Counsellor (Relief), 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 leading mental health service in Ontario as a Relief Counsellor for their Crisis Call Diversion Program. This role involves conducting mental health and addiction assessments over the phone and providing crisis intervention, all while collaborating with community services. Successful candidates will have a post-secondary background in social work or psychology and must complete a Police Vulnerable Sector Check.

Benefits

Immediate eligibility for HOOPP pension plan enrollment

Shift flexibility up to 10-hour shifts

Qualifications

• Completion of Police Vulnerable Sector Check required.
• Bilingual in French and English preferred.
• 3-5 years of mental health experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and provide crisis management over the phone.
• Establish therapeutic relationships and coordinate referrals.
• Document client interactions and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Crisis management

Psychosocial support

Cultural sensitivity

De-escalation techniques

Education

Post-secondary education in social work, psychology, or related fields

Job description

Counsellor (Relief), Crisis Call Diversion Program

Apply to be among the first 25 applicants one week ago.

Relief Counsellor, Crisis Call Diversion Program

Direct Service - (OPSEU)

Application Deadline : May 18, 2025

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 police response to a more appropriate mental health response.

Crisis Call Diversion staff support individuals accessing emergency services through LPS by providing a psychosocial response to promote crisis resolution and empowerment. They work collaboratively to assess needs and link individuals to community supports.

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

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING :

• Starting rate : $27.14 / hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential based on regulation ($30.01 / hour for regulated professionals)
• Registered professionals (e.g., social workers, nurses, therapists) will receive the wage differential for regulation.
• External applicants start at Level 1, with progression up to Level 8 ($34.41 / hour non-regulated, $37.26 / hour regulated).
• Internal applicants are placed as per the Collective Agreement.
• Shift flexibility : up to 10-hour shifts, including days, afternoons, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Minimum three shifts / month, up to 44 hours / week.
• Immediate eligibility for HOOPP pension plan enrollment.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE :

Direct Service :

• Conduct mental health and addiction assessments over the phone, focusing on crisis management, risk factors, and de-escalation opportunities.
• Establish therapeutic relationships and provide short-term follow-up and support.
• Coordinate referrals, advocate for clients, and collaborate with emergency services.
• Assess barriers to community living and provide culturally sensitive care.
• Support skill development for self-advocacy and coping strategies.

Crisis Intervention :

• Provide short-term psychotherapeutic interventions within a crisis framework.
• Respond calmly and efficiently, respecting client dignity and privacy.
• Apply harm reduction principles to minimize risk.

Crisis Follow-Up :

• Refer for additional assessments as needed.
• Assist in connecting clients with their supports and provide ongoing follow-up via phone / email.

Coordination and Advocacy :

• Utilize knowledge of community resources and foster partnerships across service systems.
• Participate in committees and public education to promote effective service delivery.
• Act as liaison with caregivers and support providers for coordinated care.

Documentation, Privacy, and Confidentiality :

• Accurately document risk factors and client interactions per standards and legislation.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to privacy policies.
• Prepare legal documents when required and testify in judicial proceedings.

REQUIREMENTS :

Police Vulnerable Sector Check : Must be completed within the last six months. Applicants in London should apply promptly due to processing times (~2 weeks).

• Post-secondary education in social work, psychology, or related fields (proof required).
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• Clear PVSC.
• Ability to attend work regularly.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• 3-5 years mental health experience, including crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of mental illnesses and community resources.
• Bilingual in both official languages (French and English).

Internal applicants must apply with their official CMHA email.

We encourage applications from diverse community members and offer accommodations upon request.