Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg, Inc.
* JOB POSTING *
Position: MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS COUNSELLOR
Department: Clinical Department
Site: Indigenous-led Safer Consumption Site
Address: 366 Henry Ave.
Reports to: SCS Program Manager, SCS Director, AHWC Chief Medical Officer
Status: 1.0 FTE (37.5hrs/weekly)
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00am - 6:45pm
Union: Manitoba Association of Healthcare Professionals (MAHCP)
Salary: $43.585, $44.894, $46.241, $47.628, $49.056, $50.527
Date: June 29, 2026 – March 31, 2027 (high likelihood of extension)
JOB OVERVIEW
Under the general direction of the Safer Consumption Site (SCS) Director, the Crisis Counsellor provides front-line, participant-centered crisis intervention, counselling, and systems navigation within AHWC’s Indigenous-led SCS. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team and allied healthcare providers, the Crisis Counsellor provides acute psychosocial support, harm reduction education, and crisis stabilization services to participants experiencing mental health, substance use, and psychosocial crises.
The role includes responding to medical and behavioural emergencies, including overdose situations, acute mental health crises, and death response, while maintaining a trauma-informed, culturally safe, and non-judgmental approach. Grounded in AHWC’s Vision, Mission, and Values, the Crisis Counsellor fosters a welcoming, compassionate environment that supports Indigenous self-determination, healing, dignity, and safety for all participants accessing services.
This supervised consumption site will initially operate as an interim, all-weather operation situated out of mobile units and located in the parking lot of the permanent site, which is currently under construction. Upon completion of the permanent site, operations will move indoors and will be expanded to include a micro-team for Primary Care and Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine service delivery.
The Crisis Counsellor demonstrates understanding and respect for the histories, cultures, and lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, including the ongoing impacts of colonialism and the importance of decolonizing healthcare systems and spaces.
EDUCATION
· Completion of a recognized degree or diploma in Social Services, Psychology, Social Work, or a related health discipline required.
· Master’s degree considered an asset.
· Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered at AHWC’s discretion.
EXPERIENCE
· Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing addictions, mental health, crisis intervention, or trauma-informed support at a professional or para-professional level.
· Proven experience supporting individuals navigating active substance use, complex addictions, and concurrent mental health disorders within harm reduction, low-barrier, or community-based care environments.
· Strong background in systems navigation with a demonstrated ability to actively connect individuals experiencing complex social needs to housing, treatment, and community resources.
· Demonstrated expertise in crisis intervention theory, comprehensive risk assessment, and collaborative safety planning.
· Deep understanding of trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented practices, and mental health promotion.
· Familiarity with relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act, Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), and Child and Family Services Act, is considered an asset.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
· Profound commitment to harm reduction principles, with advanced skills in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and risk assessment to manage acute mental health and psychosocial emergencies.
· Proven expertise in addictions support and proactive systems navigation to successfully connect participants with wrap-around community resources.
· Exceptional communication and therapeutic engagement skills, with the ability to maintain independent clinical judgment within an interdisciplinary team.
· Strong organizational, documentation, and problem-solving abilities within fast-paced, high-acuity environments.
· Deep commitment to trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally safe practices that reflect an understanding of Indigenous cultural safety and the social determinants of health.
· Working knowledge of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems is considered an asset.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
· ASIST certification or willingness to obtain.
· Mental Health First Aid and/or Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training considered an asset.
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
· Ability to work within a high-demand, community-based clinical environment.
· Frequent exposure to emotionally intense, crisis-driven situations.
· Ability to respond effectively to emergencies, including overdose and medical crises.
· Ability to stand, walk, and perform light physical tasks for extended periods.
· Capacity to manage competing priorities and frequent interruptions.
· Strong emotional resilience and coping skills required.
· Ability to maintain professional boundaries in complex and high-stress environments.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Crisis Intervention and Clinical Support
· Provide immediate crisis assessment, intervention, stabilization, and brief therapeutic counseling/supportive interventions within scope of practice.
· Respond directly to mental health, substance use, and psychosocial emergencies, including overdose and death response.
· Conduct risk assessments, develop collaborative safety plans, and use de-escalation techniques to support emotional regulation during acute distress.
Systems Navigation and Case Support
· Assist participants in navigating complex healthcare and social systems, providing warm handoffs and referrals to housing, addiction, and community services.
· Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure continuity of care.
· Ensure full compliance with the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) regarding the secure use, storage, documentation, and destruction of personal health information.
Participant Care and Engagement
· Welcome and build trusting, trauma-informed rapport with all participants, including Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) and non-Indigenous individuals, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.
· Provide non-judgmental, harm reduction-based care that fosters dignity and supports participant-led goals for wellness and recovery.
· Provide psychoeducation on mental health, substance use, coping strategies, and available resources.
Documentation and Coordination
· Complete accurate, timely clinical documentation using SOAP format or organizational standards while maintaining strict PHIA confidentiality.
· Communicate participant status changes to the team and participate in case discussions, meetings, and operational briefings.
Safety, Operations, and Team Collaboration
· Respond to emergency codes, maintain strict awareness of safety protocols, and collaborate with the Responsible Person in Charge (RPIC) to ensure safe operations.
· Support the overall functioning of the SCS team within scope of role and professional practice standards.
· Is a ‘Helper’ – completes other duties as assigned, when required, as part of the SCS team, not exceeding stated skills and capabilities.
DECISION MAKING
· Ability to independently assess and respond to crises within scope of role.
· Ability to determine when escalation or consultation is required.
· Ability to apply clinical judgment and evidence-informed practice in urgent situations.
· Ability to prioritize competing demands in dynamic environments.
All positions are subject to criminal record and adult/child abuse registry checks. Applicants may be required to undergo testing to determine the knowledge, skill, and ability required for position.
AHWC is committed to equity and inclusion and is on an earnest journey to increase responsiveness to Indigenous peoples by promoting a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, those with personal and/or familial lived experience, and members of equity-seeking groups. Qualified applicants are encouraged to self-declare in their application, though declaration verification is required for this role.
Please submit cover letter, resume, and three work related references to:
[email protected]
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $42.04-$48.73 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
Flexible language requirement:
Work Location: In person
