Temporary Full-Time Counsellor

Counsellor, Crisis Assessment Team
Direct Service - (OPSEU)
Full-Time, Contract (Ending: This posting is the result of an existing vacancy.
- Within the mission, philosophy, policies and procedures of the organization, and the College of Nurses/College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers/College of Occupational Therapists standards the Crisis Assessment Worker, Crisis Assessment Team (CAT) will work with clients in crisis, to assess the nature and scope of the crisis and taking appropriate action in a manner consistent with the psychosocial rehabilitation model.
This position will include supporting participants at the Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre, supporting in other areas of the Crisis Services Department including Reach Out, or at the Strathroy Site. The CAT Worker works collaboratively with clients, peers and the community to enhance the physical and mental health of clients experiencing mental illness. at the Crisis Centre and/or in community hospitals.
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 $27.14per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential, based on regulation ($30.01per 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)
When you'll work – 70 hours bi-weekly; Nights, including weekends; Your pension plan - Immediately eligible for optional enrollment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Complete bio-psychosocial mental health assessments based on theory of crisis management including rapid response, risk assessment, de-escalation, stabilization, and referral to determine needs and level of risk
Refer to psychiatric clinic as deemed appropriate
Assess the adequacy of resources/supports currently available to the client and make referrals to applicable community resources as appropriate
Determine the impact of psychiatric symptoms on functioning
Identify risk factors related to relapse as well as the safety of staff and clients
Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g. treatment options, transportation, finances,etc.)
Provide short-term, psychotherapeutic intervention to assist participants 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 participant’s need for privacy and dignity Utilize harm reduction principles to identify, reduce and remove risk factors
Advocate as necessary in order to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating immediate crisis situation
Assist the participant to identify and connect with personal/natural supports
Provide short-term follow-up support to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer-term support service
Have knowledge about community resources relevant to clients, including other mental health services, entitlement and benefit programs, (e.g. ODSP, Ontario Works, London Housing, etc.)
Identify, develop and maintain good links with a wide range of community resources
Demonstrate knowledge of community resources and its place within the mental health care system
Assist in building positive working relationships across the service system including the organization and hospital
Participate in public education and advocacy
Coordinate and facilitate with clients, linkages to recommended services and supports in the community
Provide assistance to clients seeking support, face-to-face appointments and/or information about mental health services and supports
Provide health teaching and information regarding a variety of coping techniques and strategies
Assist participants in developing strategies for managing their health needs according to resources and personal skills available
Collaborate with community agencies to enhance continuity of care
Provide information and advocate regarding resources within both the broader mental health system & the community in general
Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery:
Interact and provide support in a nonjudgmental fashion and provide care that demonstrates sensitivity to client diversity (e.g. culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs and values)
Assist client to recognize strengths and minimize challenges by identifying potential risks to health
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.
College Diploma or University Degree in a mental health or addictions related field or a minimum of 3 years of experience in a direct-service role and some post-secondary education in a mental health or addictions related field (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
Current Registration from the Ontario College of Nurses OR Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers OR Ontario College of Occupational Therapists OR College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Access to a vehicle for personal transportation
WHMIS Training
First Aid & CPR Certification
Understanding of therapeutic approaches when working with participants in mental health or addictions crisis, such as Crisis Intervention Practices; Brief Solution Focused Therapy; Experience in mental health and addictions
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.ca 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