Mental Health Worker
- Company: Island Health
- Location: Blackwood Suites Residential Facility (BSRF) Victoria, BC, CA V8T 3W3 Caribbean Apartments Residential Facility (CARF) Victoria, BC, CA V8R 1K3 Cook Street Apartments (VCS) Victoria, BC, CA V8T 3R2 (P
- Work mode: On-site
- Job type: Full-Time
- Posted: 2026-10-27
Close Date
Location
Blackwood Suites Residential Facility (BSRF) - Victoria, BC V8T 3W3 CA
Caribbean Apartments Residential Facility (CARF) - Victoria, BC V8R 1K3 CA
Cook Street Apartments (VCS) - Victoria, BC V8T 3R2 CA (Primary)
Esquimalt Comerford Street - Latitude Living (ECS) - Victoria, BC V9A 6L1 CA
Garden Street Residential Facility (GSRF) - Victoria, BC V8T 3G4 CA
Panama House Residential Facility (PHRF) - Victoria, BC V8Z 4G3 CA
Rockland Apartments Residential Facility (RARF) - Victoria, BC V8S 1Z4 CA
Styles Street Apartments (SARF) - Victoria, BC V9A 3Z5 CA
Wascana House Residential Facility (WHRF) - Victoria, BC V8Z 1G7 CA
Work Area (FBA Only)
Multi-Site
Yes
Travel Requirement
Travel between multiple sites is a regular/on-going requirement
Shift Start Time/End Time
0700-1500, 1500-2300, 2300-0700: As Required
Days Off
As required
Vacancy Type
Casual
Salary Range (Hourly Rate)
$33.49 - $35.31
Paid FTE
N/A
Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS
N/A
Planned Start Date
Nov. 2 2026
Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)
Pending Return of Incumbent
No
CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check)
Yes
Job Description
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
Reporting to the Manager or designate, the Mental Health Worker participates in the provision of client-focused treatment, rehabilitation and support for persons with mental illness in a residential, community-based facility. Promotes a safe, healthy and non-threatening environment that instills a sense of dignity and self-respect. Participates in the planning, development, implementation, delivery, and modification of clinical services by responding to identified client needs, within the program's guidelines. Motivates, assists, and instructs clients with the activities of daily living, reports clients' conditions, including reactions to medications. Escorts clients to off-site programs, appointments and other planned events. Assesses clients' ability to assume self-care responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training And Experience
Diploma in Community Social Services, e.g. Mental Health Worker, Community Health Worker, or Social Services Worker including post-secondary education in counseling skills training. Knowledge of legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act. Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community. Understanding of the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation, using a client-centred approach. A minimum of two years recent related experience working with persons with mental illness including teaching life skills, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current Level C Basic Life Saving Certificate. Valid Class 5 vehicle license. Food Safe Certificate.
Skills And Abilities
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to develop and maintain therapeutic rapport with clients and employ such rapport to enable clients to understand their illness and the rehabilitation process.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to employ aggressive behaviour management techniques.
Ability to exercise judgment in keeping with program philosophy, when supervisor is unavailable for consultation.
Must hold a valid BC Driver's License and if required, must be able to obtain a class 4 Driver's License.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
Ability to operate related equipment.
Link to Full Job Description
https://jd.viha.ca/JD114.pdf
Additional information for applicants
We are looking to hire casual employees who would be willing to cross train at multiple sites, where required. The 4 program areas we are currently hiring for are listed below: Complex Care - Our complex care program supports adults with significant mental health, behavioural, and substance use challenges in a structured apartment-based setting. We are seeking experienced Mental Health Workers who can build therapeutic relationships, apply sound judgment, and maintain safety through a relational security approach. Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programs - support individuals with severe and persistent mental health disorders that may or may not be living with active substance use as well. We work with clients who are moderately independent in apartment style settings where clients reside for approximately 2 years, helping support them using a PSR framework. We are seeking experienced Mental Health Workers who are comfortable working alone, who have a strong understanding of harm reduction philosophies and are practiced in motivating, de-escalating and compassionately assisting individuals living with complex mental health conditions. PACS - These sites operate within the Post Acute Community Support (PACS) program, which provides support for adults transitioning from acute inpatient care to community living. The program serves individuals with long-term mental health conditions who can manage some daily tasks but require additional support to live safely and successfully in the community. Services focus on promoting independence and wellness through functional assessment of daily living skills, ongoing skill development, psychosocial rehabilitation activities, and mental health and nursing supports. Clients are also supported with transition planning, including accessing long-term housing or referral to appropriate supported living placements. Licensed Care - Licensed Care provides a higher level of support than PACS and PSR programs, offering 24-hour staffed transitional housing for individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Staff provide a supportive environment through preparing all client meals, medication administration, frequent wellness checks, daily support, and working alongside clients to achieve individualized goals, independence, and community integration. We are seeking experienced Mental Health Workers who can contribute to client care and uphold the high standard of care provided within our licensed sites. Successful candidates should be comfortable working independently, using strong judgement, prioritizing client needs, and problem-solving situations as they arise.
Additional Clauses
Requisition CA
Community Subsector
Affiliation/Union
BCGEU