Mental Health and Addictions Support Worker

Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health & Addiction

Coquitlam, BC

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

Are you someone who wants to provide support services to clients who are seriously affected by substance use and/or mental health challenges?

What you’ll do

• Monitor clients, observing behaviors and symptoms and documenting observations in accordance with standard procedures.
• Recognize anticipated/unanticipated client responses to the recovery process. Provide verbal reports on changes in client's appearance, behavior, and/or health.
• Participate in the admission, case planning, and discharge process for clients by conducting interviews to identify and assess clients’ needs; gathering appropriate history and collecting relevant records and documentation; attending and participating in client case meetings; and developing an individual care plan in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Establish rapport with clients; provide emotional support and supportive counseling; assist with problem solving, day to day matters/issues of living, managing behaviors; and self-care/personal hygiene, etc. Recommend/discuss changes to treatment goals with counsellors.
• Assist clients with daily living activities including time management, organization and interpersonal communication. Escort clients to medical, dental and social appointments and act as a role model to facilitate appropriate social behaviors. Participate in activities to support skill development and addiction recovery.

What you bring

• A 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
• A valid B.C. driver's license - Local area travel requires the use of a personal vehicle
• 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 dependent individuals; basic understanding of behavior management
• Knowledge of mental health issues and treatment

You have the ability to

• Demonstrate and assist clients with the development of life skills
• Establish and maintain rapport with clients
• Observe and recognize changes
• Deal effectively with conflict situations, manage aggressive behavior, and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioral management techniques
• Work both independently and in cooperation with others
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Organize, prioritize and meet deadlines
• Establish/maintain satisfactory working relationships
• Maintain confidentiality
• Work with a culturally diverse population
• Physically carry out the duties of the position
• Operate related equipment

What’s in it for you

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth and development.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Perks include access to fitness classes and discounts to 350 BC-wide recreational programs, travel, technology, car and bike sharing, and more.

Job Type: Casual

Wage: $26.42 to $28.63 per hour

Location: Coquitlam. BC

What we do

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.

BCMHSUS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.