Crisis Diversion Worker, Casual

at  Boyle Street Community Services

QUALIFICATIONS

• A valid class non-GDL 5 driver’s license and a clean 3-year driver’s abstract
• Post Secondary Degree in a relevant field of study (ie. Social Work) and/or relevant work experience
• At least 2 years’ experience delivering community-based services.
• Experience networking with a range of partners and stakeholders
• Police Check with the Vulnerable Sector and Child and Youth Intervention Check completed within the past six months
• Valid First Aid certificate or enrolled in a future course
• Experience with and knowledge of Indigenous culture and ceremonies is considered an asset.

JOB PURPOSE

“Despite great challenges we believe unhealthy cycles can be broken, new opportunities created and, through healing, health restored.”
“The 24/7 Crisis Diversion program helps people experiencing nonemergency crisis get to a safe place, freeing up police and emergency medical services to respond to more critical events. 24/7 Crisis Diversion program contributes to the decriminalization of poverty, mental health, and addiction by supporting people to connect with appropriate resources versus engagement with police, justice and corrections.”
The Crisis Diversion Worker will respond to calls and assist individuals in crisis. Many of whom are marginally housed or are impoverishment. Workers will address crisis related to intoxication, overdose, or mental health concerns. The crisis diversion worker must assess situations, identify required needs, and transport individuals to appropriate services. The key function of this position is to provide support to clients referred by the public or emergency services to the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Team. Workers will assist through interventions to divert inappropriate use of medical and police services and support individuals to make appropriate service connections.
“We stand with our clients, side by side, patiently and for as long as they want – a constant and consistent caring force”

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct risk assessments and safety planning to reduce potential threats and retaliation.
• Provide on call crisis intervention by minimizing the harm to the individual and others and assisting the individual to connect to appropriate supports.
• Make supported referrals to housing, health and community services and provide advocacy support services with individuals.
• Administer overdose techniques, de-escalation tactics, and harm reduction processes in an appropriate manner when necessary
• Operate the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Van to provide safe and timely transportation for individuals that may be experiencing crisis.
• Coordinate with other service providers to ensure clients are referred to appropriate supports; develop and maintain working relationships with program partners and community agencies.
• BSCS is more than a workplace. It is a community where everyone helps and contributes to the whole, and there is an expectation that all employees will take part in events (during the work week and occasionally during weekends and evenings). This includes fundraising campaigns, running community meals, medicine picking etc.