Casual Crisis Responder; Experiential; CRCL Comox Valley

AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organization providing HIV, hepatitis C, harm reduction and mental health services on Vancouver Island. AVI works within a social justice and health promotion framework to ensure equity and access to services for all. In the North Island, AVI provide services in the Comox Valley on the lands of the K’ómoks First Nation and in Campbell River on the lands of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation and Wei Wai Kai First Nation.

Current programs include harm reduction education and distribution, positive wellness, health promotion, prescribed Alternatives (PA) and mental health crisis response. Join our supportive, dedicated and client-centred team in promoting the health, dignity and well-being of all people affected by HIV, HCV and substance use by delivering sex-positive and harm reduction-based education, prevention and/or support services. AVI Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL):
The AVI Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) is funded by the Province of British Columbia and the Canadian Mental Health Association. CRCL is a peer-assisted care program and a mobile crisis response team, led by persons with lived/living experience and mental health professionals who are able to de-escalate crises and develop community care plans with persons experiencing crisis. The CRCL team is an alternate approach to responding to someone in crisis that focuses on health, well-being and community support.

Utilizing a community-based, client centered, trauma-informed response, a peer-assisted model of care has been proven to help individuals navigate mental and social care services and reduce engagement with the justice system and emergency services. In the spirit of reconciliation and community empowerment, K'ómoks First Nation and AVI Health and Community Services have joined hands to support and create a comprehensive and culturally safe service initiative.

KFN provides guidance through the CRCL program development to ensure Indigenous preceptive is woven throughout and supports Indigenous peoples accessing this service. The CRCL team provides services on the territories of the K'ómoks First Nation.

• Model a high degree of cultural competency, including ensuring services are culturally sensitive and incorporate Indigenous knowledge, practices, and approaches to healing and wellness
• Ready and able to respond to mental health and substance use related crises,
• Triage and adjust responses depending on call acuity, severing and other incoming calls,
• Think critically and respond quickly, especially in critical situations and when deciding the next course of action,
• Attend back-to-back calls,
• Communicate effectively with and follow the direction of the CRCL team’s Dispatch/Coordinator or any supervisor,
• Remain responsive to incoming calls up until the end of shift, and/or when Mandatory Emergency Overtime is in effect,
• Demonstrate emotional resilience, including and especially within complex situations,
• Work effectively as a team, including respectful communication throughout and following an emergency crisis response,
• Continuously center the needs of the person experiencing crisis
• Effectively and professionally engage other care providers, including when advocating for a person in crisis, and/or when critically assessing and determining the next course of action,
• Develop comprehensive safety plans and establish post crisis follow-up care, centering the needs of the person in crisis.

• Utilize a trauma informed approach, including with persons who are escalated and who use language or express beliefs that could be offensive or triggering for staff,
• De…