Your Support Services Network·Vaughan, Ontario
The Crisis Response Worker provides direct support, crisis de-escalation, and stabilization to individuals in a 24/7 residential setting. They are responsible for intake, assessment, supportive counselling, and collaborating with community partners to ensure effective care planning.
At Your Support Services Network (YSSN), we believe in making a difference. As a non-profit charitable organization, we support individuals with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, and complex needs—helping each person build meaningful connections and live their best lives. Through compassionate, person-centered services, we empower individuals to achieve their goals and participate fully in their communities.
YSSN offers more than just competitive compensation—we provide a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment where employees can thrive. From hybrid work options and professional development to wellness programs and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we invest in our team’s growth and well-being.
Join one of Canada’s top non-profit employers of choice and be part of a team that values meaningful work, collaboration, and positive change.
The Crisis and Safe Bed Program is a temporary residential program (stays are up to 30 days) that provides individuals who are experiencing a mental health and/or addictions crisis with a safe, supportive space, to receive mental health supports, including de-escalation and crisis stabilization. The Program is intended to divert away from emergency services, the justice system, and/or unnecessary hospitalization by providing them with voluntary community crisis accommodation and support. Referrals may come from the broader community, community telephone crisis lines or emergency services, such as police.
The Crisis Worker will be responsible for supporting individuals in a 24/7, 7 bed residential setting on a short-term basis. The Crisis Worker is responsible for providing direct support to individuals who are accessing the Crisis and Safe Bed Program, including intake and admission processes, crisis de-escalation and stabilization, supportive counselling, resourcing, advocacy and linkages to community-based services, development of daily living skills (cooking, housekeeping and hygiene) and provision of day-to-day needs (food, clothing and personal care items).
The Crisis Worker provides rapid triage, assessment, intervention, resolution, short term supportive counselling and referral to the place of choice of the individual wherever possible. The Crisis Worker works closely with community partners such as the police to provide effective assessment and support to those in crisis. The incumbent also participates in assertive outreach, as well as community liaison and collaboration for the purpose of information sharing and program planning.
Screening and assessing incoming referrals for program eligibility
Completing intake and discharge processes and protocols.
Providing crisis support and counselling.
Assisting with self-sufficiency in daily living skills (e.g., cooking, hygiene) as needed.
Supporting the appropriate use of medication, as per the YSSN medication policy protocol.
Working collaboratively with clients to identify, develop, and fulfill goals they identify as meaningful and relevant.
Co-developing strategies and plans with clients to help them address immediate short-term needs and prevent further crises.
Facilitating and monitoring the implementation of client programs, including daily programming and groups.
Advocating and referring clients to ongoing community-based treatment, rehabilitation, and support services and resources to help them achieve their goals and objectives (e.g., income support, supportive housing).
Engaging clients in crisis, goal and recovery planning.
Monitoring program rules and compliance and maintaining a safe, conducive environment to allow for psychosocial stabilization and recovery.
Liaising and working collaboratively with community service providers and partners (e.g., mental health and addictions service providers, police, primary care) to support clients’ care planning.
Completing all required documentation related to the support of clients and assuring the confidentiality of all client, personnel, and organizational records and information.
Ensuring the completion of shift responsibilities and routines.
Participating on specific committees or working groups, as assigned.
Completing light housekeeping duties, meal preparation, laundry, and bedroom preparation.
Participating in the orientation of new staff.
Responsible for conducting inventory house supplies and restocking.
Other duties as assigned.
YSSN is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and is committed to an accessible, respectful hiring process.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources.
Successful candidates will be required to submit proof of a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization directly to the Human Resources department. In the event that you are unable to be vaccinated as a result of a ground protected under the Human Rights Code, you may submit a written explanation of the ground and any supporting documentation to determine if you are exempt from this requirement directly to Human Resources.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position.
We thank all candidates for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
To learn more about YSSN view our website; Work with Us - Your Support Services Network [https://yssn.ca/about/work-with-us/]
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in nursing, social work, or a relevant field and possess at least three years of experience with mental health and addictions. Proficiency in crisis management, knowledge of the Mental Health Act, and valid First Aid/CPR/ASIST certifications are 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.
