Indigenous Support Worker

Vancouver Island Health Authority; Parksville; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Vancouver Island Health Authority is seeking an Indigenous Support Worker to provide life skills coaching, advocacy, and culturally safe care to clients with substance use and related mental health needs. You will work within a multidisciplinary team under the Coordinator, contributing to individualized care plans and community-based support.

The role emphasizes harm reduction, trauma-informed approaches, and strong communication with clients, families, and Indigenous communities across multiple

Qualifications

• Diploma in Community Social Services or equivalent post-secondary education with counselling skills training.
• Minimum two years recent related experience with Indigenous communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide life skills training, coaching, advocacy, and support services.
• Motivate, assist, and instruct clients with activities of daily living; report progress and reactions to medications.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to deliver culturally safe care.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Harm reduction

Trauma-informed care

Cultural safety

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Indigenous community knowledge

Education

Diploma in Community Social Services

Job description

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Travel between multiple sites may be required

Shift Start Time/End Time

1000-1800

Days Off

Vacancy Type

Regular FT

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$33.49 - $35.31

Paid FTE

1.0

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

75

Planned Start Date

Aug. 24 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.

Island Health has made a formal commitment to reconciliation through the provision of care and workplaces with a foundation of cultural safety and humility. Island Health is committed to working with Indigenous communities and partners to plan and deliver culturally safe health-care services and to deliver on its goal of excellent health and care for everyone, everywhere, every time.

Reporting to the Coordinator, as a member of a multidisciplinary team, the Indigenous Support Worker provides life skills training, coaching, advocacy, advice, and support services for clients experiencing severe substance use which could include mental health concerns, behavioural, and developmental problems and to their caregivers/families, in accordance with an established plan of treatment/care. Motivates, assists, and instructs clients with the activities of daily living, reports clients progress and condition, including reactions to medications.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training And Experience

Diploma in Community Social Services, e.g. Mental Health Worker, Community Health Worker, Resident Care Attendant/Long Term Care Aide, or Social Services Worker including post-secondary education in counselling skills training. Minimum two years recent related experience working with Indigenous community and resources or a combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act. Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community. Extensive understanding and knowledge of Indigenous health issues, protocols and health needs, including the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of the client and community. Extensive knowledge of Indigenous community and resources, ideally those on Vancouver Island. Strong knowledge of harm reduction philosophy and practice, as well as HIV, HCV and related issues. Current Level C Basic Life Saving Certificate. Valid Class 5 vehicle license. Preference will be given to candidates of First Nations, Métis or Inuit heritage.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Ability to prioritize and organize client demands made and care needs.
• Demonstrated ability to practice from a harm reduction approach.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and nurture an environment of quality, trauma informed and culturally safe care.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to teach life skills.
• Sound judgment and good observation skills.
• Ability to demonstrate an appropriate level of initiative and independence.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to promote positive change and independence.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver culturally sensitive services to Indigenous populations.
• Ability to maintain a focused and differentiated approach while addressing challenging situations or issues.
• Physical and emotional ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Priority access may be given to self-identified Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) candidates. Indigenous cultural safety and humility is a key value within Island Health, the successful candidate will have knowledge, experience and transferable skills/assist for this position and its community.