Crisis Intervention Counsellor

Victim Services of Peel (VSOP) mission is to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, 24/7 support to individuals and communities in the Region of Peel, helping them recover from the impact of crime or sudden tragedies. VSOP works in close partnership with Peel Regional Police and community partners to fulfill its mission and mandate.

Position Summary

Crisis Intervention Counsellors provide immediate crisis counselling (in person and over the phone), emotional and practical supports to victims of crime and tragic circumstances in Peel Region. This includes but not limited to homicide, assault, human trafficking, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, gun violence, robbery and sudden tragedy such as suicide, motor vehicle or workplace accidents/fatalities, and sudden death.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Services

• Respond immediately to requests for services from the Peel Regional Police and community agencies to provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and practical assistance to victim of crime and sudden tragic events by attending the scene.
• Conduct needs assessments, facilitate linkages to the Safe Centre of Peel, nCourage Hub or internal VSOP Case Management Programs such as the South Asian Family Enrichment Program, VQRP+ High Risk Services, Sexual Assault Centre/AHT Programs, CARE, Transitional Housing Support Program or other external community services, dependent on the client’s needs and consent.
• Assess safety concerns and critical care needs, develop/update individualized safety plans.
• Advocate and liaise with other community agencies to provide wraparound support.
• Attend bail court (when in-person service resumes) or virtually to as required to advocate for victims and document the outcome of bail hearings.
• Work from a client centered approach, trauma informed, harm reduction, and anti – oppressive frameworks.
• Maintain confidential client files, accurately documenting intervention/case notes in database.
• Complete all required agency reporting including quantitative and qualitative data.
• Support volunteers and placement students through coaching and mentoring.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Training Responsibilities:

• Assist in the training of staff and volunteers by actively participating in the onboarding and job training process; coach and mentor placement students.
• Attend and present at periodic community events including but not limited to those geared towards youth, training of new police recruits & agency fundraising activities.

Outreach:

• Represent VSOP at a variety of community/stakeholder committees.
• Participate in workshops and seminars to maintain and develop job related skills.
• Actively engage in periodic fundraising events, representing the agency and supporting the event.

Administrative and Organizational Responsibilities:

• Complete required documentation.
• Complete all required statistical reports.
• Complete monthly reports as determined by supervisor.
• Submit expense reports in a timely manner.
• Actively participate in monthly supervision sessions with Director of Client Services, including an annual performance appraisal.
• Actively participate in Program Update and Staff meetings.
• Participate in agency fundraising events.
• Represent agency on committee(s) as determined by a Supervisor.
• Maintain good staff and community relationships.
• Contribute to and facilitate a welcoming and inclusive workplace environment.
• Participate in relevant workshops and seminars to develop new skills as required by the agency.
• Other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• College or university diploma/degree in social or human services field including, but not limited to Social Work, Social Service Worker.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• One year experience working within a community agency providing crisis intervention and emotional support along with client advocacy services.
• Knowledge and ability to work from a client centered, harm reduction, anti-oppression framework, that incorporates trauma and violence informed practice.
• Strong assessment, interviewing and crisis intervention skills, including suicide risk assessment and safety planning particularly for those at risk of harm from intimate partner violence.
• Knowledge of legal system (both criminal and family law), intimate partner violence, trauma, and the criminal justice system.
• General knowledge of the social service system and community resources in the Region of Peel.
• Bilingualism and/or ability to speak French and/or languages predominant in the Region of Peel will be considered a strong asset.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, act with diplomacy and professionalism while exercising sound judgement in work with clients and external agencies.
• Flexibility, time management and multi-tasking skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to use conflict resolution skills as necessary.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment which at times means working under pressure due to the nature of a crisis environment.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office and experience working with a client database.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Position will require working from the multiple VSOP offices in Person, attending scenes and client meetings in the community, and attending VSOP court office as required and scheduled.
• Successful completion of a Peel Regional Police detailed criminal background check and annual renewal check is required to secure and maintain employment.
• Shifts on a 24/7 rotating basis including overnight weekend and statutory holiday shifts.
• Position will require to attend/access Clinical Consultation.
• Access to a car/drivers license required, Class ‘G’ License preferable. Minimum $1 million auto insurance policy with public liability/property damage coverage-submit proof of insurance annually.