-psychosocial assessments using crisis management theories, including risk assessment, de-escalation, stabilization, and referral.
• Build therapeutic relationships to maximize engagement benefits.
• Evaluate available resources/supports, making appropriate referrals.
• Identify relapse risk factors and safety concerns.
• Assess barriers to community living, such as transportation or finances.
• Provide short-term psychotherapeutic interventions.
• Respond calmly and efficiently in emergencies, respecting client privacy and dignity.
• Apply harm reduction principles to mitigate risks.
• Advocate for clients to access necessary services.
• Refer clients for further assessments as needed.
• Assist clients in identifying and connecting with natural supports.
• Offer short-term follow-up support.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources and support systems.
• Help clients obtain resources, educate them, and advocate on their behalf.
• Foster positive relationships across service systems, including CMHA and hospitals.
• Support clients in navigating mental health and addiction services.
• Collaborate with clients and team members to develop holistic care plans.
• Provide nonjudgmental support sensitive to diversity (culture, race, age, orientation, beliefs).

Reach Out Responsibilities:

• Provide crisis intervention via phone, text, and web chat.
• Respond to voicemails from the Reach Out line.
• Establish therapeutic relationships with callers and address their immediate concerns.

REQUIREMENTS:

Police Vulnerable Sector Check:

Must be completed within the last six months. London residents are encouraged to apply early due to processing times (~2 weeks).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree/diploma in health or social sciences, or in progress (proof required during hiring).
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• Current Police Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Ability to attend work regularly.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Registration with a professional college (e.g., OCSWSSW, CNO, CRPO, CPSO, COTO, CPO).
• Experience in mental health and addictions.
• Trauma-informed practice knowledge.
• Understanding of therapeutic crisis approaches (e.g., Crisis Intervention, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, CBT).
• Strong communication skills, computer literacy, current First Aid/CPR.
• Bilingualism in both official languages is preferred.

Internal applicants should apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email addresses.

Application deadline: May 18, 2025. We value diversity and encourage all community members to apply. For accommodations, contact [e-mail].