Come work as a Priority Populations Outreach Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) on the Priority Population Outreach Team in Vancouver, BC. Apply now to join our team! 

Within the context of a client and family-centred model and in accordance with established vision and values of the organization, the Priority Populations Outreach Worker works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide support and outreach services to vulnerable/marginalized clients and communities impacted by emerging public health issues such as the overdose response, climate related emergencies, emerging pathogens/communicable diseases and a range of urgent/emergent crises with health impacts. Works in various community health work sites such as community health centres, mental health team offices, shelters, physical location/offices or sites of other community based organizations.

Provides harm reduction support to navigate access to a range of pharmaceutical alternatives to the toxic street drug supply and coordinates prescribing access for substance use with community based clinicians and related support services. Monitors clients by observing their health condition and environment, arranges, plans, escorts and transports and/or /accompanies designated or marginalized individuals on appointments, errands and other activities, as required. Creates linkages to other community resources and programs and assists clients in accessing benefits or assistance as appropriate by providing brief planning and coordination on issues related to substance use, OAT, overdose prevention, harm reduction, primary care access or urgent mental health assessment. Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, administers medication to clients and provides medication reminders. Liaises and works with community resources and healthcare providers to provide basic health-promoting information and promote development of life-skills to clients. Performs a variety of general clerical duties, attends meetings and participates in patient care planning and coordination, as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Diploma in Community Social Services and one (1) year's recent, related experience in an interdisciplinary healthcare environment working with people with substance use issues and/or those suffering from complex mental health issues, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Valid BC Driver's license and access to a personal vehicle, as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work with marginalized and culturally diverse populations including those with mental health and substance use issues.
• Working knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices.
• Broad knowledge of mental health, substance use and non-judgmental attitude towards problematic substance use through their recovery.
• Broad knowledge of community bed-based services available for clients experiencing concerns with their substance use.
• Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills that promotes communication and lead to a cooperative approach to problem solving within a multidisciplinary setting.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and establish rapport with clients and families.
• Working knowledge and familiarity with health and social service programs for the designated area.
• Working knowledge of harm reduction principles, trauma informed practice and indigenous cultural safety.
• Crisis prevention/intervention and conflict resolution/de-escalation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment including with other community agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques and First Aid.
• Ability to operate related equipment including applicable software applications.
• 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 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.