Identifying Information
Job Title: Crisis Responder, Permanent Part-Time Position
Program Area: Crisis Services
Job Level: Community Resource Specialist / Crisis Responder
Reports to: Team Lead, Contact Centre
Salary / Payrate: $22.56 - $30.73
# of Vacancies: 3
Shift / Rotation: Friday - Sunday 10AM 6PM
Thursday Saturday 7AM 3PM
Thursday Saturday 4PM Midnight

Organization Summary
CMHA-Edmonton is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that all people experience good mental health and well-being. We increase awareness and understanding of mental health, mental illness, recovery, and suicide prevention through education. We support the resilience and recovery of people in distress including those affected by mental illness or suicide by providing crisis intervention; safe, long-term and affordable housing; peer support; suicide grief and family support; information and referral support; and providing opportunities to improve your wellness.

Job Summary
Reporting to the Team Lead, Contact Centre the Crisis Responder is responsible for taking crisis interactions and providing confidential, nonjudgmental supportive listening for help seekers. The Crisis Services program provides 24-hour crisis lines, including the Distress Line, Rural Distress Line, Senior Abuse Helpline and Brite Line. In addition, this role will respond to text and phone-based interactions to support partnership with 988, a national suicide specific crisis line which provides emotional support, connection to resources and intervention for people in crisis who are experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Responds to voice and text interactions for CMHAs partnership with 988
Responds to interactions from help seekers via CMHA-Edmonton Crisis Services
Provide emotional support and active listening for clients experiencing a myriad of crises related to suicide and mental health.
Effectively and factually documents key details and statistical information from interactions.
Schedules and carry out telephone follow up and outreach calls for clients experiencing risk to their current safety.
Liaise with emergency services to coordinate active rescue when necessary or supports mandatory reporting related to child at risk and/or duty to warn.
Assists peers through consultation, debriefing and intervention.
Participates in both program specific and agency meetings as required.

Qualifications/Experience

Minimum 1-2 years of related experience required, preferably within a non-profit organization.
Completion of Grade 12 (related post-secondary Diploma or relevant course work in a Social Science preferred)
Completion of training considered an asset: Distress Line, 988 training, Brain Story Certification, Crisis Worker Certification, and Gender Based Analysis Plus
Acceptable attainment and maintenance of a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check and an Intervention Record Check
Cover Letter required demonstrating your experience in supporting clients from a nonjudgmental, strengths-based, trauma informed and empathetic perspective.
Proficient in computer skills (Microsoft Office and other program software e.g., VOIP, iCarol)

Skills/Abilities
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Excellent telephone skills, including questioning, probing and/or interviewing abilities, to ensure individuals needs are being determined and appropriately met
Ability to work effectively in a challenging environment, deal with difficult situations and respond in a composed manner
Positive, helpful attitude towards assisting clients
Demonstrated understanding of mental health; mental illness and recovery; information and referral services; and crisis intervention
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Strong organizational skills, time management and problem-solving skills
Ability to receive constructive and positive feedback
Must be empathetic, genuine, assertive, and non-judgmental when assisting clients

Required Training for the Position
Within the first weeks of employment:
Distress Line Training
988 Training

Within the first 3 months of employment:
Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training
Discrimination and Harassment Training
Diversity and Cross-Cultural Training
Trauma Informed Care

Within the first 6 months of employment:
GBA+ Training