Counsellor, Crisis Assessment Team, Strathroy Site

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

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to providing community-based mental health and addictions support. As a member of the Crisis Assessment Team, you'll play a vital role in offering immediate assistance to individuals in crisis, ensuring their dignity and well-being. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of those in your community. Collaborate with a passionate team while utilizing your skills in crisis intervention and therapeutic approaches. This is more than just a job; it's a chance to revitalize your career and contribute meaningfully to society.

Benefits

Immediate Enrollment in Pension Plan

9% in Lieu of Benefits

Potential Salary Increase Based on Regulation

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct bio-psychosocial assessments for crisis management.
• Establish therapeutic relationships and assess resources.
• Provide crisis intervention via phone, text, and web chat.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

Therapeutic Approaches

Communication Skills

Trauma-Informed Practices

Bilingual in Official Languages

Education

Degree in Health or Social Sciences

Current First Aid/CPR Certification

Tools

Computer Literacy

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 provides individuals experiencing a crisis with immediate, community-based support outside of emergency hospital services, offering 24/7 mental health and addictions support. As a team member, you will assess and mitigate immediate crises, collaborating on strategies and resources to improve clients' physical and mental health and prevent future crises.

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

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

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

1. Starting salary: $27.14/hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with potential increase based on regulation ($30.01 for regulated professionals). Candidates registered with a professional college (e.g., OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the regulation differential. External applicants start at Level 1, with progression up to Level 8 ($34.41 non-regulated, $37.26 regulated). Internal applicants' placement follows the Collective Agreement.
2. Work hours: 70 hours biweekly, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
3. Benefits: 9% in lieu of benefits.
4. Pension plan: Immediate enrollment in HOOPP.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

1. Conduct bio-psychosocial assessments based on crisis management theories, including risk assessment and referral.
2. Establish therapeutic relationships to maximize engagement.
3. Assess available resources/supports and make appropriate referrals.
4. Identify relapse risk factors and safety concerns.
5. Evaluate barriers to community living.
6. Provide short-term psychotherapeutic interventions.
7. Respond calmly and efficiently in emergencies, respecting client privacy and dignity.
8. Apply harm reduction principles.
9. Advocate for clients to access necessary services.
10. Refer clients for further assessments as needed.
11. Assist clients in identifying and connecting with supports.
12. Offer short-term follow-up support.
13. Possess knowledge of community resources, including mental health, addiction services, and entitlement programs.
14. Support clients in resource acquisition and advocacy.
15. Build positive relationships across service systems.
16. Provide face-to-face support and information about mental health and addiction services.
17. Help clients develop health management strategies.
18. Collaborate with clients and teams for holistic care planning.
19. Interact supportively, respecting diversity.

Reach Out responsibilities:

1. Provide crisis intervention via phone, text, and web chat.
2. Respond to voicemails on the Reach Out line.
3. Build therapeutic relationships with callers to address their concerns.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:

Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

Completed within last six months. London residents should apply promptly, as processing takes about 2 weeks, and employment offers depend on receipt.

Qualifications:

• Degree/diploma in health or social sciences, or working towards one. Proof required during hiring.
• Valid driver’s license and access to vehicle with insurance for client transport.
• 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.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices.
• Understanding of therapeutic approaches (e.g., Crisis Intervention, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, CBT).
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Computer literacy.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Bilingual in both official languages preferred.

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

Application deadline: May 18, 2025.

We encourage applications from all community members. For accommodations during recruitment, contact [e-mail].