Distress Centre Calgary·Calgary, Alberta
The Crisis Counsellor provides brief crisis intervention, intake screenings, and psychosocial assessments for individuals, couples, and families. They also coordinate community referrals and maintain accurate clinical documentation within a collaborative team environment.
This is a Full-Time, Permanent position starting as soon as possible.
Location & Hours
On-site at Distress Centre Calgary (999 8 St SW, Suite 500).
Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with one evening (11:00 am to 7:00 pm) a week as required.
For over 50 years, Distress Centre has served Calgary and Southern Alberta by providing 24-hour crisis support, information, and resources at no cost. Distress Centre does not define crisis. We do not judge. Anyone can call us day or night.
We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace where employees are valued, experience a sense of belonging, and are confident in being their most authentic selves. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and members of equity-deserving groups. We value all the ways that our community is diverse – in identity, experience and perspective.
What to Expect
The Crisis Counsellor reports to the Clinical Services Manager and provides brief crisis counselling services to individuals, couples, and families, while supporting intake, assessment, and service planning activities. This role offers the opportunity to combine clinical expertise with compassionate care to help individuals navigate difficult times and access meaningful support.
Working within a collaborative team of mental health professionals, the Crisis Counsellor will help connect clients to appropriate resources through its short-term counselling model. The role requires sound clinical judgment, timely documentation, and the ability to respond effectively in a fast-paced environment.
This list highlights core responsibilities and is not exhaustive. Additional related duties may arise over time and will be discussed and supported by your supervisor.
Provide Meaningful Client Support
Deliver short-term counselling and crisis intervention for individuals, couples, and families.
Support clients through challenging situations using compassionate, solution-focused approaches.
Help clients build resilience and achieve their wellbeing goals.
Provide responsive crisis support and service coverage when needed.
Assess Needs & Guide Care
Conduct intake screenings, psychosocial assessments, and risk evaluations.
Develop individualized service plans and counselling interventions.
Prioritize client needs and connect them to appropriatesupports.
Connect Clients to Community Resources
Coordinate referrals and access to community programs and services.
Advocate for clients and promote continuity of care.
Follow up to support positive client outcomes.
Collaborate & Maintain Clinical Excellence
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
Participate in supervision, case consultation, and team meetings.
Engage in ongoing professional development, knowledge sharing, and mentorship opportunities, including supporting student learning as needed.
What You Bring
Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology or related field.
Activeregistrationwith the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) oracorresponding regulatory body (College of Alberta Psychologists, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association)isrequired.
2-4 years of experience providing short-term counselling, crisis intervention, or mental health services.
Proven interpersonal and cultural competency skills to work effectively and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills, including psychosocial and risk assessments, care planning, and crisis intervention.
Experience using client feedback and outcome measurement tools to track progress and support positive client outcomes.
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Demonstrated professionalism, including maintaining confidentiality, professional boundaries, and accurate clinical documentation.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and other relevant clinical software and databases.
As a condition of employment, all successful candidates are required to complete and maintain a Police Information Check. For those in direct service user-facing roles, a Vulnerable Sector Search is also required.
Please submit your resume and cover letter through our ADP Career Centre [https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=0b7d4960-e60e-4b56-8c5f-2172b8e37164&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_CA&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter].
Distress Centre is an inclusive workplace. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know. If you require accommodation during the application process, please call our main office and ask to speak to Human Resources.
We may also use AI-enabled tools to support aspects of the recruitment process. All hiring decisions are made by people and are guided by our commitment to fairness and inclusion.
We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Market context
Behavioral-health roles in Alberta are often driven by ongoing demand for support workers who can assist clients in community and residential settings. This type of position is competitive because employers commonly look for relevant postsecondary training, a valid Class 5 driver’s license, reliable transportation, and comfort with aquatic activities and pets. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and save time on original job-description research.
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