Job Title:Independent Rights Advisor
Department:Crisis Intervention and Prevention
Reports to:Director of Programs and Services
Bargaining Unit:BCGEU
Wage Range:Grid 33 / $33.46-$35.31
Status:Full time TEMP

JOB

Independent Rights Advisors play a key role delivery of the province-wide independent rights advice service for involuntary patients under the Mental Health Act. The Independent Rights Advice Service (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 will provide rights information and advice to people who are experiencing involuntary treatment under BC’s Mental Health Act. The services is delivered virtually and in-person in communities throughout BC through a network of Independent Rights Advisors. Independent 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 aid and support if the patient chooses to exercise their rights. This is a remote role requiring frequent travel between facilities. Occasionally, longer trips may be necessary, including overnight stays in serviced communities.

Please note: This position is based in the Kootenay Region. Applicants should be able to work within or relocate to the Kootenay's.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)



Vernon & District Branch is a non-profit organization focused on promoting mental wellness in the community of Vernon and surrounding areas in the North Okanagan and is part of a provincial and national federation. We believe in empowering individuals, groups, and communities in self-determination to enhance their mental health. CMHA facilitates access to the resources people require to improve mental health and community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness through building capacity, influencing public policy, providing services and support, and developing resources. We are committed to providing an environment free from prejudice, discrimination, and harassment. We strive to reflect the entire community in our volunteers and staff and promote equal access to our services.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Vernon & District Branch is a non-profit organization focused on promoting mental wellness in the community of Vernon and surrounding areas in the North Okanagan and is part of a provincial and national federation. We believe in empowering individuals, groups, and communities in self-determination to enhance their mental health.



CMHA facilitates access to the resources people require to improve mental health and community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness through building capacity, influencing public policy, providing services and support, and developing resources. We are committed to providing an environment free from prejudice, discrimination, and harassment. We strive to reflect the entire community in our volunteers and staff and promote equal access to our services.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Rights Advisors will:

- Provide prompt virtual and in-person independent rights advice meetings with people experiencing involuntary treatment under the Mental Health 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

- 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

📌 Independent Rights Advisor – Kootenay (Calgary)
🏢 CMHA Vernon
📍 Calgary