JOB POSTING

Job Title: Crisis Response Worker- Nights

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time

Department: Crisis

Division: Crisis Services

Location(s): Oakville - hybrid – combination of on site and remote work

Hours: 12 hour shifts (8pm-8am), rotational

Target Salary Range: $58,000 - $64, 000.00

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About Us

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Region (CMHA Halton) is a leading provider of adult and youth mental health services in the Region of Halton. We are driven by our cause to provide responsive mental health for everyone through equitable services targeted for people living with mental health and/or substance use concerns.

Why Work for CMHA- Halton

CMHA Halton offers a supportive team environment, flexible work environment, training opportunities, competitive vacation package and comprehensive benefits/pension package. We have an enthusiastic team who are dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health concerns within a client-focused environment. Individuals seeking new challenges and opportunities for professional growth are encouraged to apply.

CHMA Halton strives to build an inclusive culture with a staff group that represents the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We are committed to reducing systemic barriers to employment and our services that have traditionally impacted members from the following groups, Black, Indigenous People, and other racially visible persons, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and persons with disabilities. If you are a member of one of these equity-seeking groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your cover letter or your resume. Please also feel free to identify your preferred pronouns when applying.

Role Overview:

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Region Branch (CMHA-Halton) is seeking a Crisis Response Worker that will work on our night shift (8pm to 8am Monday to Sunday ). The Crisis Response Worker will respond to needs of individuals calling into our crisis line (988 or COAST).

The successful candidate will:

• Provide intensive short-term support, crisis intervention, and service coordination to clients
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of social service resources within the Halton Region and ability to make referrals, guide and advocate on behalf of clients
• Utilize a harm-reduction model as an option when working with clients affected by addiction
• Commit to the use of the recovery model while providing client service
• Incorporate equity, diversity and inclusion practices and principles in the delivery of client-centered care

Location/Scope:

The Crisis Response Worker will work a combination of remote and out of our Oakville location to provide support to our 988 and COAST crisis phone lines and may provide back-up support to the Safe Beds teams as needed.

What You’ll be Doing:

988 National Crisis and Suicide Line:

988 will be Canada’s official three-digit national helpline for suicide prevention and emotional distress. This service will be available 24/7/365.

• Answer 988 lines to assess for suicide, safety, and identify resources to refer caller to the appropriate community resources to address the client’s behavioral health and social needs as required.
• Conduct follow-up calls on individuals as part of the safety plan process.
• Utilize 988 software to accurately document all client interactions.
• Identify best outcomes, including the coordination of wellness checks and/or the dispatch of mobile crisis response teams.

COAST Crisis Line:

• Provide COAST crisis line telephone support including referrals and interventions to prevent further crisis.
• Utilize evidence-based methods and best practices to: manage client crisis, develop strategies to assist clients to prevent further crisis, provide monitoring and support as they work through their crisis and recovery plans, and establish personal goals that move clients towards recovery.
• Provide support to client families and friends as appropriate
• Work collaboratively with in-house programs, 988 team, Halton Regional Police Services, local hospital ED’s and Psychiatric Departments, and community agencies.
• Comply with Crisis Response Service Standards

Safe Beds:

• Coordinate services, advocate on behalf of, and develop plans to support the recovery and stabilization of clients.
• Ensure clients’ receive support to de-escalate and stabilize their crisis through a psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery-focused, harm-reduction approach.
• Ensure clients are connected with services and supports to enable stable community living that addresses their health and well-being over the longer term.

Other:

• Maintain a non-judgmental attitude when interacting with contacts, displaying sensitivity to all cultural backgrounds.
• Complete all required documentation related to the support of clients
• Work collaboratively with community partners in a multidisciplinary approach.

Qualifications & Skills Needed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social work, Clinical Psychology, Nursing or a relevant field required.
• Regulated health professional (Registered Social worker or Registered Nurse) or equivalent preferred.
• At least three (3) years’ experience working with individuals with mental health and addictions issues, especially those with complex needs (e.g., concurrent disorders, dual diagnosis).
• Crisis intervention and management experience (i.e., assisting clients in crisis face-to-face and over the phone).
• Strong de-escalation and conflict resolution skills.
• Highly skilled at conducting assessments, and ensuring appropriate risk management
• A demonstrated ability to work with issues related to substance use and concurrent disorders within a harm reduction framework.
• Cultural competence and a demonstrated ability to adapt interventions to ensure equity, access, and accommodation.
• Knowledge and commitment to the values of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery-oriented practices.
• Good working knowledge of relevant mental health legislation including the Mental Health Act.
• Skilled at trauma-informed practice and implementation.
• Proven expertise in psychiatric symptomology and psychiatric medication as well as suicide assessment and intervention.
• A broad understanding of all factors that impact an individual’s mental health and well-being, including the social determinants of health, trauma, poverty and homelessness.
• Familiarity with mental health and addictions/justice/community-based support services in the Halton Region.
• Possesses a high degree of empathy, understanding, patience, flexibility, initiative, creativity, openness to change and excellent rapport-building skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• High level of accountability, is reliable and takes initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Non-violent crisis intervention, first aid, CPR and ASIST certifications are an asset
• Working knowledge of EMHware database of similar Client Information System (CIS) would be beneficial.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel
• Ability to speak a second language would be considered an asset
• Prior housing experience would be considered an asset