Community Crisis Response Worker

ABOUT WILLIAMS LAKE FIRST NATION (WLFN)

The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), or the Texelcemc (people of WLFN) have belonged to the Secwepemc (or Shuswap) Nation for over 6500 years. Today, the WLFN community includes a growing population of over 800 registered members who live on reserve in Sugar Cane, in nearby Williams Lake, BC, and across the globe.
We are Culturally Centered, Future Focused. WLFN provides staff with an excellent benefits package, RSP matching up to 8%, 3 weeks' vacation upon completion of probationary period, and many other benefits.

Deadline for Applications: Open till filled.

POSITION

Reporting to the Community Crisis Response Manager, the Community Crisis Response Worker provides frontline, community-based support in response to crisis and emergency situations impacting the safety, wellbeing, and stability of Williams Lake First Nation members. This role is responsible for responding to crisis call-outs, supporting immediate stabilization, and assisting individuals and families in navigating urgent situations. The Worker plays a key role in ensuring community members are supported in a timely, respectful, and culturally safe manner during periods of distress.

The position focuses on immediate response, practical support, and short-term stabilization, including coordination with internal departments and external partners as required. This role does not provide long-term case management but instead supports safe transitions to appropriate ongoing services and supports.

The Community Crisis Response Worker participates in an on-call rotation and may be required to respond to after-hours and emergency situations.

Employment Type

Full-Time Permanent (35 hours per week).

Probation Period

3 months from the date of hire.

Education Required

• Bachelors degree in social work, psychology, or related field. Crisis response training is an asset.

Experience Required

• 5+ years direct crisis intervention or mental health experience.
• A combination of education, experience, and training may be considered.

Overtime Status

Non-exempt.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Attend and respond to crisis and emergency situations in community, providing immediate, in-person support in a respectful and culturally safe manner.
2. Provide hands-on support to help stabilize individuals and families during crisis situations, including de-escalation, grounding, and practical assistance.
3. Observe and assess immediate safety concerns and situational factors and communicate relevant information to the Community Crisis Response Manager as required.
4. Provide brief, crisis-focused therapeutic support within scope of practice, where appropriate, to support immediate stabilization. This may include short-term, solution-focused or supportive interventions during or immediately following a crisis event. Ongoing clinical counselling or long-term therapeutic services are not within the scope of this role.
5. Provide short-term, crisis-focused support to individuals experiencing:
   1. Overdoses and substance-related emergencies
   2. Sudden or traumatic deaths
   3. Family or child safety concerns
   4. Mental health crises
   5. Natural disasters or evacuations
   6. Other urgent situations impacting community safety and wellbeing
6. Follow direction and support communication efforts during crisis events, working alongside internal staff and external responders as required.
7. Provide transportation during active crisis situations when required to support immediate safety or access to care, including transport to medical services or safe locations.
8. Transportation is limited to crisis-related situations and does not include ongoing or scheduled service provision.
9. Carry out crisis response activities under the direction of the Community Crisis Response Manager, with a focus on frontline support and service coordination.
10. Assist in connecting individuals to appropriate services following a crisis, including providing information and facilitating initial contact where appropriate.
11. Maintain a clear focus on immediate crisis response activities and avoid involvement in ongoing or long-term service provision.
12. Accurately document all crisis responses, interactions, and actions taken in accordance with WLFN policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
13. Participate in on-call rotation and respond to after-hours crisis situations as required.
14. Participate in team debriefings following crisis events, supporting team learning, wellness, and continuous improvement.
15. Maintain ongoing communication with the Community Crisis Response Manager regarding active situations, risks, and follow-up needs.
16. Participate in training, preparedness activities, and professional development related to crisis response, de-escalation, cultural safety, and emergency response.

The duties listed are provided as examples of area of responsibility and are not intended to create limits to responsibility but to help understand the scope of the position. All staff are expected to be team oriented and maintain confidentiality of all information gained while working with the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Williams Lake First Nation community, traditions, teachings, culture, protocols, and practices.
• Understanding of crisis response principles, including immediate stabilization, de-escalation, and short-term support.
• Basic understanding of community resources, services, and referral pathways to support appropriate connection following a crisis.
• Familiarity with the impacts of trauma, substance use, mental health challenges, and crisis situations on individuals and families.
• Working knowledge of confidentiality, privacy, and professional boundaries in community-based service delivery.
• Proficient use of information technologies (computers, mobile devices, etc.) including Microsoft Office Suite, presentation development tools, online education programs, and social media channels.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to think critically and act logically to evaluate situations, solve problems and make decisions.
• Ability to take directions and work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and make decisions within the area, often on short notice.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize work effectively and under pressure.
• Clear and effective communication, especially under pressure.
• Ability to assess immediate safety concerns and respond appropriately.
• Strong coordination and organizational skills in fast-paced environments.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in sensitive situations.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and sound problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with community members during difficult situations.
• Familiarity with technology and remote desktop applications (MS Teams, Zoom, Outlook, etc.)

Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry - per Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

We thank all those individuals who applied. Given the large number of applicants we receive for our job postings, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.