Come work as a Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) at Kitsilano Adult Mental Health in Vancouver, BC! Apply now to join the team!

Within the context of a patient and family centered care model and in accordance with established vision and values of the organization, the MHSU Support Worker provides support services to clients who are seriously affected by substance use and/or mental health problems. Monitors clients, documents and provides verbal reports on observations in accordance with standard procedures or specific direction, facilitates the use of community services and resources and provides information on community services, and liaises and coordinates services with mental health, addictions, medical professionals and other related services. Participates in the process of case planning, assists clients in the development of life skills and healthy lifestyles and escorts clients to appointments as needed. Participates in team meetings and corporate initiatives, engages in ongoing team planning and quality improvement activities, participates in maintaining a healthy environment for clients and team, and performs a variety of clerical duties as required.

Education & Experience

• Diploma from a recognized Social Services Support Worker educational program, two (2) years’ recent, related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Valid B.C. driver's license. Local area travel requires the use of a personal vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of recovery in mental illness.
• Knowledge of community, social and health resources.
• Knowledge of substance misuse and of problems encountered by chemically dependant individuals; basic understanding of behavior management.
• Knowledge of mental health issues and treatment.
• Ability to demonstrate and assist client with development of health life skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
• Ability to deal effectively with conflict situations, manage aggressive behavior, and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioral management techniques.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish/maintain satisfactory work relationships with the public and other employees, to deal tactfully and effectively with co-workers, public and staff from other agencies, to maintain confidentiality and to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2025.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.


***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the https://my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.