Crisis Intervention and Cultural Support Worker

Position: Crisis Intervention and Cultural Support Counsellor Company: Victim Services of Durham Region Type: Full-Time Permanent Position Classification: This position requires on-site attendance five days per week and includes paid 24/7 on-call responsibilities. Location: 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, ON L1N 0B8 About the Organization: Victim Services of Durham Region is a non-profit charitable organization that works with community partners to support victims of crime and tragic circumstances. We provide on-site and telephone crisis intervention services through community and self-referrals, as well as referrals from the Durham Regional Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police. We also work to prevent violence through awareness and education. We are seeking a full-time Crisis Intervention and Cultural Support Counsellor (CIC) to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centred and culturally responsive support. The CIC will provide services that honour Indigenous worldviews and recognize the intersectionality of clients’ experiences. The successful candidate will bring an equity lens to their work, with a strong commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression and gender-inclusive practices. The role requires strong knowledge of Indigenous history and culture, an understanding of traditional teachings, and experience working directly with and engaging Indigenous youth. We Value our Staff: Working at the Victim Services of Durham you will enjoy a collaborative and dynamic work environment. We provide you with work that is engaging and impactful while promoting the health and wellness of our team. We also provide: Benefits 100% covered by VSDR OMERS Pension Plan Opportunities to be mentored by cross functional teams Starting salary range of 55K to 57K depending on experience Competitive vacation allowance Position Overview: The Crisis Intervention and Cultural Support Counsellor provides immediate, trauma-informed support to children, youth, and families impacted by abuse, violence, and crisis. The role provides short-term emotional support, safety planning, practical assistance, referrals, and connections to community resources. Working closely with clients, police, community partners, and other service providers, the Counsellor helps clients navigate available supports while respecting their choices, culture, and lived experience. You will succeed at if you are an: Excellent Communicator – you bring with you the ability to quickly build rapport with your team, young victims and community allies. Your verbal style must be confident, reassuring, positive, and clear. Grounded – You thrive in a fast-paced, emotionally charged environment where you balance empathy with professionalism Independent – you are self-motivated and manage your time well. You must be able to organize and reorganize your day to meet often conflicting priorities and deadlines. Responsibilities: Provide phone and/or in-person support and crisis intervention including but not limited to case management, client intake, needs assessment, safety planning, emotional support, provision of practical assistance and community referrals. Provide short-term emotional support to victims through active listening, validating feelings, and respecting client choices and decisions on the phone or in person. Provide seamless client referrals to longer-term community support services and work in collaboration with various community partners, particularly police. Build and maintain strong working relationships with key partners, community groups, and those with lived experience. Complete applications on behalf of clients to the Victim Quick Response Program. Manage documentation and maintain confidential client outcomes and agency confidentiality and compile statistical reports. Provide 24 hour on call support as required. Qualifications Social Service Worker, BSW, or a related program, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Post-secondary education in a relevant field (e.g., Child and Youth Work, Social Work, Social Service Work, Mental Health). Minimum of 3 years’ experience supporting children, youth, and families affected by abuse or violence. Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous history and culture, with an understanding of traditional teachings. Commitment to providing services that respect the cultural beliefs, values, norms, ceremony, and teachings of Indigenous people. Experience and knowledge of the criminal justice system, child welfare, programs and services supporting child and youth victims of crime, and community-based support services. Solid understanding of and demonstrated experience in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and anti-racist practices, with a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Understanding of intergenerational trauma and the systemic barriers faced by BIPOC individuals. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, with experience in telephone support, suicide and crisis intervention. Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to multitask, set priorities and meet deadlines. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook and MS Teams. Willingness to participate in an after-hours rotating schedule as required. Familiarity with local community resources, governmental agencies and professional service networks. English fluency – read, write and speak. Fluency in another language is considered an asset. Employment contingent on a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check. Application: VSDR highly values the diversity of our staff and the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from visible minorities/BIPOC group members, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who respect and represent the diversity of Durham Region. How to Apply: Please submit your resume to Katherine Taylor at [email protected]. At VSDR we are committed to fostering a healthy and positive work environment. In accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Right Code, we encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs throughout all stages of the selection process. If selected to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please inform the representative of Taylor McMahon of any accommodations you may require to ensure your equal participation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Provide immediate trauma-informed crisis intervention, emotional support, and safety planning for children, youth, and families. Manage client intake, facilitate community referrals, and maintain confidential documentation while providing 24/7 on-call support.

Requires a degree in Social Work or a related field with at least 3 years of experience supporting victims of abuse or violence. Must possess deep knowledge of Indigenous history, culture, and traditional teachings, alongside a commitment to anti-racist and gender-inclusive practices.

• 100% Covered Benefits • OMERS Pension Plan • Mentorship Opportunities • Competitive Vacation Allowance

• Microsoft OfficePreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Crisis Intervention
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Case Management
• Safety Planning
• Indigenous Cultural Knowledge
• Anti-Oppressive Practice
• Anti-Racist Practice
• Client Intake
• Needs Assessment
• Interpersonal Communication
• Microsoft Office
• Confidentiality Management
• BIPOC Support
• Suicide Intervention
• Community Referrals
• Active Listening

• Social Services
• Healthcare
• Government & Public Sector
• Security & Safety

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

3+ years

Apply by

Feb 17, 2027

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Entry level

Application method

Direct apply is available