Counsellor, Crisis Call Diversion Program

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction & Mental Health Services; London; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to mental health support through the Crisis Call Diversion Program. As a Relief Counsellor, you will play a vital role in providing immediate psychosocial responses to individuals in crisis, helping to empower them and connect them with necessary resources. This role offers a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with emergency services, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate care and support they need. With a competitive hourly rate and flexible shift options, this position is perfect for those passionate about making a difference in their community.

Benefits

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Flexible shift scheduling

Wage differential for regulated professionals

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in social work or psychology required.
• 3-5 years of mental health experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and support for individuals in distress.
• Coordinate referrals to community services and supports.
• Document client information and risk factors accurately.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

Mental Health Assessment

Advocacy

Risk Assessment

Therapeutic Relationship Building

Education

Post-secondary education in social work

Psychology degree

Job description

Relief Counsellor, Crisis Call Diversion Program

Direct Service - (OPSEU)

Relief
London; Ontario (London Zone)

The Crisis Call Diversion (CCD) program is a partnership with the London Police Service (LPS). Staff are positioned at the London Police Service Communications Centre to work with call takers and dispatchers to divert non-imminent risk mental health calls away from a police response and towards a more appropriate mental health response.

Crisis Call Diversion staff will support individuals accessing emergency services through the London Police Services (LPS) by providing a psychosocial response in order to promote crisis resolution and empowerment for the individual. Crisis Call Diversion staff will also work collaboratively with individuals to assess and identify their needs and link them to appropriate supports in the community.

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 who are registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g., OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation.
• Successful 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 per hour for regulated).
• For internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement.
• Shift length varies, up to and including 10-hour shifts; this is a 24-hour program with relief shifts including days, afternoons, overnights, weekends, and statutory holidays. Relief staff can accept shifts that suit their schedules up to a maximum of 44 hours per week, with a minimum commitment of three shifts per month.
• Immediate eligibility for optional enrollment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

Direct Service:

• Complete phone mental health and addiction assessments based on crisis management theory, including rapid response to identify:
• The impact of psychiatric symptoms on functioning
• Risk factors related to safety of client and others
• Opportunities for de-escalation and stabilization
• Establish a therapeutic relationship to maximize engagement benefits.
• Provide short-term follow-up and support.
• Coordinate and facilitate referrals to internal and external services and supports.
• Advocate as necessary to facilitate access to services and supports to remediate the immediate crisis.
• Engage and collaborate with emergency services when additional intervention is required.
• Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g., treatment options, transportation, finances).
• Obtain necessary information from relevant sources.
• Interact and support in a non-judgmental manner, demonstrating sensitivity to diversity (culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs, values).
• Support skill development for self-advocacy, healthy behaviors, and coping skills.
• Provide health education on coping techniques and strategies (grounding, breathing, self-care, nutrition, sleep hygiene).

Crisis Intervention:

• Provide short-term psychotherapeutic intervention within crisis framework.
• Respond calmly and competently, respecting individual privacy and dignity.
• Utilize harm reduction principles to identify and reduce risk factors.

Crisis Follow-Up:

• Refer for additional assessments if necessary.
• Help individuals identify and connect with natural supports.
• Provide follow-up via phone/email to offer resources and support safety planning.

Coordination and Advocacy:

• Understand community resources within mental health and addiction systems.
• Build positive relationships across service systems, including CMHA, emergency services, and other providers.
• Participate in committees and working groups to promote service coordination.
• Engage in public education and advocacy, including demonstrations.
• Act as liaison with caregivers and support providers to facilitate coordinated services.

Documentation, Privacy, and Confidentiality:

• Accurately document risk factors and client information per standards and legislation.
• Complete required documentation timely, including time sheets, requests, claims, etc.
• Maintain records in accordance with policies and privacy legislation.
• Prepare affidavits or statements when required by police or courts.
• Testify professionally and accurately in legal proceedings when needed.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:

Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

Successful candidates must have a recent Police Vulnerable Sector Check. Applicants in London are encouraged to apply early due to processing times (~2 weeks). Employment offers are contingent upon receipt of this check.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in social work, psychology, or related field (original credentials required).
• Valid driver’s license and access to insured vehicle.
• Current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).
• Ability to attend work regularly.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3-5 years mental health experience, including 2+ years crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of mental illnesses.
• Experience in community settings with established support networks.
• Risk assessment skills.
• Bilingual in both official languages preferred.

Internal Applicants:

Apply using your @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

Application Deadline: May 18, 2025

We value diversity and encourage applications from all community members. For accommodations, contact [e-mail].

Powered by JazzHR