We are looking for a compassionate and caring individual who resides in the Sarnia-Lambton/Lambton County area to provide immediate assessment, support, and suicide intervention to those who call 9-8-8 experiencing emotional distress, are at imminent risk of suicide, or are concerned about someone else. The primary goal of the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Responder is to provide suicide assessment and intervention to stabilize immediate crisis when necessary, and to support individuals in the collaborative development of a plan to reduce risk and promote their safety. Family Counselling Centre is a partner Centre with the National 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Mental Health Work:
- Establish initial contact, rapport, and collaboration with the service user through being a non-judgemental listening ear, provide emotional support and validation, and engage in responsive communication.
- Complete an assessment for suicide risk through inquiries regarding suicide ideation/thoughts, feelings, capacity, planning, and/or attempt in progress, with each Service User.
- Collaboratively develop and/or review an individualized safety plan to reduce risk, amplify strengths, and build hope empowering service users to work towards securing their own safety.
- Provide support with system navigation and facilitate referrals to community resources.
- Engage emergency services/personnel when required and provide supportive interventions.
- Maintain anonymity and confidentiality of call interactions.
Documentation:
- Maintain accurate documentation through completion of formal rationales and assessments.
- Proper entry of demographics and statistical data.
- Complete documentation through a professional and objective lens.
Performance Management and Professional Development:
- Follow protocols and procedures outlined by Family Counselling Centre, 9-8-8 and CAMH including including Computer and Cell phone usage.
- Maintain familiarity with applicable community resources, notably Mental Health and Substance Use Crisis Response Services.
- Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities and mandatory training. This will be done within the financial restraint of the Program and in consultation with the Program Coordinator.
Other Duties:
- Attend and participate in team/staff meetings as required.
- Participate in quality improvement activities at the individual, team, and program level.
- Complete any additional duties, not outlined above, as deemed necessary by the Program Coordinator and/or Executive Director.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Experience in the delivery of case management/community supports to individuals, especially in the mental health/social service field.
- Demonstrate understanding of crisis intervention theories suicide-safe language.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply a person centered and trauma informed practice through active listening skills, and empathic approach.
- Proven assessment skills, non-judgemental, and critical decision-making skills
- Ability to address situations and make decisions in stressful environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries with service users.
- Excellent attention to detail; to complete documentation of call interactions with Service Users.
- Digital literacy, including working knowledge of Microsoft 365
- Experience with inbound crisis phone calls is an asset but not required.
- Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with the team, direct supervisor, and management.
- Flexible, accountable, and self-motivated.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and self-care skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Completed or in the process of completing post-secondary program in a related field or equivalent experience in social/health science discipline is preferred. A relevant post-secondary program combined with significant, demonstrated experience may be considered.
- Must possess relevant experience working with vulnerable individuals.
- Possess or ability to possess a valid negative Vulnerable Sector Police Check.
BENEFITS:
- Company pension
- Extended health care
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Company Information: At Family Counselling Centre, we provide essential services that directly strengthen our community, promote individual well-being, and preserve family life. We are an established accredited agency, a member of Family Service Ontario, and proud to be a United Way Funded Partner. As a community based not-for-profit organization, we deliver diverse programs in Lambton County. Our programs provide strategies to deal with life stresses and assist in developing interpersonal relationship skills. We believe in meaningful work with significant impact. We recognize everyday challenges and offer positive solutions to help positively impact our client’s lives.
Family Counselling Centre is committed to being an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from qualified individuals including persons of all genders and sexual orientations, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities.
Family Counselling Centre is committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact our Human Resources.
Please send your cover letter and resume to: [email protected] no later than July 31, 2026.
We appreciate all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not being used to screen or assess job applicants.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $38,841.39-$49,812.61 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
