Crisis Counsellor

Ottawa Police Service; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal police service in Ottawa seeks a Crisis Counsellor to provide crisis intervention and post trauma support for victims of crime. This role requires collaboration with community services and a master's degree in a related field. The position involves assessing high-risk cases and ensuring optimal service provision for victims. Competence in both English and cultural sensitivity is crucial.

Qualifications

• Direct experience in crisis intervention and post trauma counselling.
• Experience working with victims/survivors of violence.
• Knowledge of community resources and the Criminal Justice System.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct crisis intervention and counselling to victims.
• Work in partnership with community service providers.
• Assess and prioritize cases for high-risk lethality.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Post trauma counselling

Cultural sensitivity

Communication skills

Education

Masters in counselling, Psychology, Social Work or related

Job description

Competition Number: 17852

Applications will be accepted until 23:59 hrs on 25/11/2025.

Posting Details

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

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

It is expected that the competition components will be held during the month of November 2025.

All applications must be received on time and through the online application system. Applicants are required to upload their cover letter and resume in addition to the candidate profile. The cover letter should clearly outline your qualifications for this position.

More information about our hiring process can be found on the website under the Hiring Process menu.

Job Information

Directorate: Investigations

Section: Victim Support

Pay Group: Nine (9)

Job Code: 10005257

Work Location: Central - 19 Fairmont

Supervisor's 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 liaising between the 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 and the City of Ottawa and other community service providers to provide these direct services to victims and survivors of crime and trauma.
• Assess and triage all assigned cases for high‑risk lethality.
• Focus on identifying the level of risk, impact of the event and availability of resources to individuals, groups and community.
• Ensure that all high‑risk partner assault cases are referred to the Partner Assault Support Team for review as well as liaise with PAST team agencies when mandated to do so.
• Refer to appropriate community resources including working collaboratively with Ottawa Victim Services to provide services.
• Work in conjunction with sworn members to ensure that victims/survivors are provided the best possible service.
• Work in conjunction with community partners respecting all existing Memorandums of Understanding.
• Ensure that cultural interpretation is provided to individual, groups and community when required.
• Advocate for victims/survivors.
• Assist in the development of services for victims/survivors of crime including liaising with other partners within the OPS, criminal justice system and the community to enhance and develop services for victims/clients.
• Provide input on standard operating procedures and protocols as requested.
• Participate in the evaluation of day‑to‑day operations to ensure ongoing improvements to function and services.
• Participate in team meetings.
• Actively participate in Clinical Supervision and creation of annual short and long term goals.
• Actively seek feedback from colleagues, manager and victims/survivors regarding the provision of services and participate in ongoing professional development activities.
• Provide training and presentations to members of the community and to members of the police service.

Statement Of Required Qualifications

Education

• Masters in counselling, Psychology, Social Work or Demonstrated current registration in one of these Masters programs.

Experience

• Direct experience in crisis intervention and post trauma counselling with victims of crime, trauma, critical incidents.
• Experience working with victims/survivors of violence against persons.
• Experience in clinical assessments and triaging multiple files including knowledge of identifying, assessing and managing high‑risk indicators.
• Experience in Post Trauma Interventions.
• Experience in assessment, triage and knowledge of a variety of community resources.
• Working knowledge of 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

The following mandatory training and education is provided to all employees of the OPS:

• 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

A sound understanding the Organization’s Mission, Vision and Values.

Working Knowledge Of

• Professional code of ethics relevant to 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 City of Ottawa.

The nature of work necessitates continuous awareness of developments in the social services field.

Understanding and sensitivity to community diversity and related issues.

OPS Competencies

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

Hours of Work

The incumbent is required to work hours commensurate with a 24/7 shift schedule in order to meet operational requirements of the section, between days, afternoons, evenings and/or nights (including Statutory Holidays).

Effort and Working Conditions

• Work within the Victim Crisis Unit is challenging and requires extensive interaction with operations, investigative services, and community groups.
• Work is generally performed on scene or in an office environment with controlled public access.
• Some risk is involved in often dealing with upset and traumatized individuals.
• Work requires driving to and attending scenes of critical incidents to provide crisis intervention to victims.
• The incumbent must be able to work shifts as designated in the “Hours of Work” section of the job description.

Desired Qualifications

• Oral, reading, and writing 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.

Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it 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 need to make their needs known if contacted to proceed to the selection process. Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request.

Additional information about our hiring process can be found on the recruiting website.

Please direct any questions to [e-mail].