Provide individual peer support and facilitate group support meetings for patients..
Conduct information sessions on peer services, mental health, addictions, and community resources..
Support patients with skill building, psychosocial recovery, empowerment, and community integration..
Link patients with peer-based community resources and follow emergency and crisis assistance protocols..
Organize venues, materials, guest speakers, volunteers, notifications, and printed materials for support sessions..
Build respectful, non-judgmental relationships with patients and encourage participation in their health care..
Prepare and update program forms, policies, procedures, correspondence, reports, posters, presentations, and proposals..
Participate in committees, task groups, program initiatives, and interdisciplinary treatment teams from a peer perspective.
Concurrent Disorders Peer Support Coordinator BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services Coquitlam, BC What is the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital? The Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (FPH) is a 190-bed secure facility located in Coquitlam, B.C., on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded core territory of the kwikwəƛ̓əm First Nation (Kwikwetlem). We treat people who have been found not criminally responsible for a crime or unfit to stand trial due to a mental health disorder. We deliver services to patients using the “Clinical Program Model,” which aims to deliver high-quality care to meet the specific needs of patients and is currently the best practice in health care. Watch this video to learn about working with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services! What you’ll do
Provide individual peer support, facilitates group support meetings and conduct information sessions based on individual patient needs; provide peer-based support and guidance to patients in exploration of skill building, psychosocial recovery, empowerment and community integration.
Plan information sessions on a variety of topics such as peer services, consumer-run services, mental health and addictions and other resources. Consult with Supervisor and bring concerns to the attention of the Supervisor. Link patients with peer based community resources as appropriate, and follow protocols for obtaining assistance in an emergency/crisis situation.
Organize venues and materials for support sessions by methods such as liaising with guest speakers and service providers; booking rooms; purchasing supplies, arranging for volunteers as required, sending out session notifications; creating posters and overheads/presentations. Arrange for the printing of materials and ensures that appropriate notices are posted.
Develop relationships based on respect with patients, encouraging informed decision making and helps to create a non-judgmental environment by sharing experiences and insight. Encourage and support patients to become active and involved in their own health care.
Perform word processing duties such as drafting/revising program forms; updating program policies and procedures documentation; and preparing letters, memos, reports, posters, presentations, educational and funding proposals from rough draft, general instruction, and/or recording devices by methods such as utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software applications. Compose and sign general correspondence such as appointment confirmations, referrals, and information requests.
Participate in committees, task groups, and/or program initiatives by methods such as providing representation and input from a peer perspective, presenting relevant material, acting as advocate for the goals and objectives of the program, and promoting optimal support for patients within an interdisciplinary treatment team. What you bring
Qualifications
Diploma in a Community Social Services program and two (2) years’ recent related experience, or a Social Services Worker Certificate and three (3) years’ recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Personal experience with mental health and substance misuse issues and in accessing mental health services.
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 & 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
Location
70
Colony
Farm
Rd,
Coquitlam,
BC
V3K 5Z1
Hours of
Work: Monday – Friday; 0800-1600 Requisition # 202999E 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 – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose. PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
Learn more about
PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services PHSA is 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
Requirements
Diploma in Community Social Services and two years of recent related experience, or a Social Services Worker Certificate and three years of recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience..
Personal experience with mental health and substance misuse issues and accessing mental health services..
Knowledge of Indigenous-specific racism, systemic racism, settler colonialism, social determinants of health, and Indigenous cultural safety..
Knowledge of relevant legislative obligations and foundational commitments, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, In Plain Sight, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, UNDRIP, and the BC Human Rights Code..
Strong verbal and written communication skills..
Ability to work effectively with others, organize work, operate related equipment, and perform the physical duties of the position..
Commitment to ongoing learning related to anti-racism, Indigenous health, cultural safety, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Social Services Worker Certificate
Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Diploma in a Community Social Services program
Organization
Interpersonal skills
Word processing
Written and verbal communication
Patient advocacy
Program administration
Group facilitation
Mental health and substance use support
Peer support
Community resource coordination
Presentation software
Indigenous cultural safety
Anti-racism and equity
Information session planning
Spreadsheet and database software
Benefits
Municipal pension plan
Professional development opportunities
Comprehensive benefits package
Holistic wellness resources
Generous vacation entitlement and accrual
WorkPerks premium discount program
Psychological health and safety programs
13 annual statutory holidays
Posting details
Employment type
Temporary, Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
2-5 yrs
Salary
CA$32 - CA$32/hr
Location
Coquitlam, British Columbia
Posted
Aug 19, 2026
Application
Employer website
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to deal with others effectively.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
Ability to organize work.
Ability to operate related equipment.
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 October 31, 2027 or until return of incumbent) Wage: $31.64 per hour 2% of the straight-time hourly rate of pay for employees working in Minimum and Medium security units and community settings; 4% of the straight-time hourly rate of pay for employees working in Maximum and Multi-level security units.
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 August 26, 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.
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)