About this role
Counsellor, Crisis Call Diversion Direct Service - (OPSEU)  Part-Time, Contract (Ending: December 31, 2027)   London, Ontario (London Zone) This posting is the result of an upcoming vacancy - Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 - We believe when individuals in our community experience an urgent mental health or addictions crisis, they deserve a response that is person-centred and supportive, while focusing on personal dignity and wellbeing. The Crisis Call Diversion (CCD) program is a partnership with the London Police Service (LPS). Staff are positioned at the London Police Service Communications Centre to work with call takers and dispatchers to divert non-imminent risk mental health calls away from a police response and towards a more appropriate mental health response. Crisis Call Diversion staff will support individuals accessing emergency services through the London Police Services (LPS) by providing a psychosocial response in order to promote crisis resolution and empowerment for the individual. Crisis Call Diversion staff will also work collaboratively with individuals to assess and identify their needs and link them to appropriate supports in the community. •   Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!   WHAT WE'RE OFFERING: What you'll be making -  Starting rate for this role is $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential, based on regulation ( $30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated): Successful candidates who are registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated); for internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement When you'll work  - 48 hours bi-weekly; Afternoons/evenings, including weekends; paid 30-minute meal break Your pension plan  –Immediately eligible for optional enrollment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) What your benefits will be –  9% in lieu of benefits   HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Direct Service: Complete phone mental health and addiction assessments based on theory of crisis management including rapid response to identify: the impact of psychiatric symptoms on functioning, risk factors related to safety of client and others, opportunities for de-escalation and stabilization. Establish a therapeutic relationship to maximize the benefits of engagement with the individual. Provide short-term follow-up and support. Coordinate and facilitate referrals to internal and external services and supports. Advocate as necessary, in order to facilitate access to services and supports with the objective of remediating the immediate crisis situation. Engage and work collaboratively with emergency services when it is determined that additional intervention is required. Assess barriers to successful community living (e.g. treatment options, transportation, finances, etc.). Obtain information, as needed, from other relevant sources. Interact and provide support and assessment in a non-judgmental fashion and provide care that demonstrates sensitivity to individual diversity (e.g. culture, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs and values, etc.). Support the individual in developing skills for self-advocacy to learn new behaviours and develop coping skills fostering healthy interdependence through limit setting. Provide health teaching and information regarding coping techniques and strategies, (e.g. grounding, breathing techniques, self-care, nutrition, sleep hygiene