[25-062] Mental Health Advocate

SOURCES; Surrey; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-based non-profit organization is seeking a Mental Health Advocate for their Advocacy team. The role involves providing legal advocacy services to individuals in need, particularly those facing poverty and mental health challenges. Applicants should possess strong communication and advocacy skills, with a focus on social justice and client service. The position supports marginalized individuals and requires a combination of advocacy experience and education.

Benefits

100% employer paid coverage for extended health and dental

Long term disability and life insurance

Generous paid time off, starting at 3 weeks

Qualifications

• 2 years' advocacy experience or equivalent education.
• Effective use of office software and managing electronic records.
• Strong negotiation and mediation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advocacy services in income assistance and tenancy.
• Assist clients with mental health conditions and crises.
• Conduct outreach in the Fraser Valley.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Negotiation

Advocacy

Public speaking

Education

Minimum 2 years of post-secondary education

Tools

Office suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job description

Position: Mental Health Advocate – Full Time

Location: Newton (office location) and Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley (outreach)

Hours: 35 hours/week

Salary: $26.78/hour

Start Date: ASAP

We are looking for a Mental Health Advocate to join our Advocacy team! This individual should be a strong positive model by being energetic, creative, and resourceful while also possessing strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

About Sources:

SOURCES is a community-based non-profit organization providing support and hope to communities in the Lower Mainland, on Vancouver Island, and across Northern BC. Sources strives to create vibrant and resilient communities through support to adults, children, youth, and families facing challenges in life such as mental health, disability, poverty, substance use, and conflict. We support our communities through leadership, education, and volunteerism.

Sources is committed to learning about, celebrating and incorporating Indigenous knowledge into our practices as we continue our work in truth and reconciliation. People of all races, cultures, ethnicities, 2SLGBTQIA+, and abilities are welcomed to work with us. We value diversity, respect, and collaboration as we promote our mission: social wellness for our community.

Description of Program:

The Newton Resource Centre offers a variety of services for individuals who a living in poverty including those who are homeless. These programs focus on supporting individuals to obtain and maintain essential income and living resources including income assistance, other government benefits, and affordable rental housing. Our Housing Support Services assist individuals who are homeless and at imminent risk of homelessness. This team works collaboratively to address the unique and complex needs of each individual as well as works in partnership with other service providers in the community to address the needs of this target population.

Description of Position:

Reporting to: Manager, Advocacy Programs

Providing legal advocacy services to disadvantaged individuals in the Fraser Health Region. This position requires an experienced individual to provide comprehensive legal advocacy services in the areas of income assistance, provincial disability benefits, federal income security programs and residential tenancy. The advocate will be experienced in working with people with mental health conditions; providing support, information, and referral; written communications on behalf of the client as well as an accompaniment to meetings, tribunal hearings and dispute resolution hearings; mediates and negotiating with government agencies and landlords. The advocate will also provide outreach services in the Fraser Valley at the Mental Health Offices and at the Mental Health Club Houses.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of post-secondary education and 2 years’ advocacy experience or a combination will be considered
• Effectively utilize Office suite including Excel, Word, Outlook and central data systems, managing electronic records, file management and reporting skills necessary
• Awareness of poverty and homelessness related issues
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills including public relations, oral and written skills as well as public speaking ability
• Exercise good judgment and the ability to negotiate and mediate on behalf of clients with government agencies and landlords.
• The ability to function independently and under pressure and effectively manage the crisis, emergency situations and challenging clients
• Have a strong sense of social justice and a resilient desire to assist and improve the lives of marginalized people
• Work from a client service and solution-focused approach
• Understand the spectrum of issues related to poverty and experience in working with people with mental illness; sensitive to a diverse client base and ability to deal tactfully with sensitive client issues
• Ability to read, understand and interpret applicable legislation and awareness of government processes and procedures required.
• Knowledge of local community resources
• Clear criminal record check
• Unrestricted Class 5 B.C Driver’s License and clean driving abstract (mandatory)
• Proof of SIN
• First Aid/CPR/NCI training is provided by Sources upon hiring

As this is an outreach position, working at various sites across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, a vehicle, valid class 5 BC driver’s license and clean abstract are mandatory.

All employees, regardless of benefit eligibility, have access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program.

Other benefits (if applicable):

• 100% employer paid coverage for extended health and dental
• Long term disability, life insurance, critical illness insurance, accidental death & dismemberment coverage
• Pension plan
• Generous paid time off, starting at 3 weeks

Internal candidates will be contacted by: July 2, 2025