Crisis Intervention and Cultural Support Worker

Position:
Crisis Intervention and Cultural Support Counsellor Company:
Victim Services of Durham Region Type:
Full-Time Permanent Position Classification:
This position requires on-site attendance five days per week and includes paid 24/7 on-call responsibilities.

Location:

605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, ON L1N 0B8 About the Organization

Victim Services of Durham Region is a non‑profit charitable organization that works with community partners to support victims of crime and tragic circumstances. We provide on‑site and telephone crisis intervention services through community and self‑referrals, as well as referrals from the Durham Regional Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police. We also work to prevent violence through awareness and education. We are seeking a full‑time Crisis Intervention and Cultural Support Counsellor (CIC) to provide trauma‑informed, survivor‑centred and culturally responsive support.

The CIC will provide services that honour Indigenous worldviews and recognise the intersectionality of clients’ experiences. The successful candidate will bring an equity lens to their work, with a strong commitment to anti‑racism, anti‑oppression and gender‑inclusive practices.

The role requires strong knowledge of Indigenous history and culture, an understanding of traditional teachings, and experience working directly with and engaging Indigenous youth.

Working at the Victim Services of Durham you will enjoy a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

We provide you with work that is engaging and impactful while promoting the health and wellness of our team.

We also provide:

• Benefits 100% covered by VSDR
• Opportunities to be mentored by cross functional teams
• Starting salary range of 55K to 57K depending on experience

The Crisis Intervention and Cultural Support Counsellor provides immediate, trauma‑informed support to children, youth, and families impacted by abuse, violence, and crisis. The role provides short‑term emotional support, safety planning, practical assistance, referrals, and connections to community resources. Working closely with clients, police, community partners, and other service providers, the Counsellor helps clients navigate available supports while respecting their choices, culture, and lived experience.

Excellent Communicator – you bring with you the ability to quickly build rapport with your team, young victims and community allies.

Your verbal style must be confident, reassuring, positive and clear.

Grounded – You thrive in a fast‑paced, emotionally charged environment where you balance empathy with professionalism

Independent – you are self‑motivated and manage your time well.

You must be able to organize and reorganize your day to meet often conflicting priorities and deadlines.

• Provide phone and/or in‑person support and crisis intervention including but not limited to case management, client intake, needs assessment, safety planning, emotional support, provision of practical assistance and community referrals.
• Provide short‑time emotional support to victims through active listening, validating feelings, and respecting client choices and decisions on the phone or in person.
• Provide seamless client referrals to longer‑term community support services and work in collaboration with various community partners, particularly police.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key partners, community groups, and those with lived experience.
• Complete applications on behalf of clients to the Victim Quick Response Program.
• Manage documentation and maintain confidential client outcomes and agency confidentiality and compile statistical reports.
• Provide 24 hour on call support as required.

• Social Service Worker, BSW, or a related program, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Post‑secondary education in a relevant field (e.g., Child and Youth Work, Social Work, Social Service Work, Mental Health).
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience supporting children, youth, and families affected by abuse or violence.
• Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous history and culture, with an…