CRCL Team Lead - Temporary

As the first of its kind in Kelowna, Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) represents a bold shift in how we respond to mental health and substance use crises through mobile, non-police, consent-based and culturally safe response to individuals aged 13+ experiencing mental health or substance use crises. We are seeking a CRCL Team Lead to support the team with this transformative initiative in Kelowna as part of a broader provincial movement to reimagine crisis care. This is a rare opportunity for passionate, values-driven leaders with extensive experience in crisis response and team management to help bring this vision to life. Learn more about the provincial CRCL initiative at https://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/crcl.

CMHA Kelowna& District is hiring a full-time, 10-month term, CRCL Team Lead for the Crisis Response, Community-Led (CRCL) program. This position is available as of January 2027 and offers a work schedule of 40 hours a week with a typical work week of Monday – Thursday 11:00am - 9:00pm, with a biweekly rotational Thursday schedule of 9am-7pm.

WHO IS A CRCL TEAM LEAD?

The CRCL Team Lead provides leadership, operational oversight, and supervisory support for the Crisis Response, Community-Led (CRCL) Team, which offers immediate crisis and de-escalation services for individuals aged 13+ experiencing mental health and/or substance use-related crises. Reporting to the CRCL Manager, the Team Lead ensures the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction-based services through compassionate team supervision, system coordination, and operational management. The CRCL Team Lead fosters a collaborative, equitable, and supportive team environment that centers staff wellness, transparency, and accountability, while also maintaining strong relationships with community service providers, emergency services, and clients.

WHAT DOES A CRCL TEAM LEAD DO?

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the CRCL team, including team scheduling, coverage, and resource allocation
• Manage staff schedules, timesheet approvals, and leave requests to ensure continuous, equitable service delivery
• Ensure quality control and compliance with operational protocols; report regularly to the CRCL Manager
• Oversee the management of outreach supplies and resources (e.g., harm reduction supplies, food, clothing)
• Support ongoing planning, evaluation, and improvement of CRCL systems and protocols
• Participate in internal and external reporting and help develop program frameworks aligned with community needs and organizational values
• Provide clinical and peer-based supervision for CRCL staff
• Conduct daily check-ins, debriefings, and 1:1 staff supervision to support team mental health and performance
• Supervise documentation ensuring confidentiality, safety, and data accuracy
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new team members in collaboration with the CRCL Manager
• Ensure the team is equipped with appropriate tools and knowledge to work effectively and safely in the field
• Provide ongoing staff development, including training, coaching, and mentoring
• Provide program coverage during staff absences
• Support the delivery of trauma-informed, community-based crisis services grounded in harm reduction, cultural humility, and anti-oppressive practice
• Provide direct service support and emergency interventions (e.g., First Aid, Naloxone) when required
• Foster and maintain effective working relationships with community partners and emergency services personnel
• Performs other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in Health or Social Services (e.g., Public Health, Social Work), or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 3-5 years’ relevant experience working in mental health, substance use, crisis response, or harm reduction service environments
• Minimum 1-3 years' experience in supervisory or coordination roles
• Reliable vehicle with ability to travel between facilities and other locations on a frequent basis
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license with a Driver’s Abstract & ICBC Claims & Insurance History Record
• Criminal Record Check clearance in the Vulnerable Sector
• Certificates in ASIST, CBT, DBT, First Aid, CPR-C with AED, Mental Health First Aid and Naloxone considered an asset
• Experience working in the non-profit sector considered an asset
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated cultural humility with the ability to build trust with marginalized populations
• Ability to navigate emotionally charged and high-risk scenarios with empathy and professionalism
• Skilled in cultivating respectful, collaborative relationships with staff, peers, community partners, Indigenous communities, and law enforcement (e.g., RCMP, bylaw, etc.)
• Demonstrated leadership experience in supervising and supporting a diverse, trauma-exposed team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, clinical standards, ethical practice, ethics in crisis care, and appropriate documentation
• Ability to maintain consistent professional boundaries
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
• Proficient in scheduling tools, case management systems, supply management systems, and reporting protocols
• Familiarity with dispatch tracking software and client case management platforms
• Strong knowledge of crisis intervention, suicide prevention, mental health assessments, and case management practices
• Proficiency with trauma-informed, harm reduction-based, and peer-informed approaches
• Deep understanding of the social determinants of health, particularly for people who use substances, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people with lived experience, and people living outdoors or unhoused
• Strong assessment, triage, and risk management skills
• Familiarity with BC Mental Health Act, Child, Family and Community Services Act, and related legislation
• Strong understanding of compliance with health privacy legislation and data protection standards
• Understanding of overdose response tools and medical crisis interventions
• Knowledge of local service networks, emergency protocols, and geographic familiarity with Kelowna, BC
• Quick decision-making, critical thinking, and real-time problem solving in complex crisis scenarios
• Strong conflict resolution and non-violent communication skills
• Ability to remain calm, emotionally regulated, and task-focused under pressure
• Ability to multitask between operational management, team supervision and direct crisis response support
• Ability to be regularly exposed to individuals who are struggling with and/or recovering from trauma, drug/alcohol use, homelessness, mental health challenges and/or mental illness
• This position will be regularly exposed to occupational hazards including but not limited to: direct contact with dust, dirt, germs and human bio-products ; varying weather conditions

WHO IS CMHA KELOWNA & DISTRICT?

At CMHA Kelowna & District, we are dedicated to Mental Health in our community. No matter how old or how young, we provide support for families and individuals through programs that promote positive mental health and support recovery, while championing the elimination of barriers that can prevent people from thriving. We are a dynamic, innovative and visionary organization. We are looking for someone who shares our vision of a mentally healthy Kelowna and are passionate about making a difference in our community by bringing their particular expertise to our organization. To learn more, check out our website at www.cmhakelowna.org

CMHA KELOWNA & DISTRICT OFFERS YOU:

• A competitive salary wage of $81,494.40
• Vacation & Personal Health Days
• Workplace culture that fosters learning, transparency, trust and teamwork

As an employer, CMHA Kelowna & District strives to create a workplace that respects and values all individuals, minimizes bias, and promotes the equity, diversity, and inclusion of different perspectives and ideas. At CMHA Kelowna & District that means welcoming diversity in mental health, race, ethnicity, and culture. It also means diverse abilities, age, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, gender identities, education, marital status, language, and physical self expression. These values are embedded in the work CMHA Kelowna & District does every day.

We appreciate and thank all applicants for their interest, however only short-listed candidates and those legally eligible to work in Canada will be contacted