Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Within the context of a client and family centred care model and in accordance with established standards of professional practice, and the vision and values of the organization, provides social work assessments and services using current theory and evidence based practice. Works as part of an interdisciplinary community mental health & substance use care team to provide treatment and services that are both inclusionary and flexible for individuals with mental illness and substance use to meet the needs of the client. Attends clinical care conferences as a member of an interdisciplinary team for client reviews, admissions and discharges.

Acts as a Designated Responder complying with the Adult Guardianship Legislation. Provides consultative and direct services to clients, families, staff and community health professionals regarding issues such as: adult guardianship, advanced directives, domestic violence, abuse and/or neglect, immigration, housing, financial concerns, or matters concerning government agencies (public trustee) and authorities (courts, police).

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

Master of Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work Two (2) years’ recent, related experience working in a setting with the specific population this program supports, particularly those who may have complex mental health and substance use issues. Valid BC Driver’s License. Local area travel requires the use of a personal vehicle. Current full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of the principles of recovery in mental health and substance use.

Extensive knowledge of Adult Guardianship Act, Mental Health Act, Consent the Patients Property Act, and Heath Care Consent and Care Facility Admission Act.

Knowledge and familiarity with available financial support specific to patient population.

Knowledge of MSP and Pharmacare, including Special Authority





Knowledge and understanding of Public Guardian and Trustee.

Broad knowledge of social work theory and practice within a client and family centred model of care

Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation methodology.

Knowledge of community, social and mental health resources.

Ability to identify emotional, social, or environmental barriers and intervene to eliminate stigma.

Knowledge of non-violent crisis intervention.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external clients.

Broad knowledge of mental health and substance use.

Broad knowledge of research methodology, counselling skills and clinical practice models.

Broad knowledge of family, group and change therapy.

Demonstrated ability to apply systems theory to practice in Social Work assessment and intervention.

Demonstrated ability to conduct social and psychosocial assessments.

Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with clients and families.

Demonstrated ability to adjust to recent or unexpected events and deal effectively with conflict.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

Basic understanding of trauma-informed care.

Communicates effectively and in a culturally safe manner with client, caregivers and health care team.

Knowledge and training of Indigenous Cultural safety and experience providing culturally safe care to Indigenous people, families, and communities.

Knowledge and ability to provide services using a harm reduction approach.





Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

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.

Details

Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited School of Social Work, and a demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered. If you are applying under equivalency, please clearly outline in your application how your knowledge, education, skills and experience meet Master of Social Work (MSW) equivalency.

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.

Unless otherwise noted on the posting, internal job postings close at 8:00 AM Pacific Time on the listed Closing Date. Please submit your digital application via the Internal Career Portal prior to the Closing Date & Time.

Nursing & LPN successful applicants will be notified by email.

We regret that only short listed candidates will be acknowledged.

This is an internal job posting for Vancouver Coastal Health employees only.

📌 Social Worker (MSW) (Richmond)
🏢 Vancouver Coastal Health
📍 Richmond