Crisis Counsellor

City of Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal organization in Ottawa is seeking a Crisis Counsellor to provide crisis intervention and post-trauma counselling to victims of crime. This role ensures collaboration with community partners to deliver optimal services. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and experience in crisis support. The position requires a flexible schedule including shift work.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in crisis intervention with victims of crime.
• Experience in clinical assessments and knowledge of community resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct crisis intervention and counselling to victims.
• Work in partnership with community organizations to deliver services.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Post-trauma counselling

Assessment and triaging

Community resource knowledge

Education

Master's degree in counselling, psychology, or social work

Job description

Job Information

Competition Number: 17852

Posting Details: This posting is for various casual positions. All civilian competitions include the possibility of extension and/or additional temporary or permanent positions.

Application Deadline: 2359hrs on 10/06/2025.

Salary Information: $110,577.74 – $130,221.00 annually (2025 rates of pay).

Competition Component Date: November 2025.

Job Code: 10005257

Department: Ottawa Police Service
Directorate: Investigations
Section: Victim Support
Pay Group: Nine (9)
Work Location: Central - 19 Fairmont
Supervisor Title: Manager Victim Crisis
Effective Date: March 21, 2024

Overall Purpose

Under the direction of the Manager, Victim Crisis, the Crisis Counsellor will be responsible for providing crisis intervention, post‑trauma counselling, assessment and referral to victims and survivors of crime, tragic circumstances and critical incidents. The role liaises between the Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Victim Service, and other partners in the justice system and the community to ensure optimal provision of services.

Major Responsibilities

• Provide direct crisis intervention and post‑trauma counselling to victims/survivors of crime, tragic circumstances, critical incidents and disasters.
• Work in partnership with Ottawa Victim Services, Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army, City of Ottawa and other community service providers to deliver direct services to victims and survivors.
• Assess and triage all assigned cases for high‑risk lethality; identify level of risk, impact and resource availability.
• Refer high‑risk partner assault cases to the Partner Assault Support Team and liaise with PAST team agencies when mandated.
• Refer to appropriate community resources, collaborating with Ottawa Victim Services to provide services.
• Collaborate with OPS members to ensure victims/survivors receive the best possible service and maintain Memorandums of Understanding with community partners.
• Provide cultural interpretation to individuals, groups and the community when required.
• Advocate for victims/survivors and assist in the development of services for victims/survivors of crime.
• Provide input to standard operating procedures and protocols; evaluate day‑to‑day operations for improvement.
• Participate in team meetings and clinical supervision; set short‑ and long‑term goals.
• Seek feedback from colleagues, manager and victims/survivors; participate in professional development.
• Provide training and presentations to community members and police service personnel.

Statement of Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in counselling, psychology, social work, or current registration in one of these master’s programs.

Experience

• Three (3) years of experience in crisis intervention and post‑trauma counselling with victims of crime, trauma or critical incidents.
• Experience in clinical assessments and triaging multiple files, including identification, assessment, and management of high‑risk indicators.
• Experience in post‑trauma interventions.
• Experience assessing, triaging and knowledge of a variety of community resources.
• Working knowledge of the Criminal Justice System.
• Experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention.

Language

• English – fluency in oral, reading and writing.

Certifications and Licences

• N/A

In‑service Training

• Occupational Health & Safety
• Respectful Workplace
• Violence in the Workplace
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
• Road to Mental Health Readiness (R2MR)
• Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE)
• Suicide Intervention Training will be provided if required.

Job Knowledge

• Sound understanding of the Organization’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• Professional code of ethics relevant to the College.
• Child Family Services Act.
• Mental Health Act.
• Provincial and Federal Victims Bill of Rights.
• Best practices in crisis intervention and early intervention.
• Social Service Agencies within the City of Ottawa.

Operational Competencies

• Communication (Level 3)
• Teamwork (Level 2)
• Adaptability (Level 2)
• Service Orientation (Level 2)
• Network & Relationship Building (Level 2)
• Problem Solving (Level 2)
• Leadership (Level 1)

Hours of Work

The incumbent is required to work hours commensurate with a 24/7 shift schedule, including days, afternoons, evenings, nights and statutory holidays.

Effort and Working Conditions

• Work in Victim Crisis Unit involves extensive interaction with operations, investigative services, and community groups.
• Work performed on scene or in an office environment with controlled public access.
• Risk involved in dealing with upset and traumatized individuals.
• Driving to and attending scenes of critical incidents to provide crisis intervention.
• Shift work as designated in the “Hours of Work” section.

Desired Qualifications

• Fluency in French or other languages.
• Suicide Intervention Training.
• Disaster Mental Health Training.
• Advanced Level Post Trauma Interventions Training.

Additional Competition Information

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected to continue in the selection process will be contacted.

Once the closing date has passed, the job poster will no longer be available.

The Ottawa Police Service promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion. We provide accommodation during all parts of the hiring process as required. Applicants must make their needs known if contacted to proceed to the selection process. Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request.

Questions can be directed to [e-mail].