Crisis Diversion Worker

**REPORTS TO**:24/7 Crisis Diversion Manager
**POSITION**: Crisis Diversion Worker - Overnights - Temporary, Full-Time - Contract Ends in May

**HOURS: 7:00PM - 7:00AM**, 4 days on 4 days off, weekdays and weekends.
_This shift is entitled to a $2.75 pay increase from 8:00PM - 7:00AM_

“Despite great challenges we believe unhealthy cycles can be broken, new opportunities created, and, through healing, health restored.”
Would you like to be a part of an organization that works with some of Edmonton’s most vulnerable populations and counts on the professionalism, expertise, insight, and passion of its staff to develop programs and services for the clients they work with? Join us at Boyle Street Community Services.

“We stand with our clients, side by side, patiently and for as long as they want - a constant and consistent caring force.”
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**Job Purpose**:

As part of the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Team, workers will respond to calls to assist individuals, many of whom are homeless or marginally housed, who are in a crisis situation, often related to intoxication or mental health concerns. Workers must assess situations, identify required needs, and transport individuals to appropriate services. The key function of this position is to provide support to clients referred by the public or emergency services to the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Team. Workers will assist through interventions to divert inappropriate use of medical and police services and support individuals to make appropriate service connections. The Boyle Street Crisis Diversion Team is part of a partnership involving REACH Edmonton, the Canadian Mental Health Association and Hope Mission, and works closely with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). Collaboration is a key component of this position.

**KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES**:
Individuals must have the ability to function in high-pressure situations and respond quickly to individuals in crisis.
Conduct risk and needs assessments and safety planning to reduce potential threats and retaliation.
Provide on call crisis intervention by minimizing the harm to the individual and others and assisting the individual to connect to appropriate supports.
Make appropriate supported referrals to housing, health and community services and provide advocacy support services with individuals.
Operate the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Van to provide safe and timely transportation for individuals that may be experiencing crisis.
Follow up and coordinate with other service providers to ensure clients are referred to appropriate supports.
Develop and maintain productive working relationships with program partners and other community agencies.

**Qualifications**:
**Education and Experience**:
Knowledge of social services programs within Boyle Street Community Services and other organizations within Edmonton
At least two years’ experience delivering community-based services preferred.
- Knowledge of evidence-based practices.
- Experience networking with a range of partners and stakeholders.
- Must have a valid class 5 license, and clean driver’s abstract.
- Criminal record and Child and Youth Information Systems checks are required.

**Skills, Abilities and Attitudes**:
Able to solve problems for clients quickly, creatively and ethically.
Able to work in a respectful and client-centered manner with effective communication.
Understand how to employ de-escalation techniques.
Able to work effectively as a team as well as independently.
Flexible and adaptable to change.
Able to plan and make decisions in a timely, organized and appropriate manner.
Physically demanding environment, ability to lift up to 50lbs and bend throughout the day

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Clients, staff and partners are vital members of the Boyle Street team, so we place emphasis on making sure that we address each other correctly. Pronouns are an important part of how we speak about people.
Pronouns might be:

-She/Her/Hers
-He/Him/His
-They/Them/Theirs
-And other pronouns that help individuals to express themselves
-The health and safety of our clients and staff is of the utmost importance to our organization. Per Boyle Street’s COVID-19 Policy, all new hires are required to be fully vaccinated as defined by Alberta Health Services.