Job Position Overview:

The Crisis Response Worker supports individuals experiencing a mental health crisis to help them successfully resume community functioning. In this role, the worker applies the principles of Recovery and Psychiatric Rehabilitation Approach Technology to guide daily practice. Additionally, the position emphasizes compassion, collaboration, and effective crisis intervention to promote client wellness.

Currently, there are five (5) permanent full-time and three (3) temporary full-time opportunities available for this position. Moreover, the team works closely with community partners to ensure individuals receive the appropriate care and follow-up services they need.

Pay Rate: $28.35 – $30.14/hour (based on experience) as per Collective Agreement (OPSEU Local 720)
Work Schedule: Rotating schedules – Day and Night Shifts

Benefits of the Job: 

• Comprehensive Health and Dental Benefits – 100% employer-paid for eligible employees
• Sick Pay and Paid Vacation to support personal well-being and balance
• HOOPP Pension Plan to ensure financial stability in the long term
• Furthermore, a fast-paced, positive work environment that values recognition, collaboration, and personal growth
• In addition, employees join an organization proudly accredited through Accreditation Canada, demonstrating commitment to quality and excellence in service delivery

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Firstly, adhere to all policies and procedures of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
• Assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis to resume community functioning and stability.
• Provide telephone crisis assessments, brief counseling, referrals, and follow-up for individuals in crisis.
• Additionally, respond to and provide on-site crisis assessments, interventions, and support to individuals facing urgent mental health needs.
• Coordinate admissions to the Crisis Safe Bed program and assist clients in accessing mental health specialists and/or local hospitals, as required.
• Moreover, offer ongoing crisis support to clients enrolled in the Crisis Safe Bed program and help develop individualized Wellness Plans. Attend community appointments and coordinate community referrals as needed.
• Determine the need for on-site crisis supports in collaboration with the Mobile Response Team.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to connect individuals with mental health specialists or hospitals and facilitate referrals, linkages, and follow-ups to appropriate community services.
• Maintain up-to-date client information and records in agency systems to ensure accuracy and continuity of care.
• Attend and actively contribute to Crisis Response Services Team meetings and other client-related discussions.
• Liaise with families, friends, mental health specialists, police, and emergency personnel to coordinate care for individuals requiring acute admission under the Mental Health Act.
• Finally, perform any other duties or responsibilities related to the position, as assigned.

Required Qualifications: 

• A post-secondary degree or diploma in the health or human services field, along with one year of mental health experience.
• Able to demonstrate a good knowledge of community mental health as well as other social service resources.
• Possess skills and experience in crisis assessment, intervention strategies, and crisis counselling/support.
• Also, able demonstrate a willingness to learn and actively participate in an extensive training program provided in the Crisis Response program
• Possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated understanding of personal space and the ability to role model healthy boundaries
• Ability to manage conflict and crisis situations
• Knowledge and understanding of harm reduction and recovery approaches to service delivery
• Further, ability to communicate professionally with community agencies
• Cultural competence for diverse populations
• Personal qualities of empathy, understanding and patience
• Valid ‘G’ Drivers license
• Additionally, requires successful completion of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Ability to speak French is an asset
• ASSIST certification considered an asset
• Lastly, ability to work shift work (days and nights) is a requirement. 

Interested applicants may submit a cover letter, resume & three workplace supervisory references to: careers@cmha-tb.on.ca 

About Canadian Mental Health Association

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Thunder Bay Branch (CMHA Thunder Bay) is a non-profit service provider dedicated to ensuring that mental health services are accessible and available to everyone. Furthermore, CMHA Thunder Bay is committed to delivering high-quality, recovery-focused services for residents across Northwestern Ontario. Through collaboration and continuous improvement, all staff strive to protect, promote, and strengthen mental well-being by supporting healthy lifestyles and evidence-based recovery practices. As a result, the organization continuously works to enhance each individual’s overall wellness and quality of life.

CMHA Thunder Bay is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that is fully accessible and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including those with a lived experience, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities.