Job Title: Crisis Response Worker

Job Type: Full-Time Permanent Position- Night

Department: Crisis Services

Division: 988 Suicide Crisis Line

Location(s): Oakville

**Hours: 37.5 hours per week (**Tuesday-Friday – 8pm-6am)

Target Salary Range: $64- $66k

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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 nights 4, 10 hour shifts Tuesday-Friday each week (8PM-6AM). The Crisis Response Worker will respond to needs of individuals calling into the 988 Suicide Crisis line and will have hybrid work location options with a variety of work from home and onsite shifts. When on site will work out of our Safe Beds site.

The successful candidate will:

• Provide intensive short-term support, crisis intervention, and service coordination to clients
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of social service resources
• 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

What You’ll be Doing:

1) 988 National Crisis and Suicide Line: 988 is Canada’s official three-digit national helpline for suicide prevention and emotional distress. This service is available 24/7/365. In this role you will:

• 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.

2)Safe Beds: Our Safe Beds program offers short term housing to individuals with mental illness who are experiencing a crisis and who are unable to remain in their current living situation. You will provide back-up support only in urgent situations to support the following:

• Support the dedicated Safe Beds night staff to de-escalate and stabilize a client if required
• Provide coverage if needed for break periods for Safe Beds dedicated night staff

**3)**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

4) 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 relevant discipline. (i.e. Social Work, Psychology)
• Regulated health professional 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).
• Must have crisis intervention 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.
• Understanding of psychiatric symptomology and psychiatric medication would be an asset
• Skilled at 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.
• 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, Mental Health First Aid, CPR and ASIST certifications are an asset or must be taken within first six months of employment with us
• 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

CMHA Halton will support any accommodations that may be required for you to actively participate in the recruitment process. Please email careers@cmhahrb.ca if you wish to review this job posting in an alternative format or if you would like to request an accommodation. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in CMHA-Halton.