Crisis Counsellor

Distress Centre Calgary -
Calgary, AB

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Job details

Qualifications

Master's degree
Case management
Psychology
Organizational skills
Social Work
Communication skills

Full job description

Crisis Counsellor

Location & Hours

Work location: On-site at Distress Centre Calgary (999 8 St SW, Suite 500).

Hours: Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with one evening (11:00 am to 7:00 pm) a week as required.

What We Offer

Generous Vacation Entitlement
RRSP matching and Health Spending Account
Extended health and dental benefits
Access to on-site gym at no cost
Paid development days and a staff development fund
A supportive, mission-driven workplace where you can grow, take on new challenges, and collaborate with colleagues that value integrity, hard work, and making a meaningful community impact

Who We Are

For over 50 years, Distress Centre has served Calgary and Southern Alberta by 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.

We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace where employees are valued, experience a sense of belonging, and are confident in being their most authentic selves. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and members of equity-deserving groups. We value all the ways that our community is diverse – in identity, experience and perspective.

What to Expect

The Crisis Counsellor reports to the Clinical Services Manager and provides short-term, brief crisis counselling services to individuals, couples, and families. This role also supports intake and service access as needed, including assessing referrals, prioritizing urgency, and helping connect people to appropriate supports. The work requires sound clinical judgment, timely documentation, and the ability to respond effectively in a fast-paced environment.

What You’ll Do

This list highlights core responsibilities and is not exhaustive. Additional related duties may arise over time and will be discussed and supported by your supervisor.

Provide crisis counselling to individuals, couples, and families.
Conduct psychosocial assessments, including SRS and ORS, and other assessments as appropriate to inform interventions in collaboration with clients and in consultation with the Clinical Services Manager.
Develop and implement short-term, brief counselling interventions based on assessed needs and clinical goals.
Provide appropriate referrals and coordinated connections to community supports as needed.
Maintain accurate clinical records and complete documentation in a timely manner.
Participate in weekly individual supervision with the Clinical Services Manager, as well as case conferencing and other scheduled clinical supports.
Participate in training and ongoing professional development.
Provide emergency appointments and service coverage as requested by the Clinical Services Manager.
Assess intake referrals and prioritize urgency according to program requirements.
Complete intake assessment documentation in a timely manner according to program standards.
Supervise practicum students as needed.
Attend staff meetings and share relevant clinical updates as appropriate.

What You Bring

Master of Social Work or Psychology degree.
Must be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) or the corresponding professional regulatory body (for example, the College of Alberta Psychologists).
Demonstrated experience providing short-term counselling and crisis intervention services.
Experience conducting psychosocial assessments and developing intervention plans in a clinical setting.
Experience working both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Ability to manage change, unexpected issues, or shifting priorities with appropriate support.
Clear and respectful verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to tailor communication based on the audience or context.
Strong clinical judgment, including the ability to assess risk, prioritize needs, and respond appropriately in crisis situations.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in relation to documentation and case management.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality while working with individuals in crisis.
Experience using Microsoft 365 and other relevant software and databases.
Proven ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, demonstrating strong interpersonal and cultural awareness skills.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter through our ADP Career Centre.

Distress Centre is an inclusive workplace. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know. If you require accommodation during the application process, please call our main office and ask to speak to Human Resources.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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