Mental Health Crisis Counselor

**ABOUT MADISON**:
Madison Community Services is a non-profit agency that promotes the independence, health, recovery and community integration of persons with mental health challenges through the provision of mental health case management, supportive housing and a broad range of other programs and services. Madison’s Recovery during Immigration and Settlement (RISE) program which is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides a range of community-based holistic supports and services to newcomers living in Toronto, who experience mental health and addiction challenges during their settlement process.

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The Mental Health Crisis Counselor (MHCC) will provide short-term crisis counselling support and intervention to RISE clients experiencing emotional distress and/or are in a crisis situation. The MHCC will assist RISE clients with strengthening their constructive coping skills, making referrals to community mental health resources and becoming self-sufficient in daily living activities. Reporting to the Program Manager, Case Management Programs, and the MHCC is responsible for providing brief-counseling and recovery-focused supports to clients in the following areas: psychosocial assessment, planning and treatment, care coordination, referral, monitoring and evaluation.

**DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND RELATED TASKS**
- Provide information and strategies for health and mental health promotion and crisis prevention.
- Respond and provide on-site crisis assessments, intervention and support to clients experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Provide brief counselling and referrals for clients experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Assist RISE Mental Health Case Managers in supporting clients to access mental health specialists and/or hospitals and to coordinate referrals, and follow-up to appropriate community support services.
- Liaise with families and friends, mental health specialists, police, emergency service personnel, and facilities to assist individuals requiring acute care admission under the Mental Health Act.
- Consult with the RISE team and community partner staff to determine the needs for peer support, parenting, trauma-focused and/or therapeutic oriented groups.
- Maintain confidentiality, program targets, and proper documentation as per the agency’s policies, procedures, standards and all applicable legislations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Manager, Case Management Programs or a designate in the absence of the Program Manager.

**QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS**
- University degree relevant to mental health & addictions is required.
- At least one-year recent related experience in formal counselling work.
- Registered with a counselling or social work college and is in good standing.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English is required.
- Fluency in a second language is an asset.
- Demonstrated assessment, crisis intervention and de-escalation skills with broad knowledge of emergency mental health and crisis stabilization.
- A strong commitment to, and knowledge of, recovery principles, harm reduction approach and anti-oppressive practice.
- Demonstrated understanding and sensitivity to social and cultural diversity.
- Familiar with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
- Strong understanding of immigration, settlement and acculturation related stress and mental health challenges in newcomer populations.
- Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of mental health symptoms, issues, psychotropic medications and associated side effects.
- Demonstrated advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
- Ability to effectively utilize community resources and supports to meet the needs of clients.
- Anticipates client difficulties or crises and applies crisis theory during these situations as appropriate.
- Use of appropriate skills and resources to intervene with aggression behaviour and suicidal behaviour to maintain safety for all individuals.
- Ability to work under pressure within a changing environment.
- Flexible to work evenings or weekends if and when required
- Vulnerable Sector Background Check / Clearance is required.
- Training in CPR, First Aid and ASIST is an asset.

We encourage all applicant to review Madison’s website to learn more about us at

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

**Salary**: $29.00-$31.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Application question(s):

- Are you registered with a counselling or social work college and is in good standing?

**Education**:

- Master's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2022-08-26