Job Description

JOB POSTING

Job Title: Crisis Support Worker

Job Type: Part-Time

Department: Crisis

Division: Crisis Services

Location(s): Oakville

Hours: 14 hours per week

Target Hiring Range: $29.00 to $31.00 per hour

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 Support Worker for the Safe Beds Program. The position is based in Oakville, ON. The Crisis Support Worker will be responsible for supporting individuals who are experiencing a mental health and/or addictions crisis in a 24/7, 5 bed residential setting on a short-term basis. The Program is intended to divert justice-involved individuals in a mental health and/or addictions crisis from incarceration, the justice system, and/or unnecessary hospitalization by providing them with voluntary community crisis accommodation and support. The Program serves exclusively individuals in immediate contact with the police. The Crisis Support Worker will work the following part time shifts on a rotating two-week cycle as per below;

Week 1

• Tuesday: 9pm-7am
• Friday: 4pm-8pm

Week 2:

• Friday: 4pm-8pm
• Saturday: 3pm-9pm

The Successful Candidate Will:

• 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.

Responsibilities:

• Screening and assessing incoming referrals and completing intake and discharge processes and protocols.
• Providing crisis support and counselling.
• Assisting with self-sufficiency in daily living skills (e.g., cooking, hygiene) as needed.
• Supporting the appropriate use of medication.
• Working collaboratively with clients to identify, develop, and fulfill goals they identify as meaningful and relevant.
• Co-developing strategies and plans with clients to help them address immediate short-term needs and prevent further crises.
• Facilitating and monitoring the implementation of client programs, including daily programming and groups.
• Advocating and referring clients to ongoing community-based treatment, rehabilitation, and support services and resources to help them achieve their goals and objectives (e.g., income support, supportive housing).
• Engaging clients in crisis and recovery planning.
• Monitoring house rules and compliance and maintaining a safe, conducive environment to allow for psychosocial stabilization and recovery.
• Liaising and working collaboratively with community service providers and partners (e.g., mental health and addictions service providers, police, primary care) to support clients’ care planning.
• Completing all required documentation related to the support of clients and assuring the confidentiality of all client, personnel, and organizational records and information.
• Ensuring the completion of shift responsibilities and routines.
• Participating on specific committees or working groups as assigned.
• Completing light housekeeping duties, meal preparation, laundry, and bedroom preparation.
• Upholding and reflecting in their work the Guiding Principles of Halton’s Safe Beds Program (i.e., collaborative, sustainable, inclusive, person-centred, safe, transparent, and quality service).
• Participating in the orientation of new staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing, social work, occupational therapy or a relevant field.
• Regulated Health professional (Registered Social Worker) 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).
• Case management experience.
• De-escalation and conflict resolution skills.
• Assessment, risk management, and consultation skills.
• 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.
• Knowledge of relevant mental health legislation including the Mental Health Act.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and implementation.
• Knowledge of 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.
• Knowledge of mental health and addictions/justice/community-based support services in the Halton Region.
• Personal qualities of empathy, understanding, patience, flexibility, and excellent rapport-building skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Individual and counselling skills.
• Reliability and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• First Aid, CPR and ASIST certifications are assets.
• Knowledge of EMHware database an asset.
• OCAN Training an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Word.
• Ability to speak a second language would be considered an asset.
• Housing experience would be considered an asset.
• The position occasionally entails the transportation of clients. A valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license and a vehicle with 2-million-dollar insurance coverage is required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Shift work (weekdays and weekends) with the ability to work excess/overtime hours and holidays where required.
• Able to answer and communicate through telephone calls and general computer use.
• Able to react and respond quickly under escalated situations to ensure client and staff safety.

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.

CMHA Halton does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision making technologies in any part of our recruitment or selection processes. All hiring decisions are made by our People & Culture team and trained hiring managers, who carefully review each application to ensure a fair, equitable, and human centered assessment. We are committed to transparency, privacy, and ethical hiring practices, and we ensure that every candidate is evaluated by real people who bring thoughtful judgment, inclusivity, and care to our recruitment practices.

This posting is intended to fill an existing vacancy within the agency.