Counsellor, Crisis Assessment Team
Direct Service – (OPSEU)
Full-Time, Permanent (Benefitted)
London, Ontario (London Zone)
This posting is the result of an upcoming vacancy.
Application Deadline: July 13, 2026
Within the mission, philosophy, policies and procedures of the organization, and the College of Nurses/College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers/College of Occupational Therapists standards the Crisis Assessment Worker, Crisis Assessment Team (CAT) will work with clients in crisis, to assess the nature and scope of the crisis and taking appropriate action in a manner consistent with the psychosocial rehabilitation model.
This position will include supporting clients at the Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre, supporting in other areas of the Crisis Services Department including Reach Out, or at the Strathroy Site. The CAT Worker works collaboratively with clients, peers and the community to enhance the physical and mental health of clients experiencing mental illness.
Depending on the needs of the client in crisis, supports may be provided in-person or virtually; at the Crisis Centre and/or in community hospitals.
Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!
WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:
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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):
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Successful candidates who are registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation
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Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated)
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For internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement
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When you'll work - 70 hours over two-week period; Predominantly Monday-Friday 7am-2pm, and one weekend shift per month
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What your benefits will be - 9% in lieu of benefits
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Your pension plan – Immediately eligible for optional enrolment in Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE:
Assessment-In collaboration with the participant:-
Complete bio-psychosocial mental health assessments based on theory of crisis management including rapid response, risk assessment, de-escalation, stabilization, and referral to determine needs and level of risk
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Establish a therapeutic relationship to maximize the benefits of engagement with the client
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Refer to psychiatric clinic as deemed appropriate
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Assess the adequacy of resources/supports currently available to the client and make referrals to applicable community resources as appropriate
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Determine the impact of psychiatric symptoms on functioning
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Identify risk factors related to relapse as well as the safety of staff and clients
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Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g. treatment options, transportation, finances, etc.)
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Obtain information, as needed, from other relevant sources
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Ensure the assessment incorporates cultural and ethnic factors
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Identify areas requiring additional assessment
Crisis Intervention:-
Provide short-term, psychotherapeutic intervention to assist participants in gaining insight and improving coping skills within the framework of the crisis model
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Perform in a calm, competent and efficient manner in an emergency situation acknowledging the participant’s need for privacy and dignity
Crisis Management – Follow-up:-
Advocate as necessary in order to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating immediate crisis situation
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Support the participant to access needed resources
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Refer clients for additional assessments as is determined to be necessary and/or appropriate
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Assist the participant to identify and connect with personal/natural supports
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Provide short-term follow-up support to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer-term support service
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Provide follow-up check in with clients accessing services
Service Coordination and Advocacy:-
Have knowledge about community resources relevant to clients, including other mental health services, entitlement and benefit programs, (e.g. ODSP, Ontario Works, London Housing, etc.)
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Identify, develop and maintain good links with a wide range of community resources
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Assist the client to obtain needed resources by educating and supporting the participant to access resources, linking the client to appropriate services, advocating with or for the client when needed
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Demonstrate knowledge of community resources and its place within the mental health care system
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Assist in building positive working relationships across the service system including the organization and hospital
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Participate in public education and advocacy
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Coordinate and facilitate with clients, linkages to recommended services and supports in the community
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When appropriate, act as liaison with caregivers and/or service and support providers who are involved with the client to facilitate a coordinated approach to service provision
Information and Referral:-
Provide assistance to clients seeking support, face-to-face appointments and/or information about mental health services and supports
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Provide health teaching and information regarding a variety of coping techniques and strategies
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Assist participants in developing strategies for managing their health needs according to resources and personal skills available
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Assist participants in making healthier choices
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Collaborate with community agencies to enhance continuity of care
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Provide information and advocate regarding resources within both the broader mental health system & the community in general
Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery:-
Collaborate with the client and the team to provide a holistic approach and assist in developing goals and the “plan of care”
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Support the client in developing skills for self-advocacy.
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Interact and provide support in a nonjudgmental fashion and provide care that demonstrates sensitivity to client diversity (e.g. culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs and values)
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Assist in motivating clients to learn new behaviours and develop coping skills.
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Foster healthy interdependence through limit setting
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Assist client to recognize strengths and minimize challenges by identifying potential risks to health
Reach Out responsibilities:-
Provide crisis intervention services and supports on the Reach Out Crisis line via phone, text and web chat. Respond to voicemails from the Reach Out Crisis line.
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Establish a therapeutic relationship with callers to the Reach Out line, and work with these clients to address their immediate concerns
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY:
Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements
Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 5 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.
We require the following qualifications:
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Post-secondary education in a relevant field of study, e.g. social work, psychology, or a related discipline (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
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Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
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Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly
We prefer the following qualifications:
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Current Ontario driver’s license
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Registration with a professional college (i.e. OCSWSSW, CNO, CRPO, CPSO, COTO, CPO)
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Current First Aid/CPR Certificate
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Bilingual both official languages, preferred; une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux langues officielles du Canada
INTERNAL APPLICANTS: To be considered as an internal applicant, current staff members are reminded to apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.
Get your application in by – July 13, 2026:
Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team.
We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]
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Legal Notifications:
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For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
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Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes
