Counsellor, Crisis Assessment Team
Direct Service - (OPSEU)
Full-Time, Permanent (benefitted)

This posting is the result of an upcoming vacancy.
London, Ontario (London Zone)
- Application Deadline: October 27, 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 participants 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:

- 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):
- 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
- 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); for internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement
- Premiums of $2.00 per hour will be applied for eligible Evening/Night (8:00pm – 7:00am) and Weekend Shifts.

- When you'll work –70 hours biweekly; 2pm-9pm with one weekend rotation in four
- Your pension plan – Immediately enrolled in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
- What your benefits will be – After a 90-day waiting period, will be enrolled in extended healthcare advantages

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
- Establish a therapeutic relationship to maximize the benefits of engagement with the client
- Refer to psychiatric clinic as deemed appropriate
- Assess the adequacy of resources/supports currently available to the client and make referrals to applicable community resources as appropriate
- Determine the impact of psychiatric symptoms on functioning




- Identify risk factors related to relapse as well as the safety of staff and clients
- Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g. treatment options, transportation, finances, etc.)
- Obtain information, as needed, from other relevant sources
- Ensure the assessment incorporates cultural and ethnic factors
- 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
- Perform in a calm, competent and efficient manner in an emergency situation acknowledging the participant's need for privacy and dignity
- Utilize harm reduction principles to identify, reduce and remove risk factors

Crisis Management – Follow-up:

- Advocate as necessary in order to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating immediate crisis situation
- Support the participant to access needed resources
- Refer clients for additional assessments as is determined to be necessary and/or appropriate
- Assist the participant to identify and connect with personal/natural supports
- Provide short-term follow-up support to bridge the gap from referral to engagement with a longer-term support service
- 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.)
- Identify, develop and maintain good links with a wide range of community resources
- Assist the client to obtain n

📌 Counsellor, Crisis Assessment Team (London)
🏢 CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
📍 London