Mental Health Workers (9-8-8) provides immediate assessment and supports to individuals who call the 9-8-8 call line. The 9-8-8 call line is a national mental health call line for individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide and/or emotional distress The primary goals of service are to establish initial contact with callers to the 9-8-8 call line, provide assessment and intervention to stabilize crisis, support individuals in the collaborative development of a plan to reduce risk and promote safety and recovery. Through evidence-based mental health interventions, promote relapse prevention and transition to longer term supports and recovery activities where appropriate.

This is an on-site 24/7 program located in Peterborough, Ontario. This position requires staff to have open availability to work a rotating shift schedule. Shifts are 10-11 hours in length and are scheduled as follows:

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM 9:00 PM - 8:00 am - an hourly premium is provided for overnight shifts

Location: Peterborough Status: Full-Time Posting# MHW-988-FT-06-26 Wage: $30.95 to $32.38 per hour, plus comprehensive Health and Dental Benefits, Pension Plan Application Deadline: noon on July 8, 2026

Key Responsibilities

1. Mental Health Work Establish initial contact, rapport, and collaboration with the caller. Complete an assessment of risk, including suicidal thoughts, feelings, capability, and actions. Assessment of strengths, protective factors, coping strategies, supports and resources. Collaborative development and/or review of a plan to reduce risk, amplify strengths and build hope for recovery. Empower callers to work towards securing their own safety. Engage with emergency services when required. Provide supportive interventions. Identify meaningful sources of support. Provide support with system navigation including health, housing, financial, legal, education, employment. Facilitate referrals to identified community resources. Work other C.M.H.A. staff/programs to support clients. Provide mental health information/education to individuals, care givers and other service providers.
2. Documentation Complete formal written rationales and assessments evidencing recommendations/referrals for interventions Complete administrative tasks – O.C.A.N. assessments, case notes, time sheets, expense claims, time off requests Document and maintain client records Proper entry of demographic and statistical data
3. Other Activities Liaise with community partners Participate in community outreach activities through the development of collaborative partnerships, education and visits to community agencies and services
4. Performance Management and Professional Development Participate cooperatively in the agency performance management process/system Stay current on relevant legislation and best practices, current research, policies and procedures Participate in ongoing professional development and mandatory training Actively engage and participate in supervisory process
5. Health and Safety– Worker Responsibilities Work in compliance with the Occupational Health And Safety Act, applicable regulations and all organizational health and safety requirements and procedures to ensure the health and safety of clients, staff/colleagues, volunteers and students
6. Client Safety Adhere to C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. client safety programs including program policies as well as infection control and prevention procedures. In partnership with clients, family members, and fellow staff, maintain open lines of communication to assist the organization in identifying and achieving quality outcomes for client safety
7. Other Duties as Assigned Attend, participate in team/staff meetings, and all-staff meetings as required Participate in agency quality improvement activities, e.g. accreditation projects, committee work, special events Participate in quality improvement activities at the team/program level Participate in external committees as required Duties may change from time to time

Requirements of the Position:

Education and Training Successful completion of Bachelor’s degree in the social/health science disciplines is preferred. A relevant post-secondary diploma combined with significant, demonstrated experience may be considered.

We recognize that mandatory training before hire is an asset, however, successful completion of the training applicable to this role shall be requirements for continued employment in this position: Health and Safety Training (including but not limited to the following): Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (W.H.M.I.S. 2015) Infection, Prevention & Control Workplace Violence Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (A.S.I.S.T.) Verbal Intervention Training Ontario Common Assessment of Need (O.C.A.N). Client Record Management System (C.R.M.S.) First Aid/C.P.R. Assets with regard to this position: Master’s degree in social/health services Training in the following: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy or other forms of emotional regulation support, Motivational Interviewing, Concurrent Disorders, Trauma-Informed Therapy

Related and Relevant Experience Mandatory experience Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the delivery of case management/community supports to clients, especially within the mental health services field Demonstrated understanding of the crisis theory and recovery model, crisis intervention, mental illness, psychiatric medication and the Mental Health Act Demonstrated ability to apply a person centered, trauma and concurrent informed approach to care Demonstrated conflict resolution and crisis intervention abilities Proven assessment skills, sound judgment and decision-making skills Demonstrated observation and active listening abilities Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with the Crisis team and management Proven interpersonal and communication skills Demonstrated computer and organizational skills Preferred experience Intermediate to advanced minus proficiency in French

Other Valid driver’s license (not required for this position but is an asset) Automobile in good repair and insurance coverage as required by agency policy (not required for this position but is an asset) Satisfactory police records search Satisfactory references Lived expertise with a mental health concern or addiction, either personally or with a family member is an asset Proof of receipt of full COVID-19 vaccine

Working Conditions Work in an office setting, community and clients’ homes Work directly with individuals experiencing mental health concerns/crisis including serious mental illness and/or dual diagnosis and/or addictions Work directly with individuals living in poverty who may live with a serious mental illness and/or dual diagnosis and/or addictions Required to work flexible hours, with rotating evening and overnight work There are multiple competing demands which require time management skills, the ability to be flexible and to prioritize Work in a stressful environment where there are mental and emotional demands, there is a high volume of work as well as unpredictable work, life-threatening situations for others such as instances of suicide

As part of our recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence tools to support or assist the review of applications. These tools may help us identify candidates whose qualifications best match job requirements.