Crisis Support Worker Part-time with Possibility of

Victim Services of Peterborough and Northumberland provides immediate crisis response, intervention and prevention services which are responsive to the needs of individuals, families and communities affected by crime and sudden tragedies. Victim Services provides victims of any crime or tragedy with free, non-judgmental and confidential supportive services aimed at early intervention. We provide on-site or over the phone crisis intervention 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Victim Services is currently seeking a Crisis Support Worker, dedicated to providing a full range of services to victims, witnesses and families impacted by crime and trauma, including but not limited to, client intake, needs assessment, crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support and referrals, and to participate in stakeholder networks and public education.

**PRIMARY FUNCTION**
- To support the needs of victims of crime and tragic circumstance and provide a full range of trauma-informed, victim-centered supportive services, including, but not limited to, needs assessment, crisis intervention, case coordination, information sharing, emotional support and referrals to other community services.

**Essential Function # 1: Client Services and Reporting**

Under the direction of, and in co-operation with, the Executive Director:

- Provide emotional support and crisis intervention
- Provide information/support/assistance to clients
- Provide referrals to services for further support as appropriate, linking victims as needed
- Liaise with other professionals and advocate on behalf of clients as needed
- Maintain confidential client files in accordance with prescribed standards
- Work with clients from diverse backgrounds
- Field inquiries, in all forms, from the public and other stakeholders
- Contribute to updating the shared Directory of medical, legal and social services that are available in an assigned area for reference by volunteers, staff and community
- Support the needs of Victim Services of Peterborough and Northumberland as required and requested of this role

**Essential Function #2: After-Hours Team Support**

In co-operation with, and as back-up to staff, you will assist to:

- Provide practical support to the After-Hours Team during their shift, including, but not limited to, debriefing following their involvement with clients
- Address and deal with grievances and concerns as they arise, as per the agency’s policies and procedures

**Essential Function # 3: Outreach and Communications**

In co-operation with, and as back-up to staff, you will assist to:

- Develop and maintain close networking relations with referring and supporting agencies
- Provide value-added information and active participation at regular meetings with staff, the Board and Committee
- Support the needs of Victim Services of Peterborough and Northumberland as required/requested

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**
- Previous experience working with persons in crisis or persons who are experiencing trauma.
- College degree or University degree or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system and other multi-disciplinary systems including child protection, health and education.
- Knowledge of safety planning crisis response and crisis intervention.
- Knowledge of services provided by community and governmental agencies.

**Area of Education Specialization**

Social Work, Sociology or related program of study, accompanied by Victimology Graduate Certificate and/or Volunteer Management Certificate.

**WORKING CONDITIONS**
- Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm; On-call support as required, including stats/holidays.
- A valid Ontario driver’s license, insurance and a reliable vehicle is required to fulfill requirements of this position.
- Successful completion of a detailed criminal background check.
- All responsibilities will be performed in keeping with policies and procedures set out by VSPN.
- This position exposes the incumbent to possible vicarious trauma that results from empathetic engagement with recently traumatized clients.

**Job Type**: Part-time

**Salary**: $22.00 per hour

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

**Education**:

- DCS / DEC (preferred)

**Experience**:

- crisis intervention: 3 years (required)

Work Location: One location