Monitor clients according to treatment objectives; observe behaviors and symptoms and document observations.
Recognize anticipated/unanticipated client responses and provide verbal reports on changes in appearance, behavior, and/or health.
Participate in admission, case planning, and discharge processes including interviewing clients and families, gathering history and records, attending case meetings, and collaborating on individual care plans.
Establish rapport and provide emotional support and supportive counseling; assist with problem solving and daily living needs.
Assist clients with daily living activities (time management, organization, interpersonal communication) and escort clients to appointments.
Participate in activities supporting skill development and addictions recovery.
Participate in case planning by interviewing clients, assisting with collecting relevant records, documenting progress, and coordinating services with medical professionals and community resources.
Advocate for clients and provide information on community services
Mental Health and Addictions Support Worker BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services Coquitlam, BC This Temporary, Full-Time (1.00 FTE; Until September 5, 2027 or until return of incumbent) opportunity is with the Hemlock Unit - Assessment and Stabilization Units. Hemlock Unit - Assessment and Stabilization Unit This unit is dedicated to providing comprehensive assessment, stabilizing acute symptoms, managing withdrawal (detox), and starting intensive treatment. Goals are to stabilize physical and mental health, get involved in therapeutic programs, establish healthy routines and establish positive and trusting relationships in a safe environment What is Red Fish Healing Centre θəqiʔ ɫəwʔənəq leləm’ (the Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, or Red Fish Healing Centre) is a 105-bed facility that treats individuals from across the province who live with the most severe concurrent and complex mental health and substance use disorders. Clients admitted to the Red Fish Healing Centre have both a mental illness and a substance use disorder; many clients also have other chronic health problems. Clients may be admitted voluntarily, or involuntarily under BC’s Mental Health Act. Check out what it means to be apart of the Red Fish Healing Centre’s team! Watch this video to learn about working with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services. What you’ll do
Monitor clients in accordance with treatment objectives; observe behaviors and symptoms and document observations in accordance with standard procedures. Recognize anticipated/unanticipated client responses to the recovery process; provide verbal reports on changes in client's appearance, behavior, and/or health.
As required, participate in the admission, case planning, and discharge process for clients by methods such as conducting interview with client and family to identify and assessing client’s needs; gathering appropriate history, and collecting relevant records and documentation; attending and participating in client case meetings; developing an individual care plan by collaborating with interdisciplinary team.
Establish rapport with clients based on respect; provide emotional support and supportive counseling, assists with problem solving day to day matters/issues of living, managing behaviors and self care/personal hygiene, etc. Recommend/discuss changes to treatment goals with Counsellors.
Assist clients with daily living activities including time management, organization and interpersonal communication. Escort clients to medical, dental and social appointments and acts as a role model to facilitate appropriate social behaviors. Participate in activities to support skill development and addictions recovery.
Participate in case planning; interview clients to identify problems/needs, assist with collecting relevant records, document client’s progress. Coordinate services with medical professionals and use of community services/resources; act as an advocate for clients, provide information on community services. What you bring
Qualifications
Diploma from a recognized Social Services Support Worker educational program
Two (2) years’ recent, related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Valid B.C. driver's license. Local area travel requires the use of a personal vehicle.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system. Core Competencies
Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.). Skills & Knowledge
Requirements
Diploma from a recognized Social Services Support Worker educational program.
Two (2) years’ recent, related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Valid B.C. driver’s license; local area travel requires use of a personal vehicle.
Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts.
Demonstrated knowledge of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services contexts (including TRC Calls to Action, In Plain Sight, BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, UNDRIP, and related commitments).
Knowledge of recovery principles in mental illness; knowledge of community, social and health resources.
Knowledge of substance misuse and problems encountered by chemically dependent individuals; basic understanding of behavior management.
Knowledge of mental health issues and treatment.
Ability to establish and maintain rapport; observe and recognize changes in clients.
Commitment to ongoing personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression; willingness to articulate learning experiences.
Ability to embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work and provide patient-centred care respecting Indigenous ways of knowing and healing
Diploma from a recognized Social Services Support Worker educational program
Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients
Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility
Anti-racism education and training
Understanding of settler colonialism impacts and systemic racism
Knowledge of legislative obligations and provincial commitments in BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services contexts
Recognizing client responses to recovery process
Benefits
Municipal pension plan
Comprehensive benefits package
WorkPerks discount program
Psychological health & safety programs
Holistic wellness resources
Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accrual
Professional development opportunities through 2,000+ in-house courses
Posting details
Employment type
Temporary, Full Time
Experience
2-5 yrs
Salary
CA$33 - CA$35/hr
Location
Coquitlam, British Columbia
Posted
Jul 14, 2026
Application
Employer website
Knowledge of the principles of recovery in mental illness.
Knowledge of community, social and health resources.
Knowledge of substance misuse and of problems encountered by chemically dependant individuals; basic understanding of behavior management.
Knowledge of mental health issues and treatment.
Ability to demonstrate and assist client with development of health life skills.
Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach. What we bring Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more. Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (Until September 5, 2027 or until return of incumbent) Wage: $33.49 - $35.31 per hour Location: 2745 Lougheed Hwy, Coquitlam, BC V3C 4J2 Hours of Work: Rotating; 0700-1900/1900-0700 Requisition # 201537E What we do BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges. BCMHSUS program is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). PHSA plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous. Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services PHSA and BCMHSUS committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code. One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca. Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study. Attention current employees of PHSA: You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca. The internal job posting expires on July 21, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting. If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days. If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca.
Admission, case planning, and discharge participation
Rapport building based on respect
Emotional support and supportive counseling
Problem solving for day-to-day matters
Escorting clients to appointments
Coordinating services with medical professionals and community resources
Advocacy for clients and providing information on community services
Knowledge of recovery principles in mental illness
Knowledge of substance misuse and behavior management basics
Knowledge of mental health issues and treatment
Developing individual care plans with an interdisciplinary team
Client monitoring and observation
Documentation of observations in accordance with standard procedures
Interviewing clients and families to identify and assess needs
Assisting with behaviors and self-care/personal hygiene
Time management and organization support
Interpersonal communication support
Market context
Behavioral health roles remain in steady demand
In British Columbia, behavioral-health roles often reflect ongoing demand in acute care, community mental health, and integrated service settings. These positions are competitive because employers typically look for current BC nursing registration, recent experience with acute mental illness, and comfort working on multidisciplinary teams. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit against the original posting, then tailor your application to show relevant mental-health and team-based experience.
More openings at Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA)
