TC037-Crisis and Distress Lines / Lignes d’écoute en cas de crise ou de détresse (active recrui[...]

HSO; Canada; Remote; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

HSO is seeking Technical Committee members to contribute to a new standard for Crisis and Distress Lines in Canada. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders and a commitment to enhancing service quality for individuals in crisis. Ideal candidates will have expertise in crisis intervention and a collaborative mindset.

Benefits

Honorarium for patient partners

Reimbursement for in-person meeting expenses

Qualifications

• Subject matter expertise through professional and/or lived experience.
• Ability to commit to required time investment.
• Experience in a consensus-based team model valued.

Responsibilities

• Work with stakeholders to develop HSO standards.
• Maintain communication and knowledge transfer among TC members.
• Advise HSO staff on standard interpretation.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Mental health support

Trauma-informed care

Collaborative work

Critical thinking

Job description

voir ci-dessous pour la description en français

Open to: All members of the public

Commitment: 2 years, renewable

Availability: approximately 4 meetings per year (time commitment may vary and will involve reviewing orientation materials, relevant literature, identifying gaps and emerging evidence, and preparing standard drafts).

Location: Remote

Working Language: English

Health Standards Organization (HSO) is searching for Technical Committee (TC) members who share our passion for achieving quality health services for all. In Canada and around the world, we are building a bold and bright future for our enterprise and our clients. If you are looking for a challenge and seeking to be part of something larger than yourself, this position could be for you.

Position Summary/Description

HSO is forming a new Crisis and Distress Lines Technical Committee as part of the development of the new National Standard of Canada Crisis and Distress Lines (CAN/HSO 22006:2025).

The standard will focus on national, integrated, and comprehensive services, designed to respond to Canadians in crisis across the continuum of care. It will address governance, leadership including client rights and ethical decision-making, workforce competency, training, safety and well-being, volunteers, establishing and maintaining a program, service delivery, continuous quality improvement, safety, technology and interoperability, equitable access for all including marginalized populations, and leading practices in helpline crisis intervention. The standard will also cover organizational roles, planning, performance, risk management, equity-informed and people-centered care, and continuous quality improvement. It will include measurable, outcome-based requirements to enhance the quality and safety of crisis line services.

HSO seeks applicants with expertise in crisis intervention, mental health support services, and trauma-informed care. Candidates who understand the challenges and opportunities for quality improvement in national helpline implementation and the evolving crisis care landscape will stand out.

In your role as a TC member, you will:

• Work with key stakeholders and experts from Canada and internationally in revising or developing HSO standards under the TC's purview.
• Bring the perspective of your professional or lived experience (e.g., patient, health provider, policymaker, researcher, health administrator).
• Advise and reach consensus on topics for inclusion and content of the standards through meetings.
• Maintain effective communication and knowledge transfer among TC members and HSO staff.
• Provide guidance to HSO staff on standard interpretation and related inquiries.
• Promote the adoption of standards once published.

Desired experiences and skills

• Subject matter expertise through professional and/or lived experience.
• Identify with one of these four interest holder categories: people with lived experiences, product users, policymakers, or general interest holders.
• Experience working collaboratively with diplomacy, tact, and respect.
• Ability to commit to the required time investment.
• Ability to work and collaborate in English, the working language of the TC.

You’ll stand out if you...

• Have previous experience working in a consensus-based team model.
• Have experience developing standards or policy documents.
• Value professional integrity, credibility, and continuous improvement.
• Possess strong critical thinking, judgment, and management skills.
• Approach situations with positivity, innovation, and credibility.

Financial Assistance

All positions on the TC are voluntary. An honorarium is provided to all patient partners participating in HSO Technical Committees. HSO also reimburses expenses related to attending in-person meetings in Ottawa. Additional information on membership, including honorariums, will be provided if selected.

Once you’ve applied:

• You will receive an immediate confirmation email after submitting your application.
• Only retained candidates will be contacted for a follow-up interview.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including First Nations, Inuit, Métis, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Accommodations are available upon request during the selection process.