Purpose of the Position
The Crisis Worker provides essential support, safety, advocacy, information, and guidance to clients and crisis line callers. As part of the front-line team, the Crisis Worker delivers services in a professional, ethical, and client-centered manner that promotes safety, dignity, and well-being. This position reports directly to the Executive Director.
Crisis Workers are expected to maintain required training, complete orientation and refresher training, participate in ongoing learning, and apply the knowledge and skills gained through training in their daily work. This position provides non-clinical crisis support and shelter services to women and their children experiencing violence and abuse.
Reporting
Reports to: Executive Director
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Client Support and Advocacy
- Provide compassionate and supportive assistance to women and their dependent children who contact Battlefords Interval House by phone or in person, ensuring alignment with the service mandate.
- Conduct intake screening, crisis response, and safety planning and help connect clients to appropriate community resources and supports.
- Document all crisis calls, inquiries, and client interactions accurately and thoroughly.
- Screen prospective clients for suitability and complete intake interviews and related documentation.
- Assist clients in settling into the shelter, providing orientation to emergency procedures, house rules, and safety considerations.
- Assess clients' immediate needs, collaborate on case plan development, and provide information on available resources.
- Establish and maintain positive, supportive relationships with clients through active listening, debriefing, and emotional validation.
- Provide emotional support, encouragement, problem-solving assistance, life skills support, and trauma-informed crisis support.
- Facilitate individual or group support discussions, education, and activities related to safety, healthy relationships, and client well-being.
- Participate in client service planning, goal setting, safety planning, and case reviews with clients and staff.
- Advocate for clients in accessing community resources, including legal, medical, financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, and childcare.
- Provide education on the cycle of violence and crime prevention strategies.
- Respond to crisis situations according to established policies and procedures.
- Complete incident reports and WCB reports as required.
- Administer medication according to established policy.
- Understand and adhere to The Child and Family Services Act, Part III Child Protection, Section 12 (Duty to Report).
- Observe and document parenting concerns, child safety concerns, or support needs in accordance with BIH procedures and Duty to Report obligations.
- Maintain strict client confidentiality.
- Monitor client safety and comfort, ensuring facility security, including alarm systems.
- Assist in conflict resolution among clients.
- Program Administration
- Ensure adherence to program standards in service delivery.
- Complete accurate client documentation and statistical reporting.
- Conduct daily client meetings to review activities and assign chores.
- Maintain accurate records in the daily communication log.
- Contribute to policy development to enhance teamwork.
- Provide orientation for new staff, as directed.
- Participate in employee orientation within the first five (5) days of hire, including workplace policies, emergency procedures, fire safety, documentation expectations, workplace violence prevention procedures, and job-specific safety information.
- Attend and complete all mandatory training and refresher training required by BIH, including Duty to Report, First Aid and CPR, WHMIS, workplace violence prevention, WSIS documentation training, intake and discharge training, medication management training, fire safety, and other role-specific training required by BIH.
- Maintain current certifications and complete refresher training within required timelines.
- Attend required training sessions, workshops, meetings, and staff education opportunities.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety.
- Assist clients with meal preparation, adhering to dietary needs and safety standards.
- Support clients and the Support Worker with housekeeping duties, including laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and maintaining shelter cleanliness.
- Assist with preparing client rooms after discharge, including cleaning and room setup as required.
- Maintain cleanliness of work areas and shared staff spaces.
- Assist with vehicle cleanliness and general upkeep.
- Complete assigned routine cleaning and sanitizing duties during shifts.
- Perform minor household repairs and report maintenance needs.
- Respond to pest infestations and report them immediately.
- Report unsafe conditions or maintenance concerns.
- Conduct and document regular house security checks.
- Report potential problems, client concerns, and safety risks to the Executive Director immediately.
- Transportation
- Transport clients and their children to external services as needed.
- Ensure passenger safety, including the use of appropriate restraints.
- Adhere to Battlefords Interval House transportation policies and The Traffic Safety Act.
- Staff Collaboration and Compliance
- Assist other staff as needed.
- Participate in staff meetings, program planning, client service reviews, and team discussions.
- Adhere to the organization's mission, values, policies, procedures, and Code of Ethics.
- Maintain accurate documentation and communication of incidents.
- Ask the Executive Director or Team Lead for guidance when unsure about policies, procedures, documentation, training requirements, or workplace practices.
- Apply the skills and knowledge learned through orientation and training in daily work, including trauma-informed practice, crisis response, documentation, safety planning, and shelter operations.
- Support a workplace culture that values learning, teamwork, safety, accountability, and compliance with workplace requirements.
- Participate in ongoing learning and shelter-sector training related to the Crisis Worker role.
- Community Engagement
- Assess clients' needs for external community services and facilitate referrals.
- Liaise with community agencies as required.
- Maintain positive relationships with community service agencies.
- Stay informed on issues and resources related to abuse and violence.
- Represent Battlefords Interval House professionally in the community.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
- One (1) year of recent and relevant experience in shelter services, crisis support, social services, or a related environment.
- Minimum Grade 12 or GED required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of interpersonal violence, trauma-informed practice, and crisis support strategies.
- Awareness of diverse cultural values, beliefs, lived experiences, and practices.
- Familiarity with community resources and support services in the Battlefords area.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries while providing supportive, non-clinical services to clients.
- Ability to respond calmly and appropriately in crisis situations.
- Ability to complete accurate documentation and maintain confidentiality.
- Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
- Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Ability to manage work-related stress and emotionally demanding situations.
- Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
Behavioral Competencies
- Respectful, non-judgmental, and inclusive.
- Reliable and follows through on commitments.
- Honest, fair, and communicates effectively.
- Fosters open communication.
- Effective time management.
- Represents the organization professionally and ethically.
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
- Safe Food Handling Course.
- Completion of mandatory orientation, training, and refresher training required under Policy 5-08 and the applicable Employee Training Matrix.
- Ongoing learning and external training related to the role may include ODARA, ASIST, Naloxone Administration, Mental Health First Aid, PATHS training, and other shelter-sector or crisis response training opportunities approved by BIH.
Hours of Work
- Shift work.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
- Work is performed on-site in a women’s shelter service environment.
- Work may involve responding to crisis situations, emotionally difficult interactions, and unpredictable client behaviours within a shelter environment.
- Occasional requirement to perform housekeeping duties such as laundry, cleaning, or lifting supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
Email :
Please include the position you are applying for and the competition number in the email subject line.
