988 Suicide & Crisis Help Line

Your Support Services Network•Aurora, ON

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The 9-8-8 Crisis Response Worker provides immediate assessment and support to individuals who call and text the 9-8-8 call line. The 9-8-8 call line is a national mental health call line for individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide and/or emotional distress. Positions cover both 988 telephone and text calls. Primary goals of service are to establish initial contact with callers to the 9-8-8 call line, provide assessment and intervention to stabilize crisis and to support individuals collaboratively in the development of a plan to reduce risk and promote safety and recovery. Through evidence-based mental health interventions, promote relapse prevention and transition to longer term supports and recovery activities where appropriate. Please note: This position involves supporting individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, trauma, grief, and other mental health crises. Responders may be exposed to difficult, emotionally intense, and potentially distressing conversations on a regular basis. While comprehensive training, clinical consultation, supervision, and wellness supports are provided, applicants should carefully consider their personal resilience, self-care practices, and ability to work effectively in a high-pressure crisis intervention environment. This position is primarily a remote work environment with monthly in-office team meetings

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related discipline (i.e. Health Sciences)
Minimum three years related experience
Experience working with individuals having a serious mental illness is essential
Knowledge of the local service system is essential
Completion of CPI, CPR and ASIST training as per agency guidelines
A valid G Drivers License, access to a reliable vehicle and adequate insurance coverage for business responsibilities, OR access to reliable transportation.
Must be within a commutable daily distance from the office and/or service area.
Successful candidates will be required to submit proof of a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization directly to the Human Resources department.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and practice of short-term urgent response, psychosocial rehabilitation approach and advanced clinical, crisis and assessment skills are assets
Crisis skills for adults and children experiencing a mental health crisis are desirable
Experience and knowledge of the criminal justice system is an asset
Second language is considered an asset
An understanding of cultural diversity is considered an asset

Responsibilities

Provide immediate assessment and support to individuals who call and text the 9-8-8 call line.
Establish initial contact with callers to the 9-8-8 call line.
Provide assessment and intervention to stabilize crisis.
Support individuals collaboratively in the development of a plan to reduce risk and promote safety and recovery.
Through evidence-based mental health interventions, promote relapse prevention and transition to longer term supports and recovery activities where appropriate.