Community Crisis Response Specialist

4 weeks ago

Comox Valley, Canada AVI Health and Community Services Full time

AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a diverse, community-focused organization dedicated to providing essential services related to HIV, hepatitis C, and harm reduction across multiple locations. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive support to individuals living with these conditions and to those seeking harm reduction services. We are committed to evidence-based strategies that aim to prevent infection, offer assistance, and diminish stigma, all while operating within a framework of social justice and health promotion to ensure equitable access to services.

At the heart of our work lies the commitment to fostering meaningful connections. We strive to build relationships not only between clients and staff but also among peers, organizational partners, and community stakeholders. Our goal is to enhance the health, dignity, and well-being of all individuals affected by HIV, HCV, and substance use through the provision of sex-positive and harm reduction-oriented education and support services.

About the AVI Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT)

The AVI Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) operates as a peer-led crisis response initiative, funded by provincial and national health organizations. This team comprises individuals with lived experience alongside mental health professionals, dedicated to de-escalating crises and formulating community care plans for those in distress.

PACT represents an innovative method of addressing crises, emphasizing health, well-being, and community support. By employing a community-centered, trauma-informed approach, this peer-assisted model has demonstrated effectiveness in helping individuals navigate mental health and social services while minimizing reliance on emergency services and the justice system.

In collaboration with K'ómoks First Nation, AVI Health and Community Services is committed to creating a culturally safe service initiative, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are integrated throughout the PACT program.

Position Overview:

The PACT team is responsible for delivering immediate mobile crisis support and de-escalation services to individuals aged 13 and older who are experiencing mental health or substance use crises. PACT Coordinators report directly to the PACT Team Manager and oversee the daily operations and support of the PACT Team. This role is dynamic and requires flexibility to respond to daily demands, including attending calls, conducting outreach, and engaging with community partners.

This position is rooted in person-centered, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care approaches, prioritizing the needs and autonomy of those we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

Crisis Intervention
As an emergency response unit, PACT supports individuals and their families during mental health and substance use crises. The Experiential Community Crisis Responder is expected to:

  • Exhibit cultural competency, ensuring services are sensitive to and incorporate Indigenous knowledge and healing practices.
  • Be prepared to respond to crises related to mental health and substance use.
  • Triage responses based on the urgency of calls.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and quick decision-making in high-pressure situations.
  • Attend multiple calls in succession.
  • Communicate effectively with the PACT Team's Dispatch/Coordinator and supervisors.
  • Maintain responsiveness to incoming calls until the end of the shift.
  • Show emotional resilience in complex scenarios.
  • Collaborate effectively as part of a team.
  • Center the needs of individuals in crisis during all interactions.
  • Engage with other care providers professionally, advocating for individuals in crisis.
  • Develop safety plans and follow-up care tailored to the individual’s needs.

Situational Awareness and Safety
PACT operates in rapidly changing environments, often involving individuals who may become escalated. The Experiential Community Crisis Responder must:

  • Utilize a trauma-informed approach with all individuals.
  • Maintain situational awareness and adapt to unpredictable conditions.
  • Be prepared for various environmental challenges.
  • Conduct in-person assessments to determine appropriate actions.
  • Engage with service providers, including emergency responders, as necessary.

Program Development and Accountability
As community-led responses to crises evolve, the Experiential Community Crisis Responder is required to:

  • Embrace feedback and engage in self-reflection.
  • Practice accountability to both the community and individuals served.
  • Adhere to all PACT Program Policies and Procedures.

Qualifications:

  • Strong understanding of the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous communities.
  • A minimum of three years of relevant experience in mental health services and crisis response.
  • Experience utilizing lived expertise in service delivery.
  • Skills in crisis intervention and mental health assessment.
  • Ability to engage with Indigenous communities respectfully.
  • Knowledge of harm reduction and health promotion practices.
  • First aid and CPR certification.
  • A valid Class 5 BC Driver's License.

Key Characteristics:

  • Ability to manage challenging interactions with non-violent communication.
  • Emotional resilience and the capacity to prioritize the needs of individuals in crisis.
  • Flexibility and self-direction in a dynamic work environment.

Position Details:
• Pay: Competitive hourly rate with incremental increases based on tenure.
• Hours: Casual shifts during weekdays, subject to operational needs.
• Location: Various community settings, including homes and public spaces.
• Union: This position is part of a unionized environment.

AVI is dedicated to promoting equity and diversity and encourages applications from individuals who identify as Indigenous, persons of color, those living with disabilities, and others with relevant lived experiences.

Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in the selection process.

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