crisis counsellor

Counsellor, Crisis Response Team Direct Service - (OPSEU) Full-Time, Permanent (Benefitted) This posting is the result of a current vacancy. London, Ontario (London Zone) - Application Deadline: August 4, 2026 - When individuals in our community experience an urgent mental health or addictions crisis, they deserve a response that is person-centred and supportive, while focusing on personal dignity and wellbeing. Crisis Centre Staff will support individuals accessing services by providing a psychosocial response in order to promote crisis resolution and empowerment for the individual. The Crisis Centre Staff will also work collaboratively with individuals to assess and identify their needs and link them to appropriate supports in the community. Depending on the program, supports may be provided in-person, via telephone or virtually; Crisis Services programs support individuals on a walk-in basis at the Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre; in the community, via mobile response; via phone, text and web chat, and through intensive, short-term stabilization supports. Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team! WHAT WE'RE OFFERING: What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential, based on regulation ( $30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated): Successful candidates who are registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated); for internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement Premiums of $2.00 per hour will be applied for eligible Evening/Night (8:00pm – 7:00am) and Weekend Shifts. When you'll work - 70 hours biweekly; rotating afternoons, evenings and weekends Your pension plan –Immediately enrolled in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) What your benefits will be – After a 90-day waiting period, will be enrolled in extended healthcare benefits HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Direct Service: Support individuals in the community working in teams of two. Focus is to be on crisis assessment and solutions focused crisis intervention. As necessary, assist individual crisis centre clients with transportation to required mental health services. Work with community partners including London Police Services and London Emergency Medical Services. Maintain consistent communication with community services through dedicated phone line. Assist community services in supporting the mental health of individuals in the community. Complete mental health and addiction assessments based on theory of crisis management including rapid response to identify: the impact of psychiatric symptoms on functioning, risk factors related to safety of client and others opportunities for de-escalation and stabilization Establish a therapeutic relationship to maximize the benefits of engagement with the individual Provide short-term follow-up support to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer-term support service as needed Coordinate and facilitate referrals to internal and external services and supports Advocate as necessary in order to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating immediate crisis situation Engage emergency services when it is determined that additional intervention is required Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g. treatment options, transportation, finances, etc.) Obtain information, as needed, from other relevant sources Interact and provide suppor