Mental Health Assistant

Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Crisis Centre First Contact

Direct Service - (OPSEU)

Full-time, Contract (End Date: April 8, 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.

At the Crisis Centre First Contact, you will provide short-term support for individuals accessing the programs. Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

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)

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

When you'll work -70 hours bi-weekly; Nights, including weekends

Your pension plan - Immediately eligible for optional enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Respond to in-person and phone referrals for service to the Crisis Centre

Complete mental health and addictions assessments and interventions based on the theory of crisis management including rapid response, risk assessment, de-escalation, stabilization, and referral to determine individual needs and level of risk

Provide short-term follow-up support to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer-term support service as needed

In partnership with the participant, coordinate and facilitate linkages to appropriate services and supports in the community

Advocate as necessary in order to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating the immediate crisis situation

Provide information regarding resources found within both the broader addiction and mental health system and the community in general

Engage Emergency Services when it is determined that additional intervention is required

When appropriate, act as a liaison with caregivers and/or support providers who are involved with the individual to facilitate a coordinated approach to service provision

Provide referrals to other services within the organization such as the Crisis Assessment Team and Transitional Case Management Team, as necessary

Provide health teaching and information regarding a variety of coping techniques and strategies, e.g. grounding, breathing techniques, self-care, nutrition, sleep hygiene, techniques to enhance overall well-being, the completion of crisis plans

Serve as initial contact in greeting and directing participants, staff and guests with a primary focus on providing a welcoming environment to all site visitors

Work collaboratively with co-workers to ensure the effective flow of relevant information between co-workers as well as to individuals-served and site visitors (including messages, service information, organizational and site-specific information)

Ensure that reception areas are maintained in a manner that is tidy and inviting, and that public bulletin boards and brochure supply areas are kept current and accessible

Operate telephone system – answer, screen and forward telephone calls, record and relay information

Ensure sign in book is updated to assist in tracking of all persons in the building as per Health and Safety requirements

Retrieve and bring the sign in book when an evacuation of the building has occurred in order for a roll call to be completed

Coordinate and distribute all incoming e-mails to the general e-mail account, all incoming faxes, and all incoming postal mail

Provide crisis intervention services and supports on the Reach Out Crisis line via phone, text and web chat

Establish a therapeutic relationship with callers to the Reach Out line, and work with these clients 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)

Proficiency in the areas of crisis intervention, crisis resolution, and community support

• Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST
• Extensive knowledge of community resources, service and support programs, and barriers individuals face in accessing same
• Working knowledge of a variety of treatment, intervention, and support strategies for mental health and addictions
• Computer literacy
• 3 years’ experience working in mental health
• 2 years’ experience in mental health crisis intervention
• Experience working in a community-based setting; preferably with an established network of service & support resources
• First Aid & CPR, WHMIS
• 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