Casual Community Crisis Responder – CRCL Comox Valley

About the role

The Community Crisis Responder joins AVI’s CRCL mobile team to provide acute, culturally‑safe crisis support for individuals 13+ experiencing mental health or substance‑use emergencies in the Comox Valley.

Key responsibilities

• Respond to crisis calls, assess risk, intervene in suicidality and develop safety and follow‑up plans.
• De‑escalate situations using trauma‑informed, harm‑reduction and Indigenous‑centred approaches while coordinating with dispatch, police, ambulance and other services.
• Maintain situational awareness in unpredictable environments, including adverse weather, hazardous dwellings and diverse substance‑use contexts.

Required profile

• 2‑3 years experience in mental health, crisis de‑escalation or case management; degree in counselling, social work or psychiatric nursing preferred.
• Strong cultural competency, understanding of colonial impacts on Indigenous peoples and ability to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into practice.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, trauma‑informed care and harm‑reduction principles.

Required skills

• First aid and CPR Level C certification.
• Proficiency in mental health assessment, suicide intervention and safety‑planning techniques.