Part-Time and Full-Time Crisis Line Responder
Overview
The Vancouver Island Crisis Society (VICS) is seeking applicants for Part-Time and Full-Time Crisis Line Responder positions. As an organization, we remain committed to trauma-informed, inclusive, and person-centered care. This position reports to the Crisis Line Supervisor and/or Crisis Line Services Manager.
Highlights of this Opportunity
Are you passionate about supporting individuals in crisis with empathy, compassion, and nonjudgmental care? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, supportive environment where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others? We are seeking applicants for Part-Time and Full-Time Crisis Line Responder positions, available on-site in Nanaimo or remotely.
Remote Crisis Line Responders must be situated on Vancouver Island. They will need to have their own desktop or laptop, which meets VICS technology requirements, as shown below.
On-Site Crisis Line Responders must work within commuting distance to Nanaimo at the Vancouver Island Crisis Society's Centre.
Primary Responsibilities:
Supporting Individuals in Crisis: Routinely support individuals experiencing significant distress, including people experiencing suicidal ideation or expressing anger, and navigate complex situations involving vulnerable individuals, including concerns about risk of harm to children.
Responding to Crisis Contacts: Be a first point of contact for individuals seeking help, providing immediate support through voice and SMS communication channels.
Non-Judgmental Emotional Support and Crisis Intervention: Offer compassionate assistance, helping service users through assessment, problem solving, and resource exploration while working within defined crisis intervention models.
Thorough Assessment of Suicidal Ideation: Conduct thorough assessments to identify and respond to suicidal ideation, planning, or suicide attempts in progress.
Initiating Emergency Interventions: Take appropriate action to initiate emergency intervention when necessary to support the safety of individuals in crisis.
Maintaining Familiarity with Vancouver Island Communities and Resources: Stay informed about local resources, particularly Mental Health and Substance Use Crisis Response Services, to provide accurate and relevant information to those in need.
Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements:
· Relevant Experience: One year or more of relevant experience in mental health, social services, crisis intervention, community services, healthcare, or a related helping profession is strongly preferred.
· Flexibility: Ability to work flexible hours on a monthly rotational schedule, including weekends and overnight shifts.
· Teamwork and Independence: Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, while valuing diverse perspectives and experiences.
· Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, including the ability to listen actively, communicate clearly and professionally, complete accurate and appropriate documentation, and navigate sensitive or emotionally charged conversations.
· Empathy and Nonjudgment: A reliable, empathetic, and nonjudgmental approach to work, with a commitment to respecting and valuing individuals from all backgrounds.
· Technical Proficiency: Basic computer literacy and the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and communication platforms.
· Judgment and Crisis Management: Demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure, exercise sound judgment, follow established procedures, and make timely decisions in complex or emotionally challenging situations.
· Criminal Record Check: Ability to successfully complete a police record check, including vulnerable sector screening.
· Minimum Education and Age: High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum age of 19 years.
Preferred Qualifications and Assets
· Post secondary education in social services, mental health, psychology, counselling, healthcare, or a related field. Relevant lived experience and community involvement are also valued.
· Experience directly supporting people in crisis, including individuals experiencing significant emotional distress, mental health concerns, substance use concerns, or suicidal ideation.
· Completion of a crisis intervention course that includes suicide risk assessment.
· Prior completion of Crisis Line, Crisis Chat, or Crisis Text training.
· Completion of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
· Previous Crisis Line Responder experience.
Standard Technology Requirements for Working Remotely
Private space to take interactions while ensuring confidentiality, free from distraction.
Desktop or laptop computer meeting one of the following requirements:
• PC running Windows 11 or a current supported version of Windows
• Mac running macOS 11 Big Sur or higher
• Chromebook
Tablets and smartphones do not meet the technology requirements.
Browser Requirement: A current, supported version of Google Chrome that supports TLS 1.2 or higher.
As part of the remote work setup process, VICS will test your internet connection to confirm that it meets the minimum requirement of 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload.
If you have concerns about meeting the technology requirements, we encourage you to reach out to discuss possible solutions.
Hours of Work:
Full-Time Crisis Line Responders are typically scheduled 32 to 40 hours per week, averaging approximately 35 hours per week.
Part-Time Crisis Line Responders are typically scheduled 20 to 24 hours per week, generally over three days.
Typical shifts include, but are not limited to: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm 4:00 pm to 12:00 am 12:00 midnight to 8:00 am
Overnight shifts are part of the regular schedule. Full-Time employees typically work approximately one overnight shift per week, while part-time employees typically work 1 to 3 overnight shifts per month. A $3.00 per hour shift differential is paid for overnight hours.
Hourly Wages and Benefits:
The starting wage is $27.00 per hour. After the completion of a three month probationary period, employees may have the opportunity to be cross trained on both the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and 9-8-8 systems, increasing their wage to $29.00 per hour.
Full-Time employees are eligible for employer paid extended health benefits following successful completion of six months of employment. Extended health benefits are not provided with Part-Time positions.
Full-Time employees receive 84 hours of paid sick leave and 70 hours of vacation annually, prorated based on their regular hours of work. Part-Time employees also receive paid sick leave and vacation, prorated based on their regular hours of work.
After one year of employment, Full-Time employees are eligible for an employer contribution to the Group Retirement Savings Plan equal to 3% of gross earnings, excluding periods of extended leave.
In our words and actions, we are committed to recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by individuals experiencing inequities, while acknowledging our own privileges. We continuously work to identify and remove biases and barriers within our recruitment and hiring processes to create an equitable and inclusive environment for all candidates. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out, and we will do our best to support you.
Please submit your resume and cover letter by September 11th at noon via the link: https://careers.risepeople.com/vancouver-island-crisis-society/en/17205_parttime-and-fulltime-crisis-line-responder
All questions directed to: hr@vicrisis.ca
Our services are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakiutl Peoples.