WHO WE ARE

Victim Services Toronto (VST) provides trauma-informed support and advocacy in the moment for any person in Toronto who has experienced crime or sudden tragedy. Beyond immediate support, VST is committed to preventing violence through proactive community engagement initiatives. Our vision is to cultivate a thriving community where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered. Guided by core values of survivorship, adaptability, presence, innovation, and advocacy, VST strives to stand alongside those in need. We are dedicated to fostering a safer environment for all Toronto residents, ensuring that vulnerable individuals and communities receive the support they require.          

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job Title

Crisis Counsellor

Department

Crisis Response

Employment Status

Full-Time, Permanent

Reports To

Director of the Crisis Response Program

Location

Toronto, Ontario

Direct Reports

None

Work Schedule

Monday to Thursday, 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, 32 hours per week

Salary:

$57,000 – $60,000+ per annum, commensurate with experience

Number of Positions Open

1

Closing Date

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM (EDT) on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

Victim Services Toronto is seeking a Crisis Counsellor to provide immediate, intensive support to individuals navigating the acute aftermath of crime and sudden tragedy. This specialized role delivers client-centered crisis intervention for those impacted by events such as intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, homicide, and sudden death. By meeting clients where they are—whether in the community, at home, or in our office—you provide a vital foundation of emotional stabilization and practical resource linkage.

The work is grounded in a trauma-informed and anti-oppression framework, ensuring that support is compassionate, culturally responsive, and equitable. In this role, you will perform comprehensive needs assessments, facilitate safety planning, and empower survivors as they navigate complex systems. By balancing urgent on-scene and virtual intervention with careful advocacy and resource coordination, you play a critical role in helping individuals manage crisis situations and begin their journey toward recovery.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

CRISIS INTERVENTION AND VICTIM SUPPORT  

• Receive referrals from Toronto Police Service, Clients and Community Partners promptly and action the referral based on presenting needs
• Provide on-scene assistance, walk-in and over the phone support to victims and survivors
• Provide community debriefing as requested for traumatic events
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments resulting from a crime and sudden tragedy
• Provide immediate emotional support and arrange for practical support for victims of crime and sudden tragedy, aiding help manage crisis situations
• Work collaboratively with clients in developing and implementing a personalized safety plan, urgent advocacy or travel letters and keep confidential case note documentation
• Offer compassionate, non-judgmental, culturally responsive, client-centered, and trauma-informed therapeutic interventions
• Meet with clients in person to collect necessary documentation for VQRP; upload documentation to file and submit with referral
• Submit proof of payment or service to on call afterhours and Director for billing purposes
• Advocate and connect clients to appropriate internal case management programs as well as external health, social service, community and justice systems
• Link clients to appropriate community resources and services that meet their ongoing needs, including counseling, housing, or financial support
• Work within a client-centered approach, emphasizing the autonomy and empowerment of individuals in their journey toward recovery
• Effectively manage high volume of cases while ensuring timely responses to incoming calls from clients and law enforcement
• Prioritize cases based on immediate need and urgency, maintaining a focus on client well-being
• Apply an Anti-Oppression Framework (AOP) to all interactions, ensuring equity and inclusion in service delivery

ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT AND VICTIM QUICK RESPONSE PROGRAM (VQRP+) FUNDED SERVICES

• Assess victims' eligibility for VQRP+ funded services and make referral for case management where applicable
• Ensure immediate needs for food, shelter, and safety are met after hours, and provide ongoing practical support during the crisis
• Ensure documentation is received and uploaded to the file in an ethical and timely manner

POLICE COLLABORATION AND ON-SCENE ASSISTANCE

• Respond promptly to requests from law enforcement for assistance at crime scenes or in emergency situations
• Offer direct support to victims and witnesses in collaboration with police officers, ensuring safety and coordination of services

SUICIDE RISK ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT  

• Complete thorough Suicide Risk Assessments for individuals in crisis and at risk
• Provide appropriate referrals and connect clients to mental health supports or intervention services

INTERAGENCY COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION  

• Actively communicate and collaborate with key service providers, including police, emergency medical services (EMS), fire departments, hospitals, and CAS
• Coordinate and facilitate support for clients from various agencies to meet comprehensive needs 24/7
• Provide immediate and on scene support in cases of mass victimization events and engage in mass victimization response protocol

MENTORSHIP, KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND TEAM CULTURE

• Collaborate with and mentor volunteers and students, contributing to a supportive, shared learning environment
• Participate in quarterly training sessions to remain informed of best practices and updates in crisis intervention
• Attend team meetings to discuss case management, share insights, and collaborate on client care strategies
• Promote and cultivate an inclusive, respectful, and supportive work environment that values diversity and encourages open communication
• Actively contribute to creating a positive organizational culture by modeling inclusive behaviors, promoting mutual respect, and ensuring all team members feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute
• Support initiatives and practices that enhance team cohesion, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging, fostering a healthy and productive workplace

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING     

• Participate in ongoing training, committees, clinical consultation, supervision, and professional development activities to stay current with best practices in victim services, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and other relevant fields

DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING      

• Maintain accurate, timely, and ethical case notes, ensuring that documentation is completed and submitted in accordance with agency policies and professional social work standards after each client interaction
• Assist with any additional administrative duties or responsibilities as assigned for the program related to the role

WHAT YOU’LL BRING   

MUST-HAVE’S

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, or a related Social Science field (such as Justice Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Human Services, or Mental Health). However, candidates with an equivalent combination of education, specialized training, and extensive, relevant front-line experience may be considered in lieu of the stated education requirements
• Minimum of 3 years of front-line experience providing intensive crisis intervention, stabilization, and immediate trauma-informed support to individuals navigating the acute aftermath of crime and sudden tragedy. Demonstrated experience working in high-acuity situations, including but not limited to supporting victims of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, homicide, sexual assault, and sudden death
• Proven ability to manage high-volume, incoming crisis calls with empathy and efficiency; skilled at prioritizing urgent needs, navigating complex systems, and providing effective support under pressure
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, victimization, and the impacts of trauma on individuals and families, including experience supporting clients impacted by violence and other complex or traumatic incidents
• Proven ability to conduct comprehensive, multi-domain needs and risk assessments—including rapid suicide and lethality risk evaluations—in unpredictable or high-pressure environments. Ability to synthesize this information in real-time to develop and implement immediate, practical safety plans that empower the client and reduce harm
• Sound understanding and application of anti-oppressive and intersectional frameworks in direct client work, including advocating for individuals facing systemic barriers across complex systems (e.g., justice, healthcare, housing), with critical self-awareness of how identity, power, and social location shape client experiences and access to support
• Strong ability to maintain professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment across all aspects of the role, including interactions with clients, colleagues, and external partners. This includes managing complex or high-risk situations with professionalism, respecting confidentiality and role clarity, and navigating competing perspectives while maintaining a client-centered approach
• Extensive experience in multi-sectoral collaboration, with a proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships with diverse partners (e.g., law enforcement, healthcare providers, and legal or social services) to facilitate coordinated care and integrated support for clients
• Demonstrated ability to provide trauma-informed stabilization in high-acuity or crisis situations, including proven skills in de-escalation, immediate safety planning, and crisis grounding techniques
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and client-centered advocacy documentation (e.g., letters of support, Victim Impact Statements, financial applications, and case notes) while maintaining timely, confidential records in compliance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), and virtual collaboration platforms (MS Teams, Webex, Zoom); ability to independently manage digital workflows and troubleshoot minor technical issues to ensure seamless, uninterrupted service delivery
• Demonstrated understanding of vicarious trauma and the ability to implement effective self-regulation and professional coping strategies in a high-acuity crisis environment
• A full, valid G-level driver’s license in good standing, and comfortable driving in urban areas, city streets, and on highways
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, either as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or with a valid Canadian work permit

NICE-TO-HAVE’S

• Technical proficiency in administering or navigating financial assistance programs (such as the Victim Quick Response Program+, Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund, Ontario Works, or ODSP.) including experience with eligibility assessment and documentation
• Experience navigating complex social service databases and case management systems (e.g., Osnium, Casebook, Penelope, Salesforce, SAMS, or WISH) to track client journeys, manage referrals, and ensure data integrity; including the ability to reconcile records for provincial reporting and reconcile financial documentation
• Registration or eligibility for registration with a relevant provincial regulatory body is an asset, such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), or the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO)
• Fluency in a second language, particularly languages commonly spoken in Toronto’s diverse communities (i.e., French, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Somali, Tagalog, etc.), is considered an asset for communicating effectively with staff, clients, and community stakeholders
• Lived experience with human trafficking, gun violence, or other sudden tragedy or crime, as well as lived experience within equity-deserving communities including Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, people with disabilities, women, and gender and sexually diverse communities, is considered an asset

OUR EQUITY COMMITMENT

Victim Services Toronto is an equal opportunity employer committed to anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to embed these principles across our operations, policies, and hiring practices, and to foster an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, particularly those from historically and currently underrepresented groups. This includes Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, people with disabilities, women, and gender and sexually diverse communities, as well as those with relevant lived experience to our work. If you have lived or life experience that you believe would be valuable in this role, please be sure to highlight it in your application. To read our full equity statement, please click here.

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation at any stage of the recruitment and selection process, please email us so we can work with you to meet your needs.

OUR LOCATION

This position is in person and located at Toronto Police Services’ Headquarters located at 40 College Street, Toronto. We recognize that applicants, particularly those from Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, with lived experiences and other equity-deserving communities, may have varied, complex, and historical experiences with law enforcement.

The final stage of recruitment also includes a police background check for facilities access purposes. We acknowledge this information may affect applicants differently and share it to support informed decision-making throughout the application process.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Victim Services Toronto, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, but we know a job is more than a pay cheque. Here, you’ll be part of a team that works together to make a real difference. At the end of the day, our staff go home knowing they’ve helped provide immediate, confidential support to people experiencing crime or sudden tragedy.

While you’re here, you’ll also have access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities designed to support your health, growth, and overall wellbeing:

BENEFITS AND PERKS

• Eligibility to enroll in medical and dental benefits following completion of the probation period, including access to mental health tools and resources
• OMERS pension plan with enrollment on your first day
• Access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program, including counselling and wellness resources for employees and their immediate family members
• Access to Toronto Police Service gym facilities (based on employment status).
• Professional development funds to support continuing education and career growth
• Agency-sponsored social events and opportunities to participate in community and charitable events
• In-house and external training opportunities related to current roles or future advancement

STAFF WELLBEING MATTERS

Thanks to the generosity of The Janis Rotman Fund for Staff Wellbeing, our team benefits from meaningful, built-in support to sustain their energy and care. This includes every 10th working day off, and access to paid clinical supervision with trained clinicians. We recognize the toll of trauma exposure and are committed to supporting the wellbeing of those who support others.