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Shaded band: the middle 50% of 245 posted behavioral health roles in Vancouver, British Columbia rates. This role sits in the 75th percentile.
About the role
Pay for this role is about 8% above the Vancouver, British Columbia median for behavioral health roles.
Conduct comprehensive mental health, concurrent disorder, psychosocial, family and substance use assessments..
Develop intervention plans and address complex social-emotional and family issues..
Provide individual, family and group therapy and counselling..
Refer clients to community services and coordinate follow-up care..
Collaborate with care management personnel and interdisciplinary teams on complex discharge needs..
Build liaison relationships with clients, families, community providers, schools, hospitals and other agencies..
Provide education, short-term counselling and crisis intervention..
Deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed and patient-centred care.
Social Worker, (MSW) BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services Vancouver, BC This a Temporary Full-Time (until October 31, 2027, or until return of incumbent) opportunity with Heartwood Centre for Women located in Vancouver, BC. What is Heartwood Centre for Women? Heartwood Centre for Women (Heartwood) is a 30-inpatient bed, trauma informed, integrated treatment facility for women (19+), including members of Two-Spirit and gender-diverse communities, across B.C, who struggle with severe substance use and mental health challenges. We believe that people, when properly supported, have the strength and resiliency to manage their lives. Learn what it means to be apart of the Heartwood team. Watch this video to learn about working with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services! What you’ll do
Conduct comprehensive concurrent disorder, mental health, psycho-social, and family assessments, as well as substance use assessments as necessary by methods such as interviewing the client and/or family, obtaining relevant information, gathering social data regarding the client’s family, environment, living situation, and financial status, and interpreting the data to therapeutically impact the client's and family's coping abilities. Formulate assessments and plans of intervention and intervene in cases of complex social-emotional or family issues.
Provide clinical intervention in the context of evidence-based care to clients and their families through individual, family, and group therapy. Provide individual, family, and group counseling services by methods such as exploring emotional responses to illness/injury to identify problems, personal concerns, and treatment objectives and to facilitate change in coping style, behavior, attitude, feelings, and adaptive responses to an adverse life event. Refer to community services for follow-up as necessary.
Collaborate with designated care management personnel to facilitate the management of cases with complex discharge needs. Receive referrals from care management personnel and other members of the interdisciplinary team to assist patients/families with complex emotional or social presentations, as well as facilitate care through the continuum.
Establish and maintain effective collaborative and constructive liaison relationships with a variety of individuals and groups, including clients and families and others, such as community providers, MCFD social workers, schools, hospitals, and other agencies in order to coordinate services across the continuum of health care.
Support clients and their families by providing education, short-term counseling, and crisis interventions during adjustments to the assigned health care setting, new diagnoses of health, concurrent disorder, mental health, and/or substance use issues, child welfare and custody proceedings, and changes or losses in health functioning. What you bring Qualification
Requirements
Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work..
Minimum one year of recent related experience in a healthcare setting with the designated population..
Current full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers..
Knowledge of complex mental health, concurrent disorders, substance use and related treatment practices..
Knowledge of counselling skills, clinical practice models, trauma-informed practice and healthcare disciplines..
Knowledge of Indigenous-specific racism, systemic racism, Indigenous cultural safety and relevant legislative and policy commitments..
Commitment to anti-racism, cultural humility, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Current full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers
Master’s degree in social work from an accredited School of Social Work
Counselling
Care coordination
Systems thinking
Anti-racism
Crisis intervention
Trauma-informed practice
Discharge planning
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Psychosocial assessment
Mental health assessment
Substance use assessment
Social work
Research methodology
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Family therapy
Indigenous cultural safety
Group therapy
Individual therapy
Family assessment
Concurrent disorder assessment
Benefits
Municipal pension plan
Professional development opportunities
WorkPerks discount program
Generous vacation entitlement
Holistic wellness resources
Psychological health and safety programs
13 annual statutory holidays
Access to more than 2,000 in-house courses
Posting details
Employment type
Temporary, Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
0-2 yrs
Salary
CA$45 - CA$56/hr
Location
Vancouver, British Columbia
Posted
Aug 31, 2026
Application
Employer website
Master’s degree in social work from an accredited School of Social Work.
Minimum one (1) year recent, related experience working in a health care setting with the designated population group in the applicable program area/setting, such as individuals with complex concurrent psychiatric disorder and/or substance use issues and/or individuals who have a developmental disability and concurrent mental health and/or behavioural issues, or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience.
Current full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.
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 and Abilities
Broad knowledge of complex mental health and concurrent disorders/issues, such as substance use or developmental disability, including current trends, best practices and modalities of treatment.
Broad knowledge of systems thinking in relation to social work process.
Broad knowledge of other health disciplines and their role in healthcare.
Broad knowledge of research methodology.
Broad knowledge of counselling skills and clinical practice models.
Broad knowledge of Trauma-Informed Practice and its application to the defined population of 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 October 31, 2027, or until return of incumbent) Wage: $44.85 - $56.02 per hour Location: 4500 Oak Street 5th Floor, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1 Hours of Work: Wednesday to Saturday, 08:00-18:30 Requisition: # 203566E *
Please indicate in your cover letter why you are interested in joining our team at Heartwood Centre for Women! What we do BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges. BCMHSUS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). The Provincial Health Services Authority (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. Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services 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. 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 September 10, 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.
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