Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Crisis Centre First Contact Direct Service (OPSEU)

Location: London, Ontario (London Zone)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent (Benefitted)

Application Deadline: September 21, 2026

Work Hours: 70 hours biweekly; overnight shifts, including scheduled weekends.

What We’re Offering

Salary: Starting rate $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service). The wage differential based on regulation is $30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated. Successful candidates registered with designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, CPO) receive the wage differential for regulation. External applicants start at Level 1, with grid progression up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated). For internal applicants, grid level placement as per the Collective Agreement. Premiums of $2.00 per hour applied for eligible Evening/Night (8:00pm – 7:00am) and Weekend Shifts.

Pension: Immediately enrolled in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).

Health Benefits: After a 90‑day waiting period, enrolled in extended health care perks.

Responsibilities / How You Will Be Making a Difference

- Respond to in‑person and phone referrals for service.
- Work collaboratively with referral sources to ensure a smooth transition to services for clients.
- Contribute to a welcoming and supportive environment for participants attending the site.
- Complete mental health and addictions assessments and interventions based on the theory of crisis management, including rapid response, risk assessment, de‑escalation, stabilization, and referral to determine participant needs and level of risk.
- Utilize interventions consistent with a harm reduction approach for participants with substance abuse problems.
- Establish a therapeutic relationship to maximize the benefits of engagement between staff and client.
- Provide short‑term follow‑up support to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer‑term support service as needed.
- Coordinate and facilitate linkages to appropriate services and supports in the community.




- Advocate as necessary in order to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating the immediate crisis situation.
- Provide information regarding resources found within both the broader mental health system and the community in general.
- Engage emergency services when additional intervention is required.
- Act as a liaison with caregivers and/or support providers involved with the participant to facilitate a coordinated approach to service provision.
- Provide referrals to other services within the organization such as the CAT team and Transitional Case Management Team, as necessary.
- Provide health teaching and information regarding coping techniques and strategies, e.g. grounding, breathing techniques, self‑care, nutrition, sleep hygiene, techniques to enhance overall well‑being, and the completion of crisis plans.
- Provide short‑term, psychotherapeutic intervention to assist individuals in gaining insight and improving coping skills within the framework of the crisis model.
- Perform in a calm, competent and efficient manner in an emergency situation acknowledging the individual's need for privacy and dignity.
- Utilize harm reduction principles to identify, reduce and remove risk factors related to substance use.
- Refer individuals for additional assessments as needed and/or appropriate.
- Assist individuals in identifying and connecting with personal, natural, and professional support to promote overall well‑being.
- Provide follow‑up support and/or check‑ins to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer‑term support service as appropriate.
- Facilitate debriefing sessions for individuals and groups.

Requirements / What You’ll Need To Apply

- Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months (PVSC).
- Degree or diploma in a mental health or addictions related field,



or a degree or diploma in an unrelated field with a minimum of three years' employment experience in a direct‑service mental health and addictions role (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process). Original degree/diploma or official transcript.
- Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC).
- Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly.
- First Aid & CPR, WHMIS Training, Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST.
- 3 years of experience working in mental health; 2 years of experience in mental health crisis intervention.
- Experience with, and detailed knowledge of, mild, moderate & serious mental illnesses, usually gained by several years of working with this population.
- Experience working in a community‑based setting; preferably with an established network of service & support resources.
- Bilingual in both official languages, preferred. (Une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux langues officielles du Canada.)
- For internal applicants, current staff members are reminded to apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

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].

Get your application in by – September 21, 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.

Legal Notifications: For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services. Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes. Powered by JazzHR.

📌 Chocolate Lovers Wanted! – Seasonal Retail Sales Associates P/T (London)
🏢 Brand Momentum
📍 London