Temporary Full-Time Counsellor

Counsellor, Mobile Crisis Response Team
Direct Service - (OPSEU)
Full-Time, Contract (End Date: March 31, 2027)
This posting is the result of an existing vacancy
Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) staff will support individuals accessing services by providing a psychosocial response in order to promote crisis resolution and empowerment for the individual. MCRT staff are responsible for providing a mobile response to individuals experiencing a mental health or addictions related crisis at the point of direct contact with police. MCRT staff occupy office space at respective police headquarters and respond to live and follow-up calls with patrol officers to assist with de-escalation, diversion form medical intervention where possible and facilitation of transition to acute care where required to help ensure positive outcomes for the individual. MCRT will also work collaboratively with individuals to assess and identify their needs and link them to appropriate supports in the community.
This grant provides access to valuable educational opportunities and covers uniform expenses Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

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 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); Premiums of $2.00 will be applied for eligible Evening/Night and Weekend Shifts

When you'll work - 70 hours bi-weekly; Monday-Friday, with a possibility for a Saturday shift. Potential for a 4-day compressed work within the Monday-Saturday timeframe
Your pension plan –Immediately eligible for optional enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
Complete mental health and addiction assessments with individuals and family members who come into contact with police 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
• Provide short-term telephone and in-person follow-up support to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer-term support service as needed

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
Facilitate access to secondary healthcare services where voluntarily agreed to by an individual as part of an intervention or upon enforcement under the Mental Health Act, liaising directly with health care professionals (e.g. hospital) to ease the transition from police custody to acute mental health care
Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g. treatment options, transportation, finances, etc.)
Interact and provide support and assessment in a nonjudgmental fashion and provide care that demonstrates sensitivity to individual diversity (e.g. culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs and values).
Provide health teaching and information regarding coping techniques and strategies, e.g. grounding, breathing techniques, self-care, nutrition, sleep hygiene, techniques to enhance overall well-being.
Act as a resource for officer wellness providing system navigation for their own mental health support based on training and orientation to the respective police service’s internal wellness resources
To keep abreast of current principles, best practices, standards and models of mental health service provision through active pursuit of professional development, training and networking opportunities
To meet and communicate regularly with CMHA Leadership to discuss attendance, scheduling, training needs, professional development, clinical service provisions, work performance and operational changes
Provide short-term, psychotherapeutic intervention to assist individuals in gaining insight and improving coping skills within the framework of the crisis model.
Perform in a calm, competent and efficient manner in an emergency situation acknowledging the individual’s need for privacy and dignity.
Utilize harm reduction principles to identify, reduce and remove risk factors.
Assist the individual to identify and connect with personal/natural supports
Provide follow-up support and/or check ins to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer-term support service as appropriate
Demonstrate knowledge of community resources and its place within the mental health and addiction care system
Assist in building positive working relationships across the service system including CMHA, respective police partners and other social or health care providers (e.g. hospital)
Participate in public education and advocacy
Thoroughly review and accurately document risk factors
monthly time sheets, vacation requests, education requests, travel claims, expense claims) as per required time frames
Maintain dual records, recording both in the format required by CMHA and in accordance with the documentation and record storage policy and procedures of policing partner
Adhere to the privacy policies of and privacy legislation of respective police partner, and CMHA TV collection and disclosure of information, undertaking responsibility for maintaining awareness of the unique differences between the privacy frameworks of municipal services, provincial services, and health services
Participate as an active member of the multi-disciplinary team by ensuring cross training to perform roles and responsibilities of each team under the Crisis and Access department and ensure the effective flow of relevant information between co-workers
Adhere strictly to the health and safety provisions put in place by respective police partner and CMHA TV and to assume an active and diligent role in contributing to a safe and health workplace
Attend and actively participate in team and community of practice meetings.
Participate in orientation and training of new staff
Provide support and encouragement to other staff as needed, (e.g., Monitor and report on quality of services provided, identifying deficiencies and respectfully advocating positive change
To represent CMHA TV, respective police partner professionally and positively in the community
24/7 Reach Out Addiction and Mental Health Crisis Line responsibilities as assigned:
Provide crisis intervention services and supports on Reach Out via phone, text and web chat.
Establish a therapeutic relationship with individuals accessing Reach Out, and work with individuals to address their immediate concerns.

Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 2 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

Post-secondary education in a relevant field of study e.g. social work, psychology, or a related discipline (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST
Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience working in mental health
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in mental health crisis intervention
Experience working in a community-based setting; preferably with an established network of service & support resources
Extensive knowledge of community resources, service & support programs, and barriers participants face in accessing same
Bilingual both official languages, preferred; Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact Human.Legal Notifications:
For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes