ABOUT THE JOB

IRAS Advisor will play a key role in the direct delivery of a province-wide independent rights advice service for involuntary patients under the Mental Health Act. The IRAS is designed and delivered using a partnership model that brings together multiple organizations and stakeholders, including the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Community Legal Assistance Society, Health Justice, Métis Nation BC, and others.

The service provides rights information and advice to people who are experiencing involuntary treatment under BC’s Mental Health Act and/or detention under the Adult Guardianship Act. The services are delivered virtually, as well as in-person when required, in communities throughout BC through a network of Rights Advisors. Rights Advisors help people experiencing involuntary treatment, either while detained in a designated facility or in community on extended leave, understand what is happening to them and what their rights are. They also provide assistance and support if the patient chooses to exercise their rights.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Provide prompt virtual and in-person independent rights advice meetings with people experiencing involuntary treatment under the Mental Health Act and/or detention under the Adult Guardianship Act that is unbiased, non-judgmental, trauma-informed, culturally safe, and accessible.
- Ensure that rights advice meetings cover all necessary topics, including:
- Explaining the meaning of and restrictions involved in being an involuntary patient or a patient under 16 years of age admitted at the request of a parent or guardian, as appropriate.




- Explaining relevant patient rights under the Mental Health Act and/or the Adult Guardianship Act.
- Identifying available options if the patient disagrees with their current situation (e.g., applying for a review panel hearing, making a court application).
- Explaining options for reporting concerns if they have concerns with the way they have been treated or the care they have received (e.g., complaining to the Patient Care Quality Offices in the health authorities, the Ombudsperson).
- Assisting the patient to exercise their rights if requested (e.g., apply for a second medical opinion, apply for a review panel hearing, or connect with a legal service provider).

- Provide referrals to lawyers, advocates, and other supports and resources as appropriate and as possible.
- Arrange for interpretation, cultural, and accessibility supports as needed.
- Support the participation of family members and personal supporters as chosen by the patient.
- Successfully complete initial and ongoing training and development activities.
- Participate in a virtual community of practice with other Rights Advisors throughout BC.
- Enter case notes, records, and complete service delivery confirmation forms as required by IRAS service and privacy standards.
- Maintain appropriate,



confidential records and provide information and reports as required.
- Participate in IRAS complaints process, including resolving problems as needed.

ABOUT YOU

- All Rights Advisors must be independent from designated facilities in BC and from the care, treatment, or supervision of any patients on extended leave. People who are employed by, have privileges at, or provide health and social services at designated facilities under the Mental Health Act and teams with delegated authority over a patient on extended leave or other designated agencies under the Adult Guardianship Act such as Community Living BC are not eligible for the role.
- In addition, all Rights Advisors must:
- Successfully complete all initial and ongoing mandatory training required by IRAS.
- Undergo a Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector.
- Live within 25km of the detaining facilities in their community, or within a reasonable distance based on location of community.
- Have access to reliable transportation to be able to attend detaining facilities in their community without incurring significant travel costs.
- Have exceptional listening skills to support building trust and relationships.
- Have calm, non-judgmental, accessible, and transparent communication skills.

Qualifications

Typical Education, Training, and Experience

- Diploma in Community Social Service.
- Recent, related experience of two years.
- Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Or other qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work.
- A valid class 5 driver’s license

📌 Rights Advisor (Canada)
🏢 Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division
📍 Canada