Outreach Worker, Community Mental Health (Casual Pool) - Powell River, BC

Vancouver Coastal Health; Powell River; On-site; CAD 43,477 - 45,846; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits package

Employer-paid training and development opportunities

Wellness supports for employees and families

Award-winning recognition programs

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking an Outreach Worker in Powell River, BC. The role involves providing support to individuals accessing opioid therapy and working collaboratively in a dynamic team environment. Ideal candidates should have a Diploma in Community Social Services and experience with marginalized populations. The position offers competitive remuneration and is part of a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 1 year of related experience working with people who use substances.
• Valid BC driver’s license and vehicle required.
• Ability to work with marginalized populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide support services to individuals and families accessing opioid agonist therapy.
• Monitor client's health condition and environment.
• Assist clients in accessing benefits and provide coordination.

Skills

Listening skills

Interpersonal skills

Crisis prevention skills

Organizational skills

Education

Diploma in Community Social Services

Tools

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Job description

The salary range for this position is CAD $31.56/Hr. - CAD $33.28/Hr.

Come work as an Outreach Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health!

Vancouver Coastal Health is looking for an Outreach Worker to join the team in Powell River, BC. Apply today to join our team!

As an Outreach Worker with VCH, you will

• Work as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide support services to individuals and their families with accessing opioid agonist therapy and related support services for the designated program area.
• Monitor clients by methods such as observing client’s health condition and environment.
• Arrange, plan, escort and accompany designated/marginalized individuals on appointments, errands and other activities, as required.
• Create linkages to other community resources and programs.
• Assist clients in accessing benefits or assistance as appropriate and provide brief planning and coordination on issues related to substance use, opioid agonist therapy, overdose prevention and harm reduction.
• Work under the direction of the Registered Nurse, administer medication to clients and provide medication reminders.
• Liaise and work with community resources and healthcare providers.
• Provide basic health-promoting information and promote development of life-skills to clients.
• Perform a variety of general clerical duties, attend meetings and participate in patient care planning and coordination.

About Powell River, BC

On the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, where endless green mountains meet sheltered Pacific Ocean waters, Powell River provides a stimulating blend of outdoor adventure and cultural amenities. Originally founded as a resource extraction centre - once home to the world's largest pulp and paper mill - Powell River now offers adventurers countless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, golfing, boating, hiking, biking, fishing, and scuba diving. This area is host to world-class art galleries, tremendous dining opportunities, and memorable events and festivals.

Education & Experience

• Diploma in Community Social Services and one (1) year related experience working with People who use substances and those suffering from complex mental health issues in community based settings and/or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Valid BC driver’s license and vehicle.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Knowledge & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work with marginalized and culturally diverse populations including those with substance use issues and mental illness.
• Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills that promotes communication and lead to a cooperative approach to problem solving within a multidisciplinary setting.
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with clients and families in order to explore issues that are beyond the initial presented concerns.
• A working knowledge and familiarity with health and social service programs specific to the North Shore and more generally speaking in the Lower Mainland.
• Working knowledge of harm reduction principles.
• Working knowledge of British Columbia’s Decriminalization Framework.
• Crisis prevention/intervention and conflict resolution/de-escalation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment as well as capacity to work in partnership with other community agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques and First-aid.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2025.

We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.

Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our hiring practices.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff