Volunteer Crisis Responder

The Team you are Joining – Who We Are:

The Halton Regional Police Service contributes to the safety and well-being of more than 620,000 residents in Halton Region which includes the Towns of Milton, Halton Hills and Oakville, and the City of Burlington. It is our continual pursuit of excellence that keeps Halton at the forefront of policing and as a leader in the public safety arena. Through upstream approaches, partner collaboration, training, community engagement and a strong focus on inclusion and diversity, we have been able to maintain Halton’s status as the safest Canadian municipality with a population of 100,000 or more. This is exemplified through deep collaboration between our growing team of over 1,100 members and our residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and municipal governments.

About the Role – How you will Contribute to the Service:

Role:  Volunteer Crisis Responders (2-Year Commitment)

Make a Meaningful Difference in Your Community at Halton Regional Police Service – Victim Services Unit

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Victim Services Unit is currently seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our team as Volunteer Crisis Responders. This is your opportunity to make a real difference by supporting victims when they need it most.

Our Volunteer Crisis Responders provide immediate, on-scene assistance at incidents, hospitals, or other locations where trauma has occurred as well as telephone support when required. These situations may involve sudden deaths, assaults, robberies, or serious motor vehicle collisions. Volunteers play a critical role in delivering emotional support, offering crisis intervention, explaining police and/or coroner procedures, and connecting individuals to appropriate community resources.

Volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, but all share a common commitment to helping others. Through empathy, communication, and practical support, you will bring comfort and reassurance to individuals experiencing crisis.

If you are passionate about supporting those impacted by crime or trauma and want to contribute to a culture of compassion, care, and safety in your community, we encourage you to apply. This is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact while developing valuable skills and experiences.

Join us – and feel the pride of putting victims first.

Here’s what you will get to do:

You will:

• Work alongside police officers and community groups to collectively respond to victims in our community through immediate crisis intervention and follow up support offered through the Victim Services Unit (VSU), Crisis Response Team.
• Have the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
• Foster hope and create healing opportunities by offering kindness and compassion during individuals' darkest moments.
• Provide emotional support both in person and on the phone.
• Bear witness to pain and trauma, which can be challenging yet deeply rewarding.
• Experience both personal and professional growth through meaningful challenges.

What is required for this role: 

Your Devoted Commitment:

• We ask volunteers to commit to two (2) years of volunteer service with Halton Regional Police Service. Full training will be provided.
• Attendance at every session of the mandatory training program, as outlined in the schedule below, is required.

• You will be required to dedicate a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours per month to the on-call schedule. You will have the freedom to select dates/times that work for your schedule. During your shift you will be on-call from your home but must strive to respond to calls in the region within 40 minutes of receiving the call.
• You will be required to attend mandatory monthly meetings, in addition to on-call hours.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

To be considered for this volunteer opportunity, applicants must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Have successfully completed a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• Reside within the Halton Region or be able to respond to on-call crisis requests within 40 minutes of receiving a call.
• Not have been convicted of a criminal offence for which a pardon (record suspension) has not been granted.

• Possess a valid Ontario driver's license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.

• Have reliable access to the internet, email, and a cell phone.

The following qualifications are considered assets:

• Fluency in a second language.
• A college diploma or university degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related human services field.

Projected Recruitment Timelines:

• August 12, 2026 – September 24, 2026: Job Posting and Application Requirements

Applicants are required to complete the online application questionnaire and submit a current resume and a maximum one-page cover letter that includes:

**Please submit a maximum one-page cover letter that includes a brief introduction about yourself, highlighting your relevant experience, training, qualifications, and an example of a long-term commitment you have completed outside of paid employment. Your cover letter should also explain your motivation for applying to the Volunteer Crisis Responder role and describe the positive impact you believe you would make if selected to serve with the Halton Regional Police Service**

• September 25, 2026 – October 1, 2026: Resume screening - Applicants will be reviewed and assessed based on the qualifications and experience outlined in the job posting. Those who most closely meet the criteria will proceed to the next stage of the selection process.

• October 2, 2026: Online assessments - Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete various assessments, including the reading and proofreading exercises etc.

• ***October 13, 2026: Mandatory Recruitment and Mini-Interviews Event (Evening Session): Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a mandatory evening session consisting of a presentation and brief interviews. Applicants selected to proceed to this stage of the recruitment process will be notified by email on October 7, 2026.  Please note: Attendance at this session is mandatory for your application to remain under consideration. **No alternate dates or accommodations will be available for this stage of the recruitment process**

• Week of October 26th, and Week of November 2, 2026 - In-person Interviews: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in-person interview conducted by a panel (during business and some evening hours)

• Week of November 16, 2026: Pre-Employment Checks - Comprehensive pre-employment screening will be conducted. This may include reference checks, background verification, and other relevant assessments.
• January 12, 2027: Anticipated start date

Note: The successful applicant will need to pass a background check to the satisfaction of the Service which will include reference checks with previous employers, verification of educational achievements, and a criminal background screen.

How to be Considered for This Exciting Opportunity:

Please apply online by submitting your resume and a detailed cover letter as outlined above, quoting Competition #03-V-26 by September 24, 2026. All applications must be submitted through the Service's online application system to be considered for this volunteer opportunity.

1. To be considered for this opportunity, you can cut and paste the following link into your web browser https://haltonpolice.talentpoolbuilder.com/
2. Click on the job title “Volunteer Crisis Responder”. Scroll down to the bottom of the webpage of that specific job posting.  Click on “Apply Now”.
3. You must apply on-line with a resume and a detailed letter outlining your experience and skills in relation to the position and response to the questions listed in this job posting.

**Various skills assessments may be administered as part of the selection criteria.

Information Sessions:

Come join us and learn more about this rewarding opportunity! If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Crisis Responder and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community, the Victim Services Unit invites you to attend one of our upcoming Information Nights. Join us on August 25 or September 9, 2026, at Halton Regional Police Service Headquarters, 2485 North Service Road West, Oakville, to learn more about the role, ask questions, and discover how you can make a difference. We’d love to meet you! For more information and session details, please click here:  Information Sessions

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, rank, or select candidates at any stage of our recruitment or hiring process. All applications and candidate evaluations are reviewed directly by our staffing team.

The Halton Regional Police Service strives to be an accessible and inclusive organization.  We are committed to fairness and equity in employment and our recruitment and selection practices.  We encourage and welcome applications from all who may contribute to the further diversification of our organization. Should you require an accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and/or the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) during any stage of the recruitment process, we will work with you to remove any barriers. Please do not hesitate to let us know by contacting us for assistance at civilianrecruiting@haltonpolice.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our organization.   Only those who are selected to advance through the recruitment process will be contacted by our team.