Crisis Response Worker (Contract)

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Crisis Team Supervisor the Crisis Response Worker will provide a full range of mental health and crisis services to Chippewa, Aamjiwnaang, Kettle & Stony Point and Munsee-Delaware First Nations. The incumbent initiates a process to identify each community’s needs, assesses their capacity and resources and develops criteria for crisis intervention and crisis protocol plan which will effectively address these needs. The Crisis Team Supervisor and Crisis Response Worker will oversee the implementation of the plan which will focus on prevention through early intervention, pre-crisis surveillance and education. The incumbent will manage effective and coordinated responses to crisis in these communities through the provision of culturally appropriate response services and referrals to services for individuals, groups, families and staff. This is an existing opening.

Responsibilities:

• Provide outreach services across partner communities—Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (COTTFN), Aamjiwnaang, Kettle & Stony Point, and Munsee-Delaware First Nations—ensuring responsive, community-centered support.
• Coordinate care and communication by holding regular touchpoints with the Health Director, Community Health Nurse, and Crisis Team members to align priorities and follow-through.
• Lead interagency protocol development, organizing and formalizing protocol agreements with relevant partner organizations and governing Boards to support coordinated crisis response.
• Design and implement team policies and procedures for the Team, establishing clear standards, workflows, and documentation practices.
• Develop crisis response manuals tailored to each community, outlining roles, activation steps, referral pathways, and service coordination.
• Create and standardize a crisis assessment tool (pilot, refine, and implement) to support consistent triage, documentation, and service planning.
• Ensure policy compliance, working in accordance with the COTTFN Personnel Policy & Procedures Manual and related standards (confidentiality, privacy, safety).
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including scheduling, coverage, service tracking, and issue escalation.
• Assess and address team training needs by identifying skill gaps, coordinating learning opportunities, and tracking completion.
• Facilitate regular team meetings and wellness activities to support effective communication, collaboration, and self-care.
• Lead structured debriefs with Outreach Workers following incidents or deployments to capture learnings and strengthen practice.

Qualifications:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Social Service Worker diploma, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum three (3) years experience of progressive community wellness experience including intake, assessment, and crisis intervention
• Current CPIC with Vulnerable Sector Check completed within six months or ability to obtain
• Valid Ontario driver’s license, clean driver’s abstract, and access to a reliable, insured personal vehicle
• Training and certifications considered as strong assets:
  • Critical Incident Stress Management CISM Levels I and II or equivalent
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training ASIST
  • Mental Health First Aid MHFA
  • Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C

What Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Has to Offer:

• Comprehensive benefits for permanent employees, supporting your health, dental, and overall well-being.
• Employer-matched pension plan to help you build long-term financial security.
• Access to a confidential Family Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support mental, emotional, and family wellness.
• Two-week holiday closure over Christmas and New Year’s, providing dedicated time to rest and recharge with family and community.
  As a federally regulated employer, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is not required to include compensation ranges in job postings. Compensation is always discussed with candidates during recruitment to ensure clarity and alignment with their expectations and experience.