Crisis Response Worker - Safe Beds

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 them build meaningful connections and live their best lives.

• Location: Reena Center Building in Thornhill
• Head office: Aurora
• Status: Contract, part time
• Starting Hourly Rate: $34.26 With an additional $1.00 per hour premium
• Shift: Every Sunday - 7am to 7pm
• Equipment Requirements:  Use of own laptop (must meet minimum IT specifications) 
• Posting Closes: Thursday, August 14 at 4:00 pm EST

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.
 
Responsibilities of the Crisis Worker include:

• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing, social work, occupational therapy or a relevant field.
• Regulated Health professional (Registered Social Worker) preferred.
• At least three (3) years’ experience working with individuals with mental health and addictions issues, especially those with complex needs (e.g., concurrent disorders, dual diagnosis).
• Demonstrate assessment and crisis intervention skills with broad knowledge of emergency mental health, crisis stabilization, and crisis management planning
• Exceptional knowledge of pertinent legislation ie. Mental Health Act
• Exceptional skills in de-escalation, crisis stabilization, crisis management planning, resourcing and advocacy
• Well‐developed problem‐solving, prioritization and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated in‐depth knowledge of mental health symptoms, psychotropic medications and associated side effects 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proven ability to think “outside the box” to identify plans of action to support individuals accessing the Crisis and Safe Bed Program
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage community services and individuals, increasing awareness of services 
• Ability to display tact, cooperation, sensitivity and respect for the opinions and situations of others 
• First Aid, CPR and ASIST certifications are assets.
• OCAN Training an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Word.
• Ability to speak a second language would be considered an asset.
• The successful applicant will be required to provide a police clearance that meets agency standards
• A valid G Drivers License, access to a reliable vehicle and business use insurance coverage, OR access to reliable transportation.

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.

Our Vision: A Meaningful Life for All – Relationships, Community, Well-Being
Our Mission: Communicate. Connect. Collaborate.

YSSN is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and is committed to an accessible, respectful hiring process.