Counsellor, Crisis Assessment TeamDirect Service -- (OPSEU)Two Full-time, Contracts (Ending: January 25, 2026 \& June 6, 2025)London, Ontario (London Zone)
Application Deadline: May 12, 2025
When individuals in our community experience an urgent mental health or addictions crisis, they deserve a response that is person-centred and supportive, focusing on personal dignity and wellbeing.
The Crisis Assessment Team program offers individuals experiencing a crisis an alternative to emergency hospital services by providing 24/7 mental health and addictions supports in the community. As a team member, you will assess and mitigate immediate crises, then collaborate on strategies and resources to enhance clients' physical and mental health, aiming to prevent future crises.
Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Salary: Starting at $27.14/hour (Level 1 -- Direct Service), with a wage differential based on regulation ($30.01/hour for regulated staff). Successful candidates registered with professional colleges (e.g., OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the differential. External applicants will start at Level 1, with progression up to Level 8 ($34.41 non-regulated, $37.26 regulated). Internal applicants' grid placement follows the Collective Agreement.
- Work Schedule: 70 hours over two weeks, including nights and weekends.
- Pension: Immediate eligibility for optional enrollment in HOOPP.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
- Conduct bio-psychosocial assessments based on crisis management theories, including risk assessment, de-escalation, stabilization, and referral.
- Establish therapeutic relationships to maximize engagement benefits.
- Assess available resources/supports and refer clients to community services as needed.
- Identify relapse risk factors and safety concerns for staff and clients.
- Evaluate barriers to community living (e.g., treatment, transportation, finances).
- Provide short-term psychotherapeutic interventions within the crisis framework.
- Respond calmly and efficiently in emergencies, respecting client privacy and dignity.
- Apply harm reduction principles to manage risk factors.
- Advocate for clients to access necessary services and supports.
- Refer clients for further assessments when appropriate.
- Assist clients in identifying and connecting with personal supports.
- Provide short-term follow-up to bridge to long-term support services.
- Maintain knowledge of community resources, including addiction and mental health services, entitlement, and benefit programs (e.g., ODSP, Ontario Works, London Housing).
- Support clients in accessing resources, advocating, and linking to appropriate services.
- Foster positive relationships across the service system, including CMHA and hospitals.
- Assist clients with face-to-face support and information about mental health and addiction services.
- Help clients develop strategies for managing health needs based on available resources and skills.
- Collaborate with clients and team members to develop holistic care plans and goals.
- Provide support that is nonjudgmental and sensitive to diversity (culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs, values).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree or diploma in health or social sciences (original credentials required during hiring).
- Current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).
- Ability to attend work regularly.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ontario driver's license.
- Registration with a professional college (e.g., OCSWSSW, CNO, CRPO, CPSO, COTO, CPO).
- Current First Aid/CPR certification.
- Bilingual in both official languages of Canada (preferred).
INTERNAL APPLICANTS: Current staff should apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.
Application Deadline: May 12, 2025
We encourage applications from all community members, including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and visible minorities. Accommodations are available upon request during the recruitment process.
