Mental Health First Responder jobs in Ontario

About the Role:

The CMHC, Crisis Support Worker plays a critical role in providing immediate and compassionate support to individuals experiencing mental health crises within the community. This position focuses on assessing client needs, de-escalating crisis situations, and connecting individuals to appropriate resources and services to ensure their safety and well-being. The role requires collaboration with healthcare professionals, emergency services, and community organizations to deliver coordinated care. The Crisis Support Worker also contributes to the development of crisis intervention plans and participates in ongoing training to stay current with best practices. Ultimately, this position aims to stabilize clients in distress and promote recovery through empathetic, timely, and effective crisis response.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of a recognized diploma or degree in Mental Health, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Certification as a Canadian Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) or equivalent credential.
• Experience working in crisis intervention or mental health support roles, preferably within community or healthcare settings.
• Knowledge of mental health legislation, crisis intervention techniques, and community resources in Canada.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, nights, weekends, and on-call shifts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional training or certification in trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, or substance use counseling.
• Experience working with diverse populations including Indigenous communities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and culturally diverse groups.
• Familiarity with electronic health records and case management software.
• First aid and CPR certification.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and French or other languages relevant to the community served.

Responsibilities:

• Respond promptly to crisis calls and walk-in clients requiring urgent mental health support.
• Monday to Friday | 11:30pm - 8am
• Conduct thorough assessments to determine the nature and severity of the crisis and identify immediate risks.
• Provide emotional support, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention to individuals in distress.
• Develop safety plans and facilitate referrals to appropriate community resources, healthcare providers, or emergency services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of client interactions, interventions, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including social workers, nurses, psychiatrists, and law enforcement as needed.
• Participate in case reviews, team meetings, and professional development activities to enhance service delivery.

Skills:

The required skills enable the Crisis Support Worker to effectively assess and respond to individuals in acute distress, utilizing strong communication and active listening to build trust quickly. De-escalation and problem-solving skills are essential for managing volatile situations safely and compassionately. Collaboration and teamwork skills facilitate coordination with healthcare providers and community partners to ensure comprehensive care. Documentation and organizational skills support accurate record-keeping and follow-up, which are critical for continuity of care and legal compliance. Preferred skills such as cultural competency and trauma-informed approaches enhance the worker's ability to provide sensitive and inclusive support tailored to diverse client needs.

Ship Values

• Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional

About Us

Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

Accessibility

“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before October 5, 2026

Why Work For Us?

Work-Life Balance

SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization

Our Vision
Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives

Our Mission
To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness

Our Culture
Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.

Our Commitment
People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full-time permanent staff have personal and professional success:

• Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews
• Comprehensive Health Plans
• Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
• 12 Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
• 10 Paid Vacation Days
• 3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
• Generous Parental and Family Leave
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Travel Allowances
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Culture to be Proud of
• Possibility to Create a Real Impact

35+

Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families

5,000+

Clients and Residents served annually

20+

Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario

500+

Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees