Program Assistant (Office Admin), Child and Youth Mental Health & Substance Use

Vancouver Coastal Health; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is seeking a Program Assistant (Office Admin) to support the Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use team in Vancouver, BC.

You will process referrals, greet visitors, arrange appointments, maintain client charts, and provide transcription and general clerical support in a client-centered care environment. Education includes a MOA program and Grade 12; one year of related experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 and an approved Medical Office Assistant program.
• One year of related experience in a mental health and substance use worksite preferred.
• Proficiency in medical terminology and office software.

Responsibilities

• Assist in processing referral requests and acts as receptionist.
• Arrange appointments and maintain client charts.
• Maintain program supplies and prepare information packages.
• Attend meetings and take minutes; perform clerical duties as needed.

Skills

Office administration

Program policies

Medical terminology

Typing 50 wpm

Communication

Mental health/substance use

Organization

Data collection

Multitasking

Initiative

Equipment operation

Physical ability

Education

Grade 12 + MOA program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Come work as a Program Assistant (Office Admin) on the Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use team with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in Vancouver, BC. Within the context of a client and family centered care model and in accordance with established vision and values of the organization, works as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide administrative program support. Assists in the processing of referral requests; acts as a receptionist; arranges appointments and maintains and monitors client charts. Checks staff mileage expenses/travel claims, gathers and compiles statistical information, provides transcription services, word processes a variety of documents and correspondence, receives incoming/outgoing material, maintains inventory of program supplies, prepares program information packages, attends meetings and takes minutes, performs a variety of clerical duties, and engages in on-going team planning and program improvement.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

Why join Vancouver Coastal Health?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and 'going first' when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• 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

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. 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.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.

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

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.

Education & Experience

• Grade 12 and an approved Medical Office Assistant program and one (1) year's recent related experience in a mental health and substance use worksite, or equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of program policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in relevant software.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to keyboard 50 w.p.m.
• Ability to be sensitive, tactful and diplomatic with clients and the public.
• Ability to work with clients living with mental illness and/or substance use.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to perform relevant calculations.
• Ability to compile information.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.