About the Role
Crisis Line Responder (Full-Time and Casual)
The Vancouver Island Crisis Society has available positions for Crisis Line Responders (Full-Time, Part-Time, and Casual) for the Vancouver Island Crisis Line 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 computer, which meet VICS technology requirements, as shown below. Successful candidates will be provided with interactive Crisis Line Responder Training.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Answering calls, and responding to chats and texts
- Non-judgmental emotional support and crisis intervention as per the role of the Crisis Line, which includes assessment, problem solving, and exploring resources with Service Users
- Thorough assessment of any invitation to ask about suicide ideation, planning, or attempt in progress Implementing active rescues when an intervention is required
- Support via Crisis Chat and Crisis Text, providing the same services as performed on the Crisis Line Maintaining familiarity with Vancouver Island communities and their resources, notably Mental Health and Substance Use Crisis Response Services
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Characteristics:
- Ability to work flexible hours on a monthly rotational schedule, that includes weekends and overnights
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team setting
- Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken
- Reliable, non-judgmental. and empathic approach to work
- Computer literacy
- Ability to handle stressful situations and make decisions quickly
- Passes a police record check that includes vulnerable sector screening
- High school diploma and a minimum of 19 years of age
- COVID-19 vaccination, minimum of two shots
- Standard Technology Requirements for Working Remotely
- Private space to take interactions while ensuring confidentiality, where only the Crisis Line Responder’s device should be connected to the Internet during a shift
- PC Desktop or Laptop (Windows 10 or 11) MAC Desktop or Laptop (macOS 11 Big Sur or greater) Chromebook (tablets and smart phones do not meet criteria)
Assets:
- A post-secondary education
- Completion of a crisis intervention course that includes suicide risk assessment
- Prior completion of Crisis Line, Crisis Chat and Crisis Text training
- Completion of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshop
- Previous Crisis Line Worker experience