Crisis Counsellor

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)

CRISIS COUNSELLOR

Victim Services Toronto (VST) provides trauma-informed support and advocacy in the moment for any person in Toronto who has experienced crime or sudden tragedy. We also work to prevent violence through community engagement.

VST is an equal opportunity employer who values the importance of antiracism work and is committed to integrating antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion throughout VST operations, policies, culture and hiring practices. We are dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve.

Position Type: 1 full time, permanent 10-6 (M-F)

Reports To: Director of CRP

Position: Crisis Counsellor

Salary : 57,000 - 60,000+, commensurate with relevant education and experience.
- _________________________________POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Crisis Counselor provides short-term intensive crisis counseling and intervention services to vulnerable victims of crimes and sudden tragedies. This specialized role involves working with individuals affected by a range of traumatic events, including but not limited to homicide, attempted homicide, human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, gun violence, and robbery. Additionally, the counselor supports those impacted by sudden tragedies such as suicide, motor vehicle or workplace accidents, and sudden death.

Services are delivered in a client-centered and trauma-informed manner, ensuring that everyone’s unique needs and circumstances are prioritized. The Crisis Counselor meets clients in locations of their choice, including the VST office, their homes, or other safe locations, offering flexibility and accessibility to those in need. The focus is on providing immediate emotional support, stabilization, and resource linkage to help clients navigate the aftermath of traumatic events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Crisis Intervention & Victim Support
- Receive referrals from Toronto Police Service, Clients and Community Partners promptly and action the referral based on presenting needs
- Provide on-scene assistance, virtually and over the phone support to victims and survivors
- Provide community debriefing as requested for traumatic events
- Conduct comprehensive needs assessments resulting from a crime and sudden tragedy
- Provide immediate emotional support and arrange for practical support for victims of crime and sudden tragedy, aiding help manage crisis situations
- Work collaboratively with clients in developing and implementing a personalized safety plan, urgent advocacy or travel letters and keep confidential case note documentation
- Offer compassionate, non-judgmental, culturally responsive, client-centered, and trauma-informed therapeutic interventions
- Meet with clients in person or virtually to collect necessary documentation for VQRP; upload documentation to file and submit with referral
- Submit proof of payment or service to on call afterhours and Director for billing purposes
- Advocate and connect clients to appropriate internal case management programs as well as external health, social service, community and justice systems
- Link clients to appropriate community resources and services that meet their ongoing needs, including counseling, housing, or financial support
- **Work within a client-centered approach, emphasizing the autonomy and empowerment** of individuals in their journey toward recovery
- Effectively manage high volume of cases while ensuring timely responses to incoming calls from clients and law enforcement
- Prioritize cases based on immediate need and urgency, maintaining a focus on client well-being

Eligibility Assessment & VQRP Funded Services
- Assess victims' eligibility for VQRP+ funded services and make referral for case management where applicable
- Ensure immediate needs for food, shelter, and safety are met after hours, and provide ongoing practical support during the crisis
- Ensure documentation is received and uploaded to the file in an ethical and timely manner

Police Collaboration & On-Scene Assistance
- Respond promptly to requests from law enforcement for assistance at crime scenes or in emergency situations
- Offer direct support to victims and witnesses in collaboration with police officers, ensuring safety and coordination of services

Suicide Risk Assessment & Support
- Complete thorough Suicide Risk Assessments for individuals in crisis and at risk
- Provide appropriate referrals and connect clients to mental health supports or intervention services Interagency Communication & Collaboration
- Actively communicate and collaborate with key service providers, including police, emergency medical services (EMS), fire departments, hospitals, and CAS
- Coordinate and facilitate support for clients from various agencies to meet comprehensive needs 24/7
- Provide immediate and on scene support in cases of mass victimization events and engage in mass victimization response protocol

Supervi