Job Position Overview:

The Crisis Response Worker assists individuals experiencing a mental health crisis to resume community functioning. The work of the Crisis Response worker is guided in practice to apply the principles of “Recovery” and Psychiatric Rehabilitation Approach Technology.

Currently, we have 5 permanent full-time, 3 temporary full-time, and 3 casual positions open for this position.

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

Benefits of the Job: 

• Comprehensive Health and Dental Benefits plans – 100% paid by the employer
• Sick Pay
• Paid Vacation 
• HOOPP Pension Plan 
• Highly value the opportunity to join a fast-paced, positive working environment where recognition and personal growth
• Being a part of an organization which is “Accredited” through Accreditation Canada

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Firstly, adhere to all policies of Canadian Mental Health Association.
• Assist individuals experiencing mental health crisis to resume community functioning.
• Provide telephone crisis assessment, brief telephone counseling, referrals and follow-up for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Respond and provide on-site crisis assessments, intervention and support to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Coordinate admission to the Crisis Safe Bed and to assist clients in accessing mental health specialists and/or local hospitals, as indicated.
• Provide Crisis support and to assist clients enrolled in the Crisis Safe Bed and develop Wellness Plans. Attend community appointments, and community referrals, as required.
• Determine the need for on-site crisis supports by the Mobile Response Team.
• Being part of a team assisting individuals to access mental health specialists and/or hospitals and to coordinate referrals, linkages, and follow-up to appropriate community support services.
• Maintain both up-to-date client information and records in agency client records systems.
• Attend and contribute to Crisis Response Services Team meetings and other client-related meetings as required.
• Liaise with families and friends, mental health specialists, police, emergency service personnel, and Schedule 1 facilities to assist individuals requiring acute care admission under the Mental Health Act.
• Finally, performs any other tasks related to the position as required.

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. 

If interested, please apply, in confidence, by submitting a cover letter and resume by email to recruitment@northernpeakhr.com 

About Canadian Mental Health Association

Canadian Mental Health Association – Thunder Bay Branch is a non-profit service provider working to ensure mental health services are available for all. CMHA Thunder Bay is committed to providing quality services for all of Northwestern Ontario residents where all staff strive to protect and promote mental health for all through healthy lifestyle and exemplary recovery focused approach improving upon each individual’s well-being.

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.