Mental Health First Responder jobs in Ontario

Crisis Response Worker

Starting at $29.50 /hour

2 Temporary Full-Time and 1 Temporary Part-Time Vacancies

Rotating schedules

12-hour shifts

These positions are within OPSEU Local 720 Bargaining Unit

Start date: As soon as possible

Application deadline: July 10, 2026

Who we are!

Canadian Mental Health Association – Thunder Bay Branch is a non-profit service provider working to ensure mental health services are available for all. CMHA Thunder Bay is committed to providing quality services for all of Northwestern Ontario residents where all staff strive to protect and promote mental health for all through healthy lifestyle and exemplary recovery focused approach improving upon each individual’s well-being.

What is the job?

The Crisis Response Worker assists individuals experiencing a mental health crisis to resume community functioning. Specific responsibilities include information and referral assistance, crisis assessment, interventions and supports, brief crisis counselling and on site crisis intervention, emergency referrals, and follow-ups. The work of the Crisis Response worker is guided in practice to apply the principles of “Recovery” and Psychiatric Rehabilitation Approach Technology.

What will you do day to day?

1. Adherence to all policies of Canadian Mental Health Association.

2. Assisting individuals experiencing mental health crisis to resume community functioning.

3. Provide telephone crisis assessment, brief telephone counseling, referrals and follow-up for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

4. Respond and provide on-site crisis assessments, intervention and support to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

5. Coordinate admission to the Crisis Safe Bed and to assist clients in accessing mental health specialists and/or local hospitals, as indicated.

6. Provide Crisis support and to assist clients enrolled in the Crisis Safe Bed and develop Wellness Plans. Attend community appointments, and community referrals, as required.

7. Determine the need for on-site crisis supports by the Mobile Response Team.

8. Being part of a team assisting individuals to access mental health specialists and/or hospitals and to coordinate referrals, linkages, and follow-up to appropriate community support services.

9. Maintain up-to-date client information and records in agency client records systems.

10. Attend and contribute to Crisis Response Services Team meetings and other client-related meetings as required.

11. Liaise with families and friends, mental health specialists, police, emergency service personnel, and Schedule 1 facilities to assist individuals requiring acute care admission under the Mental Health Act.

12. Performs any other tasks related to the position as required.

What do you bring to the job?

• A post-secondary degree or diploma in the health or human services field, along with one year of mental health experience
• Applicants should demonstrate a good knowledge of community mental health and other social service resources and possess skills and experience in crisis assessment, intervention strategies, and crisis counselling/support
• Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to learn and actively participate in an extensive training program provided in the Crisis Response program
• The incumbent shall also have excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated understanding of personal space and the ability to role model healthy boundaries
• Ability to manage conflict and crisis situations
• Ability to communicate professionally with community agencies
• Cultural competence for diverse populations
• Personal qualities of empathy, understanding and patience
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada
• Successful completion of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) is required
• Ability to speak French is considered an asset
• ASIST certification considered an asset
• You must be available for shift work
• Must possess a valid Class “G” driver’s license

What is in it for you?

• Full medical and dental benefits upon completion of probation (for permanent full-time & part-time roles) CMHA pays 100% of benefit costs for eligible employees
• Sick and vacation benefits for eligible employees
• Competitive wages
• Membership in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) which is one of the strongest and most stable defined benefit (DB) pensions in Canada!
• Opportunity to join a fast-paced, positive working environment where recognition and personal growth are highly valued
• Being a part of an organization which is “Accredited” through Accreditation Canada

Position must be worked on site.

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume & three workplace supervisory references to: careers@cmha-tb.on.ca

CMHA Thunder Bay is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that is fully accessible and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including those with a lived experience, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities.

Please make us aware of any known accommodation needs, if necessary.

We thank all candidates for their interest in this position however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To learn more about our services visit https://thunderbay.cmha.ca/

Pay: $29.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Vision care

Application question(s):

• Are you legally authorized to work in Canada?
• Are you located in Thunder Bay, ON?

Education:

• DCS / DEC (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Class "G" Driver's License (required)

Work Location: In person