Crisis Counsellors provide immediate emotional support and practical assistance to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress, trauma, or mental health emergencies. Working within the Department of National Defence, you will support Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families during critical moments, helping them navigate complex emotional and psychological challenges. This role is essential to maintaining the mental health and resilience of the military community.
Your responsibilities include conducting crisis assessments, providing short-term counselling interventions, developing safety plans, and connecting clients with appropriate mental health resources and longer-term support services. You will work collaboratively with medical professionals, social workers, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care. You may also participate in crisis response teams, provide psychoeducation, and contribute to prevention initiatives within military units and communities.
As a Crisis Counsellor, you will work in dynamic environments including military bases, operational settings, hospitals, counselling centres, and sometimes remotely. Your work requires emotional resilience, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. You will regularly engage with individuals in vulnerable states and must demonstrate cultural competency, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
Key Responsibilities
Provide social services services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Education: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counselling, or a related mental health discipline is required. Many positions prefer candidates with a master's degree in counselling, clinical psychology, or social work, which enhances your ability to manage complex cases and advance your career.
Certifications and Credentials: You must hold a valid provincial or territorial certification or license to practice as a counsellor, therapist, or social worker in Canada. This typically requires completion of supervised clinical hours (often 1,000 to 2,000 hours depending on your province and profession) and successful completion of professional examinations. Membership with a professional regulatory body such as a provincial college of psychotherapists, counsellors' association, or social work regulatory body is required.
Professional Development: The Department of National Defence supports ongoing professional development through training in trauma-informed care, suicide intervention, crisis de-escalation, and military culture competency. You will have access to conferences, workshops, and advanced certifications in specialized areas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Continuing education is essential to maintain your professional credentials and stay current with best practices in mental health care.
Entry Plans
Public Service Competitions: Crisis Counsellor positions are advertised through open competitions on the Government of Canada Job Bank and internal Public Service job boards. Competitions typically require a completed application, a written assessment, and interviews with a selection panel. Some competitions are open only to Canadian citizens, while others may be open to permanent residents depending on the security requirements of the specific role.
talent.canada.ca: You can create a profile on the federal government's talent management platform to be notified of relevant opportunities and express interest in career streams aligned with social services and health care roles.
Lateral Moves: If you are already employed in the federal Public Service, you may be able to transition into a Crisis Counsellor role through internal competitions or appointment processes. Your existing public service experience and security clearance can facilitate faster hiring processes.
Student and Early Career Programs: The Public Service may offer internship or student employment programs for those pursuing relevant degrees in psychology, social work, or counselling. These positions provide valuable experience and can lead to permanent employment opportunities upon graduation.
Professional Recruitment: DND may conduct targeted recruitment at post-secondary institutions, professional conferences, and through professional associations to attract qualified mental health professionals.
Part-Time Options
Part-time Opportunities: Part-time Crisis Counsellor positions are available within DND, though availability varies by location and operational needs. Part-time roles typically involve scheduled hours and may focus on specific shifts or client populations. Part-time employees receive prorated benefits and pension contributions equivalent to their hours of work.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Many Crisis Counsellor positions accommodate flexible scheduling to meet both organizational and employee needs. Depending on the work location and manager discretion, you may be able to negotiate flexible start and end times, compressed work weeks, or job-sharing arrangements. However, some flexibility may be limited during crisis response periods or peak demand times.
Remote Work Options: Remote or hybrid work arrangements have become more common in counselling roles, particularly for intake assessments, follow-up sessions, and administrative tasks. However, crisis response and certain client interactions may require in-person presence. Remote work availability depends on your specific position, location, and the nature of the clients you serve. Discussion with your manager about remote work possibilities is recommended during the hiring process.
Work-Life Balance: Given the emotional demands of crisis work, DND recognizes the importance of work-life balance and employee wellness. You will have access to employee assistance programs, mental health support, and reasonable accommodations to prevent burnout and ensure your own wellbeing.
