National Suicide and Distress Crisis Line Worker

**_National Suicide and Distress Crisis Line Worker_**

**(Part-time - 24 hours per week)**

For over 50 years Distress Centre has served Calgary and Southern Alberta, providing 24-hour crisis support, information, and resources at no cost. Distress Centre does not define crisis. We do not judge. Anyone can call us day or night.

**_ What to expect in the role:_**

**Job overview**

The Crisis Line Worker provides support, information, and referrals for people in crisis through the phone and text. This includes assessing suicide risk, creating safety plans, de-escalating calls, and helping callers explore resources they can access for support.

**Primary Duties**

This is not an exhaustive list of duties but meant to give you a sense of what you’ll be doing on a regular basis. Other related duties may be required.
Answer National Crisis Line (90%)
- Following the Roberts Model of Crisis Intervention work with callers to assess risk, create safety plans, and provide empathy and support.
- Provide compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental crisis support to those in need.
- As needed, provide information on and connection to community resources.
- Assess suicidal risk and other relevant risks according to Distress Centre and national line procedures
- Make follow-up contacts to check in on the safety of service users as needed.
- Alert Contact Centre Coordinators (CCC) of any high-risk calls and follow instructions as directed.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of all interactions according to Distress Centre and national line procedures.

Other (5%)
- General contact Centre maintenance including light housekeeping such as emptying the dishwasher, vacuuming, and cleaning workstations.
- Attend regularly scheduled training sessions, meetings and workshops to stay updated on best practices in crisis intervention and related areas.

**Hours of work and conditions**

Part-time staff:

- Three overnight 8-hour shifts per week (e.g. Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- On-site work is required during the first 3 months of employment. After that a minimum of 1 shift per week will be onsite with options for some remote work.
- Comfortable working with and ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.

**_ What you bring to the role:_**

**Qualifications/Experience**
- High School Diploma is required.
- Experience volunteering with Distress Centre or another crisis service.
- Gender-Based Analysis+ Certification.
- Brain Story Certification.

**Skills/Abilities**:

- Strong critical thinking and assessment skills.
- Ability to work independently and in consultation with Contact Centre Coordinators when required.
- Boundary-setting and termination skills with callers.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Basic technological skills including computer skills, ability to use multiple software and adjust headset audio.

**Core Competencies**:
**Client/Service Centered Work** - you make clients the ultimate focus of our agency, team, and individual choices and actions.

**Partnerships, Relationships, & Teamwork** - you build and maintain productive, collaborative working relationships within and across groups, both internally and externally, to accomplish our common goals.

**Communication** - you clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of media in a way that engages the audience and helps them to understand and inviting dialogue and inciting action where appropriate.

**Diversity, Equity & Inclusion** - we build and sustain an inclusive work environment where all individuals are welcomed, supported, respected, and valued for their unique experiences, perspectives, talents, and contributions.

**Change Management** - you maintain your team and personal effectiveness when being impacted by changes within the organization.

**Self-Management** - you take responsibility for yourself and your actions.

**_ What Distress Centre has to offer:_**
- Opportunity to work for an organization that’s making a difference in our community
- A great working environment with supportive colleagues
- Opportunities for learning and mentorship, including paid development days and a staff development fund
- Competitive salary
- Benefits that include a matching RRSP
- Paid vacation time starting at 9 days