Mental Health Crisis Response (MHCR) Cadre Instructor Job Description

March 28, 2025

Job title: Mental Health Crisis Response (MHCR) Cadre Instructor

Job type: Independent Contractor

Full-time/Part-time: Variable hours with training delivery occurring on a periodic basis.

Position(s) available: 8-12

Location: We are looking for 1 to 3 people per Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) geographic zone. If you are available to support training in multiple zones, please indicate which zones you are applying to in your application.

Reports to: Centre of Public Safety and Well-Being, Wilfrid Laurier University

Application deadline: Open until position(s) are filled.

Program Summary

The Mental Health Crisis Response (MHCR) Education and Applied Training Program is a scenario-based, community co-designed curriculum that provides evidence-informed and enhanced training in de-escalation and communication strategies, mental health awareness, and cultural safety competencies for police officers responding to citizens in mental health crisis. The MHCR Training is made up of 4 online modules, 1 online Primer, 1 In-person Forum Scenario, and 1 In-person Evaluation Scenario. The MHCR Train-the-Trainer (T3) Program prepares MHCR Instructors to be qualified to provide the MHCR program and to administer the MHCR in-service requalification requirements. The MHCR-T3 is not a master-trainer course, but rather a program that trains instructors to administer MHCR training and officer assessment. MHCR instructors are not eligible to certify other trainers. MHCR instructors are only certified and able to perform training under Wilfrid Laurier University.

The MHCR Program sets a professional standard in de-escalation and mental health crisis response that aligns with training requirements outlined in sections 6 and 7 of O. Reg. 87/24: Training under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019.

Position Summary

We are looking for people who have experience in instruction and assessment of scenario-based training and/or experience instructing law enforcement (e.g., social work, policing, mental health related fields) who will be able to facilitate the MHCR Training Program to the Ontario Police College (OPC) and Police Services across Ontario. The MHCR Cadre Instructors will be responsible for the delivery of the MHCR Train-the-Trainer (T3) Training, the In-person Forum Scenario, and the Evaluation Scenario, using Virtual Reality (VR) technology. This position requires current and working knowledge and understanding of police service education, mental health crisis de-escalation principles, trauma-informed policing, and EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) practices to deliver the training. As an Independent Contractor, MHCR Cadre Instructors will also be responsible for troubleshooting technological and implementation problems, therefore, strong technical, problem-solving, and facilitation skills are also important.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing the delivery of the MHCR-T3 Training, the MHCR Training, and/or the MHCR Requalification Training to the Ontario Police College and police services across Ontario using a standardized curriculum.
• Utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) technology to facilitate immersive, scenario-based training sessions.
• Providing clear instruction, coaching, and feedback to police officers participating in training and accommodate diverse learning styles and backgrounds.
• Operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining VR equipment to ensure seamless delivery of training.
• Assisting with logistical planning, including setup, organization, and coordination of the training sessions.
• Establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with police services, community organizations, and project partners.
• Collaborating with the MHCR team to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Preparing and submitting invoices related to training expenses and program delivery in a timely manner.
• Reviewing and tracking individual expenses incurred to ensure compliance with program budgets.
• Promoting respectful learning environments that demonstrate cultural safety, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all training sessions and communication.
• Fostering an inclusive environment that acknowledges diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
• Representing the best interests of the training program by effectively championing its value, objectives, and methodologies.
• Addressing inquiries with reasoning and evidence-based arguments presented in the curriculum.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• College Diploma or University Degree preferred; however equivalent years of experience in law enforcement, crisis intervention, and/or mental health services will be considered.
• A minimum of 5+ years of experience in law enforcement, crisis intervention, mental health services, social work or a related field.
• A minimum of 3+ years of experience as a trainer, instructor, assessor, or facilitator in police education or mental health services.
• Demonstrated understanding (through certifications, courses or training) of mental health crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed approaches, and/or de-escalation techniques (e.g. ASIST, Crisis Negotiation Training, Mental Health First Aid, or de-escalation techniques etc.).
• Experience working with scenario-based learning is an asset.
• Experience as a member of the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT), Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT), or mental health unit at a police service, CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) training, Victim Service Professionals, cultural safety and EDI, or a mental health professional will be an asset.

Technical and Instructional Skills

• Strong facilitation and instructional skills, with the ability to engage and educate police officers effectively.
• A commitment to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the training content and assessment and ensuring conversations remain aligned with learning objectives.
• Proficiency in using technology-based training tools such as online learning platforms.
• Skilled in adapting training approaches to different learning styles and professional backgrounds.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to address technical issues, training challenges, or unexpected situations.
• Can articulate the alignment between officer safety, de-escalation viability, and when the use of force is necessary.

Other Requirements

• Be a Canadian Citizen.
• Fluent in English.
• Availability and ability to travel within Ontario for in-person training sessions.
• Current knowledge of policies and legislation that governs police-public interactions and the use of force. Specifically, the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (O. Reg. 87/24).
• Ability to uphold privacy and confidentiality laws.

Hours of Work

This position has intermittent, variable hours for a limited term up to two (2) years with the possibility of an extension. The hours of work are variable, as the position requires Cadre Instructors to be available for travel and delivery of the MHCR training program which could be between 1 and 5 days of in-person training time. Each training day is typically between 8:00-4:00pm. Flexibility is required due to frequent traveling to training locations and training times. Must be available for a minimum of 10 days quarterly for Ontario Police College (OPC), 1 week in-person for job training, and a minimum of 5 weeks for any contracted MHCR delivery. Advance notice will be provided.

Compensation

Rate of pay: $800 per day of service delivery. The contractor shall also be paid a flat fee for the initial training needed to facilitate the MHCR.

Application Instructions

Should you be interested in applying for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter in a PDF format to MHCR@wlu.ca indicating the preferred OACP geographic zone(s). Applications will be accepted until the position(s) are filled.