Crisis Triage and Support Worker

Join to apply for the Crisis Triage and Support Worker role at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Posting #: 32912

Department: Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST)

Employee Type: Regular, Part Time

Union: OPSEU

Openings Remaining: 1

Work Days: Monday to Sunday, Weekends, Holidays

Time of Day: Days, Afternoons, Evenings, Nights

Shift: 12 hour

Shift Start: Hours are subject to change based on operational requirements.

Sites: Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) (Hamilton)

Opening Date: 25/11/2025

Closing Date: 02/12/2025 (Applications must be received online by 12:00 midnight on the Closing Date)

The primary responsibility of the COAST Crisis Triage and Support Worker will be to respond to individuals who are calling on the crisis line and to determine the initial triage. The Crisis Triage and Support Worker provides follow‑up activities once the assessment has been completed by the Mental Health Worker. The Crisis Triage and Support Worker works in collaboration with the COAST Adult Team and the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team.

This may include accompanying a Mental Health Worker into the community on a call.

• Degree in Social Services, Registered Practical Nurse, Social Service Worker Diploma or related educational experience
• Proven educational experience related to Mental Health, ASIST Training, Mental Health First Aide, Additional training in crisis intervention skills is an asset
• Preference given to candidates with at least five years clinical experience working in mental health preferably in the community
• Experience in crisis intervention techniques and theory based practice with the seriously mentally ill
• Knowledge and experience working with clients with mood disorders, substance issues, acquired brain injury, intellectual disabilities and psychotic related illnesses
• French language skill and an ability to work with a culturally diverse population would be an asset
• Good understanding of the Mental Health Act and knowledge of family and social systems
• Ability to work collaboratively and in partnership with a multidisciplinary team and other agencies in the community
• Ability to work with police, court system, inpatient and outpatient mental health systems
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to be used in course of employment
• Demonstrated ability to use computer programs for data entry of assessments
• Ability to market the COAST program in the community, and work as a mentor with students at COAST
• Strong interpersonal, problem‑solving, organizational and written skills
• Ability to function well under pressure
• Commitment to ongoing professional development. Staff are encouraged to participate in activities with other organizations and with the community for development purposes and for maintaining and fostering relationships.

• Provides immediate response by answering the crisis line and determining the initial triage when a client calls in crisis.
• Provides crisis intervention to understand the factors contributing to the current difficulties for adults, youth and children in developing a working formulation
• Refers client to Mental Health Worker for mental health assessment if required
• Provides support and follow‑up post‑crisis with ongoing telephone support or by connecting clients to appropriate follow‑up agencies
• Assists consumers and families for those needing further clinical service, including mobile crisis response as appropriate
• Consults with the Adult Team, Program Manager and Clinical Supervisor on a regular basis
• To assess the risk to mental health workers and police in the clients environment when preparing for a mobile visit (ie.pets/weapons)
• Educates the community about the functioning and limitations of the service;
  Community Presentations about COAST
• Forms positive relationships and strong partnerships with hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and mental health and social service agencies to build an effective delivery of crisis service in the community
• Participates in ongoing professional development and supervision around crisis work
• May accompany the Mental Health Worker on a call into the…