Help Line Crisis Worker - Temporary Full Time Contract

Beendigen; Thunder Bay; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Beendigen is seeking a Helpline Crisis Worker on a temporary full-time contract to deliver 24/7 bilingual crisis support for Anishinabe women facing violence in Ontario.

The role involves using a holistic framework, safety planning, and referrals in Ojibway, Oji‑Cree, Cree or other Indigenous languages. You will maintain call records, work shifts Mon-Fri, and participate in mandatory trainings.

Qualifications

• An acceptable Bachelor’s Degree or College Diploma with relevant experience.
• Comparable combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience working in an Indigenous organization.
• Ability to speak Ojibway, Oji‑Cree or Cree.

Responsibilities

• To work from a holistic perspective, utilizing the teachings of the medicine wheel and Seven Grandfather Teachings.
• To provide information and referrals to Anishinabe women to assess their situation, particularly with reference to their safety.
• To provide services described in Ojibway, Oji‑Cree, Cree or other Indigenous languages individually or through agency approved translation service provider.
• To maintain records of all calls according to the format and guidelines set out by the Anishinabe Women’s Helpline.
• To operate in an unbiased, woman‑positive, and non‑judgmental manner, consistent with the philosophy of the service.
• To be prepared to work in conjunction with the philosophy and mandate of the Organization.

Skills

Counselling

Crisis intervention

Communication

Cultural sensitivity

Family violence

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or College Diploma

Job description

Position Title: Helpline Crisis Worker (Temporary Full Time Contract)

Hours of work: 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday (rotating shifts)

Salary: $23.41/hr

Contract End Date: April 30, 2027

Position Summary

The Helpline Crisis Worker is responsible to deliver the help line service, in multiple Indigenous languages, English or French, addressing the needs of Anishnabe women, who experienced violence, in Ontario within an Anishinabe Health and Wellness Framework.

Key Responsibilities/Duties

To work from a holistic perspective, utilizing the teachings of the medicine wheel and Seven Grandfather Teachings.

To take personal responsibility to increase sensitivity, awareness and implementation of Beendigen’s cultural teachings and organizational practices in both professional conduct and work‑related deliverables.

To provide emotional and crisis support/intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to Anishinabe women to assess their situation, particularly with reference to their safety.

To provide services described in Ojibway, Oji‑Cree, Cree or other Indigenous languages individually or through agency approved translation service provider.

To provide information and assistance in naming appropriate strategies.

To provide information and referral to appropriate community resources.

To provide reliable and accurate information and services referral to Anishinabe women fleeing violent relationships.

To provide information, support and assistance to friends, families, neighbours of vulnerable Anishinabe women, service providers and other professionals in contact with vulnerable women.

To maintain records of all calls according to the format and guidelines set out by the Help Line.

To operate in an unbiased, woman‑positive, and non‑judgmental manner, consistent with the philosophy of the service.

To keep up to date with necessary information in order to accurately assess a caller’s situation and to determine appropriate community resources.

To keep up to date with professional development in order to understand the continuing emergence of new issues and acquire more in‑depth information in the whole field of violence against women.

To attend all mandatory training within the Help Line’s internal training series as per agency policy.

To access necessary services on behalf of callers in cases of emergency and/or situation where callers are not able to do so themselves, while respecting confidentiality.

To maintain cleanliness of the Talk4Healing work area and perform light cleaning when the Cleaner is unable to do so.

To maintain records of all calls according to the format and guidelines set out by the Anishinabe Women’s Helpline.

To maintain co‑operative working relationships and participates in the general operation of the agency.

To utilize downtime in an effective manner i.e.; debriefing, grounding, reading relevant materials, and reading agency communication tools.

As required by section 72(1,2, & 3), of the Child and Family Services Act, to report all cases of suspected child abuse, or a child that is need of protection directly to the appropriate child protection agency, following the procedures established by the Anishinabe Women’s Helpline.

To ensure Health and Safety compliance in the workplace by following policies, procedures and best practices and reporting any unsafe environments.

To participate as a team member in achieving the goals and objectives of the Organization.

To follows confidential handling of client information as dictated by Privacy Legislation.

To constructively participate in staff meetings, seminars and training sessions as required.

To adhere to all policies and procedures and ensure adherence to program best practices.

To take personal responsibility to increase sensitivity, awareness and implementation of Beendigen’s cultural teachings and organizational practices in both professional conduct and work‑related deliverables.

To be prepared to work in conjunction with the philosophy and mandate of the Organization.

To preserve confidentiality of all residents, clients, staff, students, volunteers and agency information.

To represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.

To perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor/ On‑call or designate.

Any other duties as requested by the Supervisor; commensurate with role.

The above statements are the general functions of the position, and should not be interpreted as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may pertain to the job.

Key Performance Indicators

That membership of the Staff Team contributes to the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.

Personal responsibility has been taken to increase sensitivity and awareness of the organization’s Anishinabe Health and Wellness Framework.

That programs and services are culturally based and incorporate traditional knowledge and practices of healing and wellness.

Performance and quality measurement in relation to phone etiquette, knowledge and professionalism and adherence to program best practices.

Enhanced skill level through training, learning and development.

Key Selection Criteria

Required

An acceptable Bachelor’s Degree or College Diploma with relevant experience.

Comparable combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred:

Experience working in an Indigenous organization.

Ability to speak Ojibway, Oji‑Cree or Cree.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Specialize in one‑on‑one counselling.

Extensive knowledge and experience in family violence issues.

Ability to view situations free from personal values, interests, beliefs, or judgment.

Ability to handle difficult situations and distance oneself from client’s problems or emotions.

Excellent computer and database entry skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Knowledge about sensitivity to cultural differences and various economic backgrounds.

Ability to act quickly and appropriately in situations of conflict in a direct, non‑confrontational way.

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Working Conditions

Help Line Crisis Workers usually work in a call centre environment, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non‑standard workplaces.

Help Line Crisis Workers work 40 hour work week rotating shifts; Monday to Friday, but additionally may work weekends and overtime hours.

Employment is subject to:

• Must provide a successful Police Vulnerable Sector Check PVSC
• Ability to work overtime, with paid compensation
• Must be able to work shift work
• Must be willing to work flexible hours
• Must sign Oath of Confidentiality
• Must have First Aid CPR & AED Level C Certification
• Must have valid Ontario class G Drivers License
• Must have Ontario Safe Food Handler Certification
• Must have use of a working cellular device and be able to download and use work required applications.

Beendigen Anishinabe Women's Crisis Home and Family Healing Agencywelcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.