Mental Health Crisis Response (MHCR) Training Assistant Job Description

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Job Title: Mental Health Crisis Response (MHCR) Training Assistant

Job Type: External Contractor (Limited Term)

Hours of Work: The incumbent is expected to be available for a minimum of 2 evenings per week and per week for approximately 10-16 weeks between May and October 2026 with possibility of extension.

Position(s) Available: Up to 8.

Location: Mississauga, Ontario.

Accountable 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 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. 96/26: Training under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019. The MHCR Training is made up of 4 online modules, 1 online Primer, 1 In-person Forum Scenario, and 1 In-person Evaluation Scenario. More information can be found on the MHCR website. The training is delivered by a team of professional instructors (cadre instructors) using Virtual Reality (VR).

Position Summary

The MHCR training assistant will provide operational, technical, and administrative support to the Cadre Instructors and the MHCR Staff Team when they are delivering the MHCR training to a police professional. This role supports the facilitation of training sessions that utilize VR technology.

The incumbent will work closely with Cadre Instructors and the MHCR team to ensure training sessions are delivered smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with program standards, while gaining hands-on experience in training delivery and public safety education.

This position requires current knowledge and understanding of police service education, mental health crisis de-escalation principles, and EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) practices. MHCR Training Assistants will also be responsible for troubleshooting technological and implementation problems, therefore, strong technical, problem-solving, and facilitation skills are also important.

Primary Responsibilities

Virtual Reality (VR) Support

• Support the setup, operation, and breakdown of VR equipment.
• Monitor VR sessions to ensure participant safety and smooth transitions between scenarios.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to address technical issues, training challenges, or unexpected situations.
• Report technical issues or equipment concerns to instructors and MHCR staff team.

Administrative Support

• Assist with participant check-in and attendance tracking.
• Assist with managing materials, participant flow, and session timing.
• Assist with room setup, equipment organization, and training site coordination.
• Support onsite inventory tracking of training and VR equipment.
• Assist with post-training tasks such as collecting evaluations, organizing documentation, and data entry.

Program & Team Support

• Communicate professionally with police professionals and project partners.
• Support the MHCR team with projects related to program evaluation or training roll-out.

Equity, Inclusion, and Professional Conduct

• Support respectful, inclusive learning environments that reflect principles of cultural safety, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and respect when interacting with police officers, instructors, actors, and community partners.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all program policies and safety guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Strong technical aptitude and willingness to learn VR systems and training technologies.
• Currently enrolled OR graduate of a post-secondary or graduate program (e.g., psychology, social work, public safety, criminology, public health, policing, or related field).
• Comfort working in training environments involving sensitive subject matter (e.g., mental health crises, police activity, etc.).
• Availability to work in Mississauga at least 2 evenings per week between June and October 2026.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment and take direction from the MHCR team.
• Strong communication skills and professional demeanour.
• Ability to uphold privacy and confidentiality laws and valid police check. Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation to training location.

Learning & Development Opportunities

• Hands-on using technology in training and exposure to provincial police training environments.
• Experience supporting immersive, simulation-based learning.
• Opportunity to develop skills in communication, teamwork, and working collaboratively with professionals.
• Mentorship and professional development from Instructors and MHCR staff.

Hours of Work

The MHCR training assistant is expected to be available for a minimum of 2 MHCR training days per week for 10 to 16 weeks between June and October 2026. Each training day is typically between 1500-2200 hours in Mississauga. Other trainings are available based on an intermittent basis based on availability. They must also be available for 1-week of training at Laurier Brantford Campus.

Compensation

Rate of pay: $30.00 per hour. A flat rate will be provided for any training required for the position (Around 1 week).

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. Applications will be accepted until the position(s) are filled.