Canadian Mental Health Association·Oakville, Ontario
The Crisis Response Worker provides intensive short-term support, crisis intervention, and service coordination for individuals experiencing mental health or addiction crises. They manage crisis lines, conduct safety assessments, and collaborate with community partners to facilitate stabilization and recovery.
Crisis Response Worker - Days
Job Type: 8 Month Full-Time Contract
Department: Crisis
Division: Crisis Services
Location(s): Oakville / Hybrid
Target Hiring Range: $63,000 to $66,000 Annually
______________________________________________________________________________
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Halton Region (CMHA Halton) is a leading provider of adult and youth mental health services in the Region of Halton. We are driven by our cause to provide responsive mental health for everyone through equitable services targeted for people living with mental health and/or substance use concerns.
CMHA Halton offers a supportive team environment, flexible work environment, training opportunities, competitive vacation package and comprehensive benefits/pension package. We have an enthusiastic team who are dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health concerns within a client-focused environment. Individuals seeking new challenges and opportunities for professional growth are encouraged to apply.
CHMA Halton strives to build an inclusive culture with a staff group that represents the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We are committed to reducing systemic barriers to employment and our services that have traditionally impacted members from the following groups, Black, Indigenous People, and other racially visible persons, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and persons with disabilities. If you are a member of one of these equity-seeking groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your cover letter or your resume. Please also feel free to identify your preferred pronouns when applying.
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Halton Region Branch (CMHA Halton) is seeking a Crisis Response Worker that will work on our day shift (10:00am to 6:00pm from Monday to Friday). The Crisis Response Worker will respond to needs of individuals calling into our crisis line (COAST, 988, or Crisis Call Diversion). The Crisis Response Worker will also cover as needed at our Safe Beds location in Oakville, ON.
The Crisis Response Worker will work a combination of remote and out of our Oakville location to provide support to our crisis phone lines and may provide back-up support to the Safe Beds teams as needed.
Provide COAST crisis line telephone support including referrals and interventions to prevent further crisis.
Utilize evidence-based methods and best practices to: manage client crisis, develop strategies to assist clients to prevent further crisis, provide monitoring and support as they work through their crisis and recovery plans, and establish personal goals that move clients towards recovery.
Provide support to client families and friends as appropriate
Work collaboratively with in-house programs, 988 team, Halton Regional Police Services, local hospital ED’s and Psychiatric Departments, and community agencies.
Comply with Crisis Response Service Standards
988 will be Canada’s official three-digit national helpline for suicide prevention and emotional distress. This service will be available 24/7/365.
Answer 988 lines to assess for suicide, safety, and identify resources to refer caller to the appropriate community resources to address the client’s behavioral health and social needs as required.
Conduct follow-up calls on individuals as part of the safety plan process.
Utilize 988 software to accurately document all client interactions.
Identify best outcomes, including the coordination of wellness checks and/or the dispatch of mobile crisis response teams.
Coordinate services, advocate on behalf of, and develop plans to support the recovery and stabilization of clients.
Ensure clients receive support to de-escalate and stabilize their crisis through a psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery-focused, harm-reduction approach.
Ensure clients are connected with services and supports to enable stable community living that addresses their health and well-being over the longer term.
Crisis Call Diversion
Provide intensive short-term support to individuals who have called 911 but are diverted by police responders to the CMHA Crisis Call Diversion Worker.
Provide crisis intervention, service coordination and facilitate stabilization help to clients with significant mental health and/ or addiction issues
Focus on strategies to integrate clients into the community following a period of immediate crisis support
Make referrals on behalf of clients to a wide variety of community programs and services that can best meet their individual needs
Commit to supporting client’s health, safety and wellness according to relevant legislation and agency policies and procedures
Maintain a non-judgmental attitude when interacting with contacts, displaying sensitivity to all cultural backgrounds.
Complete all required documentation related to the support of clients
Work collaboratively with community partners in a multidisciplinary approach.
CMHA Halton will support any accommodations that may be required for you to actively participate in the recruitment process. Please email careers@cmhahrb.ca if you wish to review this job posting in an alternative format or if you would like to request an accommodation. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in CMHA Halton.
CMHA Halton does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision‑making technologies in any part of our recruitment or selection processes. All hiring decisions are made by our People & Culture team and trained hiring managers, who carefully review each application to ensure a fair, equitable, and human‑centered assessment. We are committed to transparency, privacy, and ethical hiring practices, and we ensure that every candidate is evaluated by real people who bring thoughtful judgment, inclusivity, and care to our recruitment practices.
This posting is intended to fill an existing vacancy within the agency.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Nursing, or a relevant field. A minimum of three years of experience in mental health and addictions, along with strong crisis intervention and risk management skills, is required.
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.