Identifying Information
Job Title: Crisis Trainer
Program Area: Training and Education
Job Level: Crisis Trainer
Reports to: Team Lead, Crisis Training

Organization Summary
CMHA-Edmonton is a non-profit organization that envisions mentally healthy people in caring communities. We increase awareness and understanding of mental health, mental illness, recovery, and suicide prevention through education. We support the resilience and recovery of people in distress including those affected by mental illness or suicide by providing crisis intervention; safe, long-term and affordable housing; peer connections; suicide grief and family support; advocacy and wayfinding; and providing opportunities to improve your wellness.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Team Lead Crisis Training, the Crisis Trainer will provide assistance with Distress Line Volunteer Recruitment and Training as well as Crisis Responder Training. The Crisis Trainer participates in volunteer screening activities such as Information Sessions; orients, trains, supervises, monitors and evaluates the performance of volunteers and responders while they are in training; reviews Distress Line Volunteer Training and Crisis Responder Training procedures and makes recommendations that address program changes and risk management issues.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Create a welcoming and inclusive Information Session for prospective Distress Line Volunteer trainees
Lead small group discussions in the Information Session for prospective Distress Line Volunteer trainees
Participates in evaluating prospective Distress Line Volunteers for admission to the Distress Line Volunteer Training Program
Creates a welcoming and inclusive training space for Distress Line Volunteer Training and Crisis Responder Training
Facilitates, or co-facilitates Distress Line Volunteer Training Sessions and Crisis Responder Training Sessions
Supports the training of Distress Line Volunteers and Crisis Responders by supervising Monitor Shifts and providing feedback on volunteer and responder performance
Provides volunteers and staff with emotional and practical support as a result of dealing with situations encountered while responding to crisis interactions
Evaluates the performance of Distress Line Volunteer Trainees and Crisis Responders
Recommends Distress Line Volunteer Trainees to become Distress Line Volunteers based on evaluation results
Assists in the review of Distress Line Volunteer Training procedures and make recommendations for program change
Participates in professional development activities to maintain required accreditation standards

Qualifications/Experience
Minimum of 2 years of recent experience in researching, developing, and presenting Adult Education training courses and/or experience with crisis intervention including mental health, mental illness, substance abuse and/or responding to risks for suicide or violence
Completion of a post-secondary certificate or degree in a related discipline
Frontline experience on a Distress Line or in another client support role is required
Acceptable attainment and maintenance of a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check and an Intervention Record Check

Skills/Abilities
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to consistently use a learner centered approach when designing and delivering presentations
Dynamic and engaging presentation skills
Excellent telephone skills, including questioning, probing and/or interviewing abilities, to ensure individuals needs are being determined and appropriately met
Ability to work effectively in a challenging environment, deal with difficult situations and respond in a composed manner
Positive, helpful attitude towards assisting learners
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to set priorities and allocate time and resources effectively
Organizational, time management and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated abilities and initiative in completing tasks and projects
Ability to provide constructive and positive feedback to others and be able to accept the same
Ability to be empathetic and non-judgmental when assisting learners
Keyboarding skills and the ability to effectively use Microsoft Office and other program software

Required Training for the Position

Within the first 3 months of employment:
First Aid/CPR Training
Self-harm Training
Crisis Management Training/Nonviolent crisis intervention
Diversity and Cross-Cultural Training
Aboriginal Awareness Training

Within the first 6 months of employment:
GBA+ Training
Brain Story Certification
Mental Health First Aid