About YOU

You are a compassionate, highly-skilled professional who thrives in high-pressure situations. You are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children, youth, and families during times of mental health crisis. Your ability to assess, intervene, and provide collaborative care is second to none, and you understand the importance of working within a community-driven approach. You’re committed to promoting mental health and safety in a supportive and dynamic environment.

As Crisis Counsellor, you will provide vital mental health support to children, adolescents, and families during critical moments, primarily through telephone-based support. You will respond to crisis calls, conduct risk assessments, and provide immediate interventions to ensure safety and effective crisis management. Additionally, you will play a key role in helping clients strengthen their support networks, both formal and informal.

About ROCK

ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids) is recognized as the number one non-profit employer of choice, leading the way in providing mental health services to children, youth, and families in the Halton region. We are an accredited organization with exemplary standings from Accreditation Canada, reflecting our commitment to high-quality care. Our dynamic and collaborative team is dedicated to achieving our mission and vision, fostering a positive and inclusive environment that mirrors the diversity of the community we serve. At ROCK, we offer various professional development opportunities, company events, and a supportive culture that encourages innovation and growth. ROCK is site certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology-informed approach to clinical problem solving. Our hybrid work model provides flexibility, combining on-site and virtual environments, to best meet the needs of our staff and clients. Join us in making a meaningful impact in mental health care.

The ROLE

Reporting to the Manager of Crisis Services, the Crisis Counsellor will respond to the mental health needs of children, youth, and families who are in crisis. The Crisis Counsellor will conduct risk assessments with clients in various settings and provide short term intervention to help clients become effective at managing current and future crisis. Utilizing the CALOCUS assessment tool to determine appropriate care levels for clients, collaborating with on-call clinical managers and external organizations like EMS and the Children’s Aid Society (CAS), completing necessary documentation such as Serious Occurrence Reports and client registrations, and referring clients to both internal and external resources for ongoing support.

You will prioritize client safety by adhering to established policies and guidelines that ensure consistency in the delivery of quality and safe care and, by identifying and reporting any client safety incidents. You are also committed to supporting client-centered care by adhering to ROCK’s principles.

Please note: This is a contract full-time position working 35 hours a week, until March 31st 2028

Who we’re looking for:

We are looking for a qualified, empathetic individual who possesses the following qualifications and skills:

Education:

• Graduate from a recognized Honours program (Bachelor of Social Work preferred) or a community college program in Child and Youth Work.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in children's mental health.
• Solid understanding of crisis theory and experience applying a theoretical framework compatible with agency practices.
• Relevant training in competency-based approaches like narrative and solution-focused therapies, attachment theory, or systemic family therapy.
• Experience or training in group treatment, parent skills training, CBT, DBT, or suicide prevention (e.g., ASIST) is an asset.
• Awareness of the Halton community and ROCK programs is a bonus.

Skills:

• Strong organizational, administrative, and case management skills.

• Effective decision-making, conflict resolution, and problem-solving abilities.

• Proficiency with technology, including working in a virtual environment with MAC OS experience preferred.

• Fluency in a second language is an asset.

Requirements:

• Access to reliable transportation to meet program needs.

• A current criminal reference check with a vulnerable sector search, updated every 3 years.

What will help you succeed:

To excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• Excellent Communication: You will be working with individuals in high-stress situations, so clear, compassionate communication is essential.

• Decision-Making Ability: You must be able to assess and make quick, informed decisions in crisis situations.

• Adaptability: You should be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, often handling multiple cases at once.

• Collaborative Approach: Being able to work as part of a team, particularly when consulting with clinical managers or external agencies, is critical to providing effective care.

• Commitment to Client-Centered Care: Your dedication to supporting the mental health and safety of clients will be reflected in your day-to-day approach.

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and join a passionate, driven team, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now!

Our rewards ROCK, join our team and ENJOY:
Recharge: starting with paid time off, 2 weeks’ vacation and 2 additional ROCK holidays in addition to statutory holidays

Learning: Professional development assistance, investing in your growth

Wellness: Discounted Good life memberships and Health Benefits

Be part of a team that makes a difference. Apply today and help us shape the future of mental health care for children, youth, and families!

ROCK is committed to fostering a positive and progressive workforce reflecting the community we serve and promoting diversity at all levels in a dynamic and inclusive environment. We provide equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and ROCK’s Accommodation Policy.

If you are invited to participate in the interview process and require accommodation for the interview, we ask that you provide your accommodation request as soon as reasonably practicable. Please be advised that you may be requested to provide verifiable supporting information, such as medical or other documentation depending upon the type of Code-protected accommodation, to Human Resources to ensure that appropriate accommodation is provided to you throughout the hiring process. ROCK treats all accommodation requests confidentially.

Please note that ROCK positions are currently working in an on-site and virtual hybrid model. Positions are located in the Halton Region and travel between sites may be required.