[Hiring] Responder @CAMH

Role Description

The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is currently seeking sixteen (16) full-time, permanent Responders. The Responder role supports the National Hub within 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline and provides crisis intervention support to individuals reaching out. Responders use an intervention model with core components that include:

• Actively engaging with callers and texters
• Listening to understand their experience
• Conducting suicide risk and strengths assessments
• Instilling hope and exploring reasons for living
• Collaborative problem solving and safety planning
• Connecting to other resources and services if required

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention support via phone and text following 9-8-8 and CAMH defined policies and practices.
• Apply suicide prevention techniques and protocols to effectively assess the individual’s risk of suicide, provide appropriate intervention, and additional resources when appropriate.
• Work alongside a cohesive team while on shift that consists of shift supervisors and other Responders.
• Work collaboratively and compassionately with those reaching out.
• Schedule and complete follow-up calls as required in alignment with standard operating procedures.
• Establish safety using the least intrusive means necessary, which may involve contacting emergency services.
• Consult and take direction from supervisors for challenges that arise.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed reports, documenting all required/identified data points.
• Complete legally required reporting.
• Maintain familiarity with 9-8-8 database of essential national resources and provide as needed to callers and texters.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold the ethical and legal standards of 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.
• Attend responder/staff meetings and additional training sessions when required.
• Participate in regular quality assurance assessment of skills.
• Participate in mentoring new responders as needed.
• Other duties as required/assigned.

Training Requirements

• Successful candidates must be available to participate in a 7-week virtual training program, beginning January 18, 2027, and concluding March 5, 2027.
• Attendance at all seven live virtual training sessions is mandatory, scheduled as follows:
• Wednesday, January 20, 2027
• Friday, January 22, 2027
• Wednesday, January 27, 2027
• Friday, January 29, 2027
• Wednesday, February 3, 2027
• Friday, February 5, 2027
• Wednesday, February 10, 2027
• All sessions take place virtually from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).
• Candidates must complete independent learning modules, role plays, and supervised mentoring shifts within the established training timelines.
• Candidates must be able to commit to the full training schedule as a condition of participation in the program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Demonstrate empathy, flexibility, and adaptability in varying situations.
• Excellent listening and communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Adhere strictly to confidentiality policies as outlined by 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline and CAMH.

Salary Range

$24.59 – $25.62 per hour

Additional Information

Applicants who are residents of the GTA (City of Toronto or the City of Mississauga) are not eligible for this posting.

If you are interested in this position, please ensure that you apply before 5pm EST of the closing date. Applications received past 5pm EST of the closing date will not be accepted.