Crisis Intervention Counsellor

Victim Services of York Region (VSY) is a non-profit charitable agency that works in partnership with York Regional Police and the OPP (Aurora Detachment) to provide emotional support and practical assistance seven days a week to persons victimized by crime or tragic circumstance. Victim Services of York Region is seeking a Crisis Intervention Counsellor to assist persons victimized by crime and tragic circumstance

The successful applicant will be required to work 35 hours per week, in person, on a shortened week (35 hours in four days) on a varying shift schedule:

Counsellors are organized into two teams with shifts that rotate every two weeks between 7:00am to 5:00pm or 11:00am-9:00pm during the week. These shifts are inclusive of an unpaid one hour and fifteen minute break.

The successful applicant will work a mandatory weekend shift 8:00am to 6:00pm (with alternate days off) in rotation with other staff. These shifts are inclusive of an unpaid one hour and fifteen minute break.

The successful applicant has a mandatory requirement to act as an on call backup on overnights for a week at a time on a rotating basis shared with other staff.

Responsibilities:

Office Administration:

· Deliver VSY services in York Region in accordance with VSY’s mandate, procedures and guidelines

· Works cooperatively in a team environment with the VSY Board of Directors, Executive Director, Staff, Police and Fire Services, Volunteers and Community Representatives.

· Maintain strict client confidentiality, as per the policy and procedure guidelines, including issues or concerns with: Victims/ Witnesses, Volunteers, Board and Staff, or Community Partners

· Maintain, document and keep statistical data on client records

· In consultation with the Team Leader, Program Manager, and the Executive Director, ensure current service delivery of VSY based on local needs and/or resources is being met

· Foster and maintain open communication with Team Leaders, Program Manager, and the Executive Director concerning all operations and risk management issues related to the VSY organization

Client Service Delivery:

· Provide immediate, trauma informed, responses to victims of crime and/or tragic circumstance to stabilize their experience, provide practical assistance, and make relevant referrals and connections to long term supports available in the community

· Responsible for timely telephone follow up support for occurrences attended in person by VSY staff, client self referrals, and referrals from police services to assist with safety planning and accessing resources

· Responsible, as a second tier of contact (when on-call), for managing calls that need attention after office hours to assess client needs, dispatch volunteers, and/or attend an on-scene as needed.

· Responsible for volunteer direct service needs while on shift, including debriefs

· Assess clients for suitability for holiday sponsorship programs

Training & Outreach:

• Liaise with local programs, York Regional Police, Aurora OPP Detachment, and other social service agencies to promote the VSY program, exchange information, and establish and maintain cooperative relationships
• Educate Police Officers and other emergency personnel in the applicability of, and appropriate use of the VSY program
• Participate in the debriefing of affected members in the community following a mass traumatic event
• Participate in training opportunities with partner agencies as both a participant and a presenter

Qualifications:

· The successful candidate will possess an undergraduate degree in Social Work (BSW) at a minimum; a Master of Social Work (MSW) preferred

· The candidate will have experience in dealing with persons victimized by crime such as; domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, traffic and fire fatalities, suicide, sudden death, and homicide

· Sound, trauma informed knowledge of crisis intervention and victim issues

· Experience with writing client report notes, knowledge of services and remedies available to clients

· Strong organizational skills, excellent communication, and personal initiative

· Experienced with WORD, EXCEL, and PARALUCENT or other electronic record tracking software

· The candidate must work, in person, at the VSY office, as well as attend on-scenes in person

· The candidate must possess the ability to reach an on-scene location in York Region within one hour

· The successful candidate must be able to work weekly rotating shifts, evenings, and weekends as noted in this job posting

· The successful candidate must adhere to our business casual dress code while in the office or out on-scene.

· The successful candidate must have a valid G license, a reliable vehicle, and have the ability to travel across York Region

· In keeping with our ongoing efforts to promote equity and reflect the diversity of York Region, those having a second language are strongly encouraged to apply

VSY provides equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnic origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status or any other ground as described in the Ontario Human Rights Code. In keeping with our ongoing efforts to represent the diversity of our community, we encourage Women of Colour, Indigenous, Asian, Immigrant, Lesbian, Women with Disabilities, Francophone and women from other diverse groups to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $73,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Newmarket, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Do you have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW)?
• Do you live in York Region?
• Will you be able to work ten (10) hour days?

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-06-29
Expected start date: 2025-07-07