Come work as a Withdrawal Management Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) on the Vancouver Detox team in Vancouver, BC. Apply now to join the team!

Within the context of a client and family-centred framework and continuum-based care model and in accordance with established vision and values of the organization. As part of an interdisciplinary team, the Withdrawal Management Worker provides client-centered support to help individuals safely withdraw from substances, improve their health, and enhance their quality of life within a recovery framework.

Reporting to the Supervisor and under the work direction of the designated team member, the Withdrawal Management Worker provides a variety of day-to-day physical, emotional and social supports, life skills assistance and supporting clients to access resources. Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to inform and support individualized care plans. Assists in maintaining a safe environment for clients and the team. Participates in team meetings, engages in team planning and quality improvement activities, and maintains and updates own knowledge.

This work is framed within VCH’s commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.

Education, Training & Experience:

• Diploma from a recognized Social Services or related educational program, two (2) years recent, related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of community, social and health resources.
• Knowledge of substance misuse and of problems encountered by chemically dependent individuals; basic understanding of behavior management.
• Demonstrated ability to work with marginalized and culturally diverse populations including those with substance use issues and mental illness.
• 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.
• Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills.
• Ability to problem solving.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment and in partnership with other community agencies.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and duties.
• Ability to present educational materials and lead discussion groups related to substance use.
• Demonstrates knowledge of foundational Substance Use care clinical frameworks (Harm reduction, Mental Health & Substance Use Recovery Model, anti stigma, anti racist, Indigenous Cultural Safety, Client Centered, Evidence Informed, Trama Informed Practice).
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques, First-aid, and overdose response.
• Ability to carry out the physical demands of the job.

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.