THE ORGANIZATION:

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) was established in 1972 and is a non-profit organization with a status free open-door policy. KAFS is dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities of Kamloops and surrounding areas. KAFS provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) is a newly launched program and will provide an alternative to the presence of police personnel at mental health crisis calls in Kamloops. The team will provide crisis support services that will integrate cultural safety protocols and holistic care options. The mobile team is comprised of mental health professionals and peers (someone with lived or living experience) will be available during scheduled service hours. This program aims to reduce the harms experienced by people who have mental health and addictions challenges as well as Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ2+ and other marginalized individuals.

The CRCL team provides acute crisis support and de-escalation services for persons 13 years of age and older experiencing mental health and/or substance use related crises. Reporting to the CRCL Program Manager, the Team Lead provides clinical leadership, day-to-day operational oversight, and staff supervision to support the safe and consistent delivery of crisis response services. This role works closely with Responders and Coordinators by providing coaching, debriefing, training, and performance support while reinforcing clinical standards, service quality, and strong team collaboration. 

KAFS is currently hiring for one CRCL Team Lead position, with the below regular working schedule:

• Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 10pm
• Monday and Tuesday, 4pm - 12am

*This position includes an initial training period of approximately 120 hours, which is completed through a blend of online, on-site, and off-site sessions. The training plan is set by the CRCL Program Manager and must be completed within the first three months of employment.

A DAY IN THE LIFE – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead daily check-in and check-out meetings with Responders to provide guidance, support, and operational direction
• Provide debriefing to Responders following calls, ensuring alignment with best practices and appropriate follow-up as needed
• Provide on-site emotional support to Responders throughout their shifts, identifying when additional care may be needed and fostering a team environment grounded in wellness and self-care
• Facilitate daily Scope of Practice sessions to reinforce clinical standards and service delivery expectations
• Conduct monthly group supervision sessions and provide one-on-one support to Responders, as required
• Identify and coordinate ongoing training and professional development needs for Responders
• Supervise, coach, and support Coordinators in collaboration with the CRCL Manager
• Conduct regular weekly check-ins with Coordinators to review performance, address challenges, and provide guidance
• Support Coordinators in managing Responders, including through coaching and performance feedback
• Lead monthly goal-setting sessions with Coordinators to support continuous improvement
• Participate in annual performance evaluations of Coordinators alongside the Program Director
• Oversee onboarding and training of new hires in collaboration with Coordinators
• Ensure new staff are oriented to program policies, procedures, and clinical expectations
• Support continuous learning and development across the team
• Oversee and support Coordinators in conducting quality checks of documentation and reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Monitor service delivery to ensure alignment with program standards, policies, and best practices
• Participate in the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) monthly Community of Practice alongside Responders
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment grounded in respect, accountability, and cultural safety
• Act as a liaison between Responders, Coordinators, and the Program Director, supporting effective communication and problem-solving across the team

Requirements

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or Mental Health
• 5+ years of direct experience in crisis response, mental health, or community-based services
• 2+ years of team lead or supervisory experience
• Strong clinical foundation in crisis intervention, de-escalation, safety and wellness assessment, and support for complex service situations
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance support
• Understanding and awareness of emotional well-being in the workplace, with the ability to provide grounded emotional support to frontline staff
• Experience leading onboarding, training, and ongoing development of frontline staff
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, culturally safe, and client-centered practice
• Commitment to harm reduction principles and ability to support a team working with individuals facing barriers related to mental health, substance use, and broader systems of care
• Strong documentation and file review skills, with the ability to support quality, accuracy, and alignment with program standards
• Ability to lead with sound judgment, professionalism, accountability, and consistency in a dynamic community-based environment
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, relationship-building, and organizational skills
• Suicide Intervention and Assessment Training, CBT and DBT training, and Mental Health First Aid are assets
• First Aid and CPR Level C certified
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle

Benefits

• Training wage of $28 per hour for the first 120 hours of employment
• Upon successful completion of training, you will be eligible for a post-training wage. Your post-training wage is determined by your relevant skills and experience, in accordance with established internal wage grid.

Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry as per section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code (please self-identity in your cover letter).