Counsellor, Mobile Crisis Response Team

Overview Counsellor, Mobile Crisis Response Team Direct Service - (OPSEU) Full-Time, Contract (End Date: March 31, 2027) Two positions availableLocation: London & Strathroy, Ontario (London & Middlesex Zone)- Application Deadline: January 1, 2026 - Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) staff provide a psychosocial response to promote crisis resolution and empowerment for individuals in crisis. MCRT staff respond to mental health or addictions crises at the point of direct contact with police, de-escalate where possible, facilitate transitions to acute care when required, and connect individuals to appropriate community supports. MCRT collaborates with individuals to assess needs and link them to supports in the community. MCRT Middlesex-Strathroy staff work in a dedicated capacity supporting the Middlesex Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service (SCPS). *This grant provides access to valuable educational opportunities and covers uniform expenses Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team WHAT WE’RE OFFERING What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential based on regulation ($30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated): Successful candidates who are registered with designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour non-regulated, $37.26 per hour regulated); internal applicants follow the Collective Agreement Premiums of $2.00 for eligible Evening/Night and Weekend Shifts When you’ll work - 70 hours bi-weekly; Monday-Friday, with potential Saturday shifts and possible 4-day compressed workweek Your pension plan – Immediately eligible for optional enrolment in HOOPP What your benefits will be – 9% in lieu of benefits How you will be making a difference Direct Service: Work directly with police during regular hours to assist in de-escalation of crisis Complete mental health and addiction assessments with individuals and family members who come into contact with police, including rapid crisis management assessmentsImpact of psychiatric symptoms on functioning Risk factors related to safety Opportunities for de-escalation and stabilization Establish a therapeutic relationship to maximize engagement with the individual and family Provide short-term follow-up support to bridge referral to longer-term services Coordinate and facilitate referrals to internal and external services Advocate to remediate immediate crisis Engage emergency services when additional intervention is required Facilitate access to secondary healthcare services as part of an intervention, liaising with health professionals to ease transition to acute care Assess barriers to community living (e.g., treatment options, transportation, finances) Obtain information from relevant sources as needed Interact in a nonjudgmental manner, showing sensitivity to diversity Support self-advocacy and coping skills development Provide health teaching on coping strategies (grounding, breathing, self-care, etc.) Participate in death notifications and connect individuals to victim services when requested Act as a resource for officer wellness and system navigation Stay updated on current best practices and pursue professional development Meet with CMHA Leadership regularly to discuss training and service provisions Crisis Intervention: Provide short-term psychotherapeutic interventions within the crisis model Maintain calm, competent, and respectful practice in emergencies Apply harm reduction principles to reduce risk factors Crisis Follow-up: Refer for additional assessments as needed Help individuals identify and connect with supports Provide follow-up to bridge to longer-term services as appropriate Coordination and Advocacy: Demonstrate knowledge of community resources within the mental health and addiction care system Build relationships across service systems (CMHA, police partners, hospitals, etc.) Participate in committees and public education/advocacy as needed Act as liaison with caregivers and service providers to coordinate care Documentation, Privacy and Confidentiality: Document risk factors thoroughly Complete required participant documentation and time sheets Submit valid vehicle insurance annually Maintain accurate records of police incidents and follow-ups Maintain dual records per CMHA and policing partner requirements Compile program statistics to support funding proposals Adhere to privacy policies across police and CMHA platforms Prepare affidavits or statements as required by policing partner or court Testify professionally in hearings when required Teamwork: Participate as an active member of the multi-disciplinary team and ensure cross-training Adhere to health and safety provisions with police partners and CMHA Respect policing partners’ authority and directions Attend team and learning meetings, support staff, and share workload Monitor and report on service quality and advocate for improvements Represent CMHA and police partners professionally Contribute to a positive team environment Other duties as required 24/7 Reach Out Addiction and Mental Health Crisis Line responsibilities: Provide support through Reach Out (phone, text, web chat) Respond to voicemails from Reach Out Establish therapeutic relationships and address immediate concerns What you’ll need to apply Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements Successful candidates must have a PVSC completed in the last six months. PVSCs in the City of London currently take about 2 weeks to process. Offers of employment require receipt of a PVSC. We require the following qualifications Post-secondary education in a relevant field (social work, psychology, etc.). Primary proof of credentials required during hiring Current, satisfactory PVSC Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly We prefer the following qualifications Training in crisis intervention (ASIST) 3-5 years’ experience in mental health 2 years’ experience in mental health crisis intervention Experience with a range of mental illnesses and community-based work Extensive knowledge of community resources and barriers to access Knowledge of treatment, intervention, and support strategies Valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle Bilingualism in both official languages preferred Internal applicants : To be considered, current staff must apply using their cmhatv.ca or slwar.ca email address. Get your application in by – January 1, 2026 We appreciate interest from all applicants. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. We welcome applications from all community members and offer accommodations for disabilities during recruitment. Contact for accommodations. Legal Notifications: For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services. AI is not employed in our recruitment processes. #J-18808-Ljbffr