MHSU Access & Crisis Response Counsellor

Vancouver Island Health Authority; New Brunswick; On-site; CAD 58,231 - 72,751; Part time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Canada is seeking an MHSU Access & Crisis Response Counsellor to join their team. The role involves providing immediate support and assessment for individuals facing mental health crises and addiction challenges. Responsibilities include working with a multidisciplinary team, conducting risk assessments, and promoting harm reduction strategies. Candidates must possess a relevant degree, have experience in crisis intervention, and hold a valid BC Driver's License. This position operates in a casual capacity with pay rates ranging from $42.27 to $52.81 per hour.

Qualifications

• 2 years' recent experience in crisis intervention and risk assessment.
• Valid BC Drivers License.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act and Child Protection legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide triage and immediate support in crisis situations.
• Conduct assessments and deliver harm reduction services.
• Liaise with community agencies for client resource exploration.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Mental illness treatment

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Client assessment skills

Education

Baccalaureate Degree in health related discipline

Post-basic education related to mental illness and/or addiction

Tools

Personal computer

Job description

MHSU Access & Crisis Response Counsellor - (224700)

Western Communities MHSU Services (VADR) - Victoria, BC V9C 0S2 CA (Primary)

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Shift Start Time/End Time

As required: 0830-1630

Days Off

As required

Vacancy Type

Casual

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$42.27 - $52.81

Paid FTE

N/A

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

N/A

Planned Start Date

Feb. 2 2026

Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)

Pending Return of Incumbent

No

CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check)

Yes

Job Description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority, patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at VIHA; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Under the direction of the Clinical Coordinator or designate, works within the organization’s framework and standards and a rehabilitation/recovery harm reduction focused model. The MHSU Access & Crisis Response Counsellor works as a member of a multidisciplinary team and with other community agencies to provide triage, immediate support, assessment, urgent clinical response, harm reduction, short term psychotherapeutic/stabilization services, exploration of community resources and client needs, liaison and coordination with other community services. Participation in planning priorities for service to adults with mental health and addictions problems is required.

Travel may be a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of VIHA in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle and valid BC Drivers' License.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training And Experience

Baccalaureate Degree in a health related discipline from an approved post‑secondary institution.

Recognized post‑basic education related to mental illness and/or alcohol and drug addiction; two (2) years' recent related experience in areas requiring frequent crisis intervention and risk assessment, such as policing, crisis counseling, paramedic or other similar work environment; understanding of mental health and alcohol and drug addiction issues; psychiatric and suicide/homicide risk assessments, psychiatric and addictions treatment methodologies, crisis intervention and response techniques and strategies, the change process, and community dynamics; knowledge of available programs and services, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community; knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Mental Health Act, Child Protection legislation, and the Adult Guardianship Act; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Valid BC Drivers License.

Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated competence in the treatment of addiction and mental illness congruent with VIHA's framework and standards within rehabilitation/recovery, harm reduction focused model.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and clinical skills, including crisis intervention, stabilization, de‑escalation and brief psychotherapy.
• Demonstrated organizational, problem‑solving and teaching skills.
• Demonstrated judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work professionally and effectively with very difficult/at-risk clients.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and to proactively manage and resolve conflict.
• Ability to promote positive change and independence.
• Ability to prioritize and organize workload.
• Ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to foster good public relations.
• Ability to operate a personal computer with a variety of windows‑based software and other office equipment.

This posting is for the Single Session Walk in Service at the Western Communities MHSU HUB. The primary responsibility is to provide Brief Solution Focused counselling for same day appointments. Assessment and referral to specialized services is also part of this role.