Relief Crisis Counsellor

Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses; Midland; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Huronia Transition Homes is seeking a Relief Crisis Counsellor to provide immediate crisis counselling to women who have experienced domestic violence, in person or by telephone. The role applies an intersectional feminist framework and harm reduction to deliver trauma‑informed support and advocacy.

Responsibilities include brief assessments, safety planning, referrals, and collaboration with partners to connect clients with housing, health care, and legal resources.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in a relevant field with 3–5 years of related experience.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR and WHMIS.
• Knowledge of violence against women frameworks and harm reduction.
• Crisis counselling experience and knowledge of community resources.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluent bilingual English/French preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis counselling in person or by telephone.
• Offer emotional support, safety planning, and referrals.
• Complete assessments and intakes.
• Collaborate to empower women and ensure safety.
• Maintain records and participate in program planning.
• Connect women with housing, medical services, and justice resources.
• Promote open communication and a respectful workplace.

Skills

Crisis counselling

Bilingual English/French

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or diploma in social services

BSW/MSW preferred

First Aid/CPR certification

WHMIS certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Records management software

Job description

Huronia Transition Homes is a non‑profit organization working to end violence against women. We operate four primary programs, including La Maison Rosewood Shelter, a woman‑centred organization that provides support to women fleeing violence or experiencing homelessness. We are committed to providing services within an intersectional feminist and harm reduction integrated environment.

Job Summary

The Relief Crisis Counsellor will provide immediate and responsive crisis counselling, both in-person and by telephone, to women who have experienced domestic violence. The role integrates an intersectional feminist framework and harm reduction philosophy to deliver trauma-informed support and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide telephone and in-person crisis counselling in English and/or French.
• Offer emotional support, grounding, safety planning, practical assistance, and referrals.
• Complete assessments and intakes while fostering a safe and supportive environment.
• Work collaboratively to empower women and ensure their safety.

Program Administration

• Maintain accurate records, including shift logs, intakes, and service delivery sheets.
• Support program planning, evaluation, and administrative processes.

Community Liaison & Advocacy

• Connect women with resources such as housing, social assistance, medical services, and justice systems.
• Advocate for and assist women in developing self‑advocacy strategies.
• Actively participate in meetings, training, and agency initiatives.
• Promote a healthy and respectful workplace and open communication.

Qualifications

• Post‑secondary degree/diploma in a relevant field (BSW/MSW preferred) with 3‑5 years of related experience.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR and WHMIS.
• Knowledge of violence against women frameworks, anti‑racist/anti‑oppressive practices, and harm reduction.
• Experience in crisis counselling and a solid understanding of community resources.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; bilingualism (English/French) preferred.

Working Conditions

• Flexible availability, including nights, evenings and weekends.
• A reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and insurance are required.

Core Competencies

• Teamwork, service delivery, judgment, adaptability, communication, and achieving results.
• Commitment to intersectional feminism and harm reduction practices.

In keeping with our commitment to represent all our communities, indigenous women, francophone women, queer‑identified and racialized women are especially encouraged to apply.

Compensation

$28.04 per hour.

AI Disclosure

We do not use artificial intelligence or automated decision‑making tools at any stage of the candidate screening, evaluation, or selection process. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.

Vacancy status: This is an existing position and a current active vacancy.