Addictions & Recovery Worker

Vancouver Island Health Authority; Victoria; On-site; CAD 46,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

Vancouver Island Health Authority in Victoria, BC is seeking an Addictions and Recovery Worker to provide non-medical withdrawal management care, harm reduction education, group facilitation, and client support within a multi-site setting.

Reporting to the Coordinator, you will perform screening, admission/discharge, documentation, and daily living support, with travel between sites and a shift from 23:00 to 07:00 on a rotating schedule.

Qualifications

• Post secondary certification in addiction counselling or equivalent plus two years' recent related experience.
• Working knowledge of chemical dependency.
• Certificate in First Aid and CPR.
• Valid BC Driver's License may be required for certain positions.
• Certificate in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) within first three months of employment.
• Foodsafe Certification required for Supportive Housing and Housing and long-term care positions.
• Experience with adults and youth with mental health and substance use issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide non-medical withdrawal management care and related services.
• Deliver harm reduction education and group facilitation.
• Conduct risk screening, admission/discharge, and documentation.
• Provide supportive counselling and assistance with daily living activities.
• Monitor clients and model healthy lifestyle behaviours; travel between sites may be required.

Skills

Effective communication

Written communication

Group facilitation

Boundary setting

Independent work

Time management

Crisis intervention

Word processing

Education

Addiction counselling cert

Two years' related experience

First Aid & CPR

NVCI within 3 months

Foodsafe cert (some roles)

Job description

Pembroke Street Mental Health - MSHU (PSMH) - Victoria, BC V8T 1J5 CA (Primary)

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Travel between multiple sites may be required

Shift Start Time/End Time

2300 - 0700

Days Off

Rotating

Vacancy Type

Temp PT

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$33.49 - $35.31

Paid FTE

0.71

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

50.63

Planned Start Date

Oct. 28 2026

Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)

Jan. 31 2027

Pending Return of Incumbent

Yes

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 Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), 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, harm reduction education, group facilitation, individual screening for risk, registration, admission/discharge of clients, supportive counselling, daily living activities, and supervision of clients dealing with substance misuse. Observes and monitors clients, role models and demonstrates healthy lifestyle behaviours; and completes documentation. Travel may be a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Vancouver Island Health Authority 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. Working knowledge of chemical dependency. Basic knowledge of community resources. Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. 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. Certificate in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) within first three months of employment. Foodsafe Certification required for Supportive Housing and Housing and long-term care positions.

Experience working with adults and youth with mental health and substance use issues.

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.