Come work as a Concurrent Disorders Counsellor on the Grounspring Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) team at Lily's Community Health Center at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in Vancouver, BC. Apply now to join the team!

Within the context of an innovative Vancouver Community Mental Health and Addictions partnership service, client centered care model, and in accordance with the standards of practice and the established vision and values of the organization, the Concurrent Disorders Counsellor provides screening and assessment services to clients. Identifies the existence of concurrent disorders including mental health and/or substance use; conducts substance use, psychiatric, bio-psycho-social assessments, mental status examinations, and case formulations. Develops and implements outcome orientated treatment plans that cover both mental health and substance use disorders. Provides treatment services to clients including individual, group, couples and family therapy and education according to theoretical models. Collaborates with others to facilitate the management of cases; coordinates care using a supportive case management approach within the principles of harm reduction. Participates in case conferences/meetings with members of the multidisciplinary team for identification and management of client mental health issues. Participates in developing and providing education services and contributes to program development in order to meet the needs of the population with concurrent disorders. Collaborates, consults and provides clinical support and education to colleagues for continuity of care, treatment concerns, specialized services and community resource coordination.

Effective March 6, 2026, Strathcona Mental Health has changed its name to Groundspring Mental Health.

About the Vancouver Community Adult MHSU Teams: 
The Vancouver Community MHSU team supports adults of 19 years of age and older with moderate to severe mental health, substance use, and conceurrent mental health and substance use disorders or conditions. This program is designed to be neighbourhood based and works as an interdisciplinary team to encourage collaboration and partnerships with local community services, including family physicians and other care providers. 

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in a Behavioural Health Discipline from a recognized program.
• Three (3) years' recent related experience providing professional services to individuals who have substance use and mental health illness or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of psychotherapeutic and counselling skills.
• Broad knowledge of bio-psycho-social issues that may occur in response to changing mental health and alcohol and/or other drug needs.
• Broad knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders and their interaction.
• Broad knowledge of DSM IV diagnostic classification system and case formulation.
• Broad knowledge of psychopharmacology.
• Broad knowledge of legislation, government policies and procedures that relate to the client.
• Broad knowledge of healthcare and community services available to applicable client group.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and facilitate the development of an integrated system of addiction and mental health services, including working with specialty substance use and mental health agencies, and other related professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to gather relevant information to make a multi-dimensional substance misuse and mental health assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to complete a psychiatric assessment, case formulation and, in consultation with the client, to create a treatment plan that addresses both substance misuse and any level of mental disorder.
• Demonstrated ability to apply a variety of theoretical models to practice in assessment and intervention.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and respond appropriately to emergent situations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, colleagues, referral sources, medical personnel, and community agency personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, analyze and problem solve in pressure situations.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Skilled in the use of equipment, and in the techniques appropriate for treatment.
• Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, Internet and e-mail software.

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 Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.

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.