Addictions & Recovery Worker

Vancouver Island Health Authority; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 45,460 - 48,216; Full time

Job summary

Vancouver Island Health Authority in Canada seeks an Addictions and Recovery Worker to deliver non-medical withdrawal management and supportive care in a detox setting.

The role includes triage, bed booking, client assessments, discharge planning, and regular contact with referring agents, while maintaining documentation and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary certification in addiction counselling or equivalent.
• Two years' recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR.
• Food Safe Certificate.
• Certificate in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) within first three months of employment.
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Responsibilities

• Provide all non-medical withdrawal management care including triage, bed booking, admissions/discharge, and referrals.
• Engage with clients on waitlists and communicate clearly with referring agents.
• Facilitate group sessions and daily living activities; supervise clients in detox and recovery settings.

Skills

Communication

Detox care

Group facilitation

Crisis intervention

Independent work

Team collaboration

Organization

Education

Addiction counselling certification

First Aid & CPR

Food Safe Certificate

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)

Valid BC Driver's License

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Shift Start Time/End Time

as required, 0700-1905/0900-2100/1900-0705

Days Off

As required

Vacancy Type

Casual

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$33.49 - $35.31

Paid FTE

n/a

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

n/a

Planned Start Date

Sep. 1 2026

Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)

Pending Return of Incumbent

No

CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check)

Yes

Job Description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Coordinator or designate, the Addictions and Recovery Worker provides all service aspects of non-medical withdrawal management care including a variety of general care services, review, triage, and acceptance/denial of referrals, bed booking, group facilitation, individual assessment, admission/discharge of clients, supportive counselling, daily living activities, and supervision of clients dealing with substance misuse, in a detoxification and supportive recovery setting. Observes and monitors clients, role models and demonstrates healthy lifestyle behaviours; and completes documentation. The worker will engage regularly with clients on the waitlist and referring agents, and is responsible for ensuring clear communication and understanding on expectations, processes, discharge planning, etc.

Travel may be a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of Island Health in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training And Experience

Post secondary certification in addiction counselling or equivalent plus two years' recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Working knowledge of chemical dependency. Basic knowledge of community resources. Certification in First Aid and CPR. Valid BC Driver's License is required for certain positions as determined by the operational requirements of the program. Food Safe Certificate. Certificate in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) within first three months of employment.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with seriously addicted and mentally ill clients and their families.
• Ability to observe and recognize behavioural and/or health status changes in clients.
• Ability to facilitate supportive and educational groups.
• Ability to role model healthy lifestyle choices.
• Ability to set and maintain boundaries.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
• Ability to organize and prioritize own workload.
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to operate related equipment and software programs such as word processing and spreadsheet applications.