Cmhc, Crisis Support Worker

Title:
Community Mental Health Counsellor, Crisis Support Worker

Reports To:
Supervisor, Short Stay Crisis Support Program

Effective Date:
August 2019 - Revised February 2025

**Location**:
Mississauga and Brampton, Canada

Role Type:
Bargaining, Full-Time

**Position Summary**:
Reporting to the Program Supervisor, the CMHC, Crisis Support Worker will be responsible for supporting individuals in a residential setting on a short-term basis who are experiencing a mental health and/or addiction crisis and who are in conflict with the criminal justice system. The program is intended to divert persons from incarceration, the justice system, and/or unnecessary hospitalization by providing them with voluntary community crisis accommodation and support.

The individual will be responsible for coordinating services, advocating on behalf of, and developing plans to support recovery and stabilization of our clients. The individual will also ensure support is received to de-escalate and stabilize the initial crisis, and to connect clients with the services and supports they need to enable stable, community living that address their health and wellbeing over the longer term.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Provide support to individuals with serious mental health and/or addiction challenges in a short term residential environment as well as crisis mediation, advocacy, and/or coordination of services with various care partners from the mental health, addictions and justice system
- Maintain a conducive environment to allow for psychological stabilization, person centered support that operates 24/7
- Carry out preliminary assessment, intake, and admission processes of clients
- Develop individual person-centered service plans addressing the immediate short term needs, along with clinical and psychosocial supports
- Develop and implement best recovery-based strategies in partnership with clients
- Liaise with community support and partners (i.e. mental health and addiction service providers, justice partners, police, courts, landlords, primary care, and family members) for client’s recovery and reintegration by accessing income supports, work with families, crisis intervention/prevention, advocacy, referrals to other services, etc.
- Provide crisis support and counseling
- Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
- Support for the appropriate use of medication
- Some light housekeeping duties are required
- Adhere to agency Health & Safety Program and the Client Safety Framework in the promotion of client safety - Demonstrates a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values - Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Health Services, or equivalent
- 3+ years’ experience with Mental Health Crisis Management and/or Addiction Counseling
- 3+ years’ experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or equivalent
- Member of Ontario Association of Social Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapist, or equivalent is an asset
- Experience with OCANS, Columba’s, or full Individual and group counselling skills is considered an asset
- Demonstrated knowledge of serious mental illness, concurrent disorders, and/or dual diagnosis, and experience with intake services
- Excellent proven experience with the mental health population while collaborating with partners and other community resources is essential
- Knowledge and commitment to the values of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery oriented practices. Knowledge of mental health and addictions/justice support services
- Knowledge of psychiatric symptomology and psychiatric medication as well as suicide assessment and intervention
- Excellent time management, communication, people management, etc.
- Proven ability to work with multiple internal teams to create successful synergies
- Able to work with mínimal direction or supervision
- Highly flexible, with solid interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse working environment
- Excellent assessment, risk management, and crisis intervention
- Expertise in collaboration with healthcare services
- Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
- A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
- Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
- Training in ASIST and CPI

**Reporting Function**:
The CMHC, Crisis Support Worker will report directly to the Program Supervisor. They will not have any Supervisory responsibilities.
- They will work with both internal and external customers and will interact with all levels within the organization...

**Working Conditions and Physical Requirements**:

- This is a part-time position to fill existing vacancies
- Shift work (Days, Evenings, Overnights, Saturday - Sunday) with the ability to work excess/overtime