Counsellor (Float), Crisis Centre

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

Job summary

A community-focused mental health organization in London, Ontario is seeking a Counsellor to provide psychosocial support in crisis situations. You will conduct assessments, establish therapeutic relationships, and assist individuals in accessing relevant community resources. The role requires strong crisis intervention skills and a commitment to mental health service delivery. Competitive pay and benefits are offered, with a flexible working schedule. Candidates must hold a relevant post-secondary degree and have a current Police Vulnerable Sector Check.

Benefits

9% in lieu of benefits

Optional enrollment in the pension plan

Competitive hourly wage starting at $27.14

Qualifications

• Must have a current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).
• 3-5 years of experience working in mental health preferred.
• Experience in crisis intervention and community-based settings is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychosocial responses for crisis resolution.
• Conduct mental health assessments based on crisis management.
• Establish therapeutic relationships and referrals to support services.

Skills

Mental health assessment

Crisis intervention

Therapeutic communication

Bilingual (English-French)

Education

Post-secondary education in social work or psychology

Job description

Counsellor (Float), Crisis Centre

Direct Service - (OPSEU)

Full‑Time, Contract (Ending: August 30, 2027)

London, Ontario (London Zone)

Application Deadline: December 22, 2025

Crisis Center Staff will support individuals accessing services by providing a psychosocial response in order to promote crisis resolution and empowerment for the individual. The Crisis Center Staff will also work collaboratively with individuals to assess and identify their needs and link them to appropriate supports in the community. Depending on the program, supports may be provided in‑person, via telephone or virtually; Crisis Services programs support individuals on a walk‑in basis at the Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre; in the community, via mobile response; via phone, text and web chat, and through intensive, short‑term stabilization supports.

Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) required within the last six months. If you need a PVSC, apply for one as soon as possible.

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

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• What you'll be making - 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):
  • Registered with one of the designated professional colleges will receive the wage differential for regulation.
  • External applicants start at Level 1, with grid progression up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non‑regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated).
  • Internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement.
• When you'll work - 70 hours bi‑weekly; Monday‑Friday 10am‑5pm
• What your benefits will be - 9% in lieu of benefits
• Your pension plan – Immediately eligible for optional enrollment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

• Direct Service:
  • Complete mental health and addiction assessments based on theory of crisis management 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 the benefits of engagement with the individual.
  • Provide short‑term follow‑up support to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer‑term support service as needed.
  • Coordinate and facilitate referrals to internal and external services and supports.
  • Advocate as necessary in order to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating immediate crisis situation.
  • Engage emergency services when it is determined that additional intervention is required.
  • Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g., treatment options, transportation, finances, etc.).
  • Obtain information, as needed, from other relevant sources.
  • Interact and provide support and assessment in a nonjudgmental fashion and provide care that demonstrates sensitivity to individual diversity (e.g., culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs and values).
  • Support the individual in developing skills for self‑advocacy to learn new behaviours and develop coping skills fostering healthy interdependence through limit setting.
  • Provide health teaching and information regarding coping techniques and strategies, e.g. grounding, breathing techniques, self‑care, nutrition, sleep hygiene, techniques to enhance overall well‑being.
• 24/7 Reach Out Addiction and Mental Health Crisis Line responsibilities:
  • All Crisis Services staff are to provide support to individuals through Reach Out via phone, text and web chat.
  • Respond to voicemails from Reach Out.
  • Establish a therapeutic relationship with individuals accessing Reach Out, and work with individuals to address their immediate concern.
• Crisis Intervention:
  • Provide short‑term, psychotherapeutic intervention to assist individuals in gaining insight and improving coping skills within the framework of the crisis model.
  • Perform in a calm, competent and efficient manner in an emergency situation acknowledging the individuals need for privacy and dignity.
  • Utilize harm reduction principles to identify, reduce and remove risk factors.
• Crisis Follow‑up:
  • Refer individuals for additional assessments as is determined to be necessary and/or appropriate.
  • Assist the individual to identify and connect with personal/natural support.
  • Provide follow‑up support and/or check‑ins to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer‑term support service as appropriate.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:

• Police Vulnerable Sector Check
• Minimum qualifications:
  • Post‑secondary education in a relevant field of study e.g. social work, psychology, or a related discipline (primary proof of credentials will be required).
  • Valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle with adequate insurance to carry out job duties.
  • Current, clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).
  • Ability to attend work regularly.
• Preferred qualifications:
  • Minimum of 3‑5 years’ experience working in mental health.
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in mental health crisis intervention.
  • Experience with mild, moderate & serious mental illnesses, usually gained by several years of working with this population.
  • Experience working in a community‑based setting; preferably with an established network of service & support resources.
  • Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST.
  • First‑Aid, CPR & WHMIS.
  • Bilingual both official languages preferred (French‑English).
• Internal applicants should apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

Get your application in by – December 22, 2025.

We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail].

Legal Notifications:

• For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services.
• Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes.