The Kettle Society supports people with mental illness to lead healthier lives by providing support services, advocacy, employment, and mentoring and housing. We work to raise awareness of mental health issues, break down stigma and reduce barriers for people with mental illness. Our goal is to promote the inclusion of people living with mental illness in all aspects of society.
Mental Health Worker/Advocate - Full Time - Drop-In
Organization:
The Kettle Friendship Society
Status:
Full Time A3
Hours and Days:
Monday to Friday: 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Salary & Compensation:
$33.49 per hour + benefits
Job Summary
Reporting to the Program Manager and working under the supervision of the CLAS of BC program lawyers, the Advocate (Mental Health Worker) provides formal and informal advocacy services to Members/clients. Advocacy support may include assisting Members/clients in accessing government-funded social service benefits to which they are entitled, navigating and utilizing community-based social services, engaging with the justice system, and accessing health care services.
The Advocate collaborates with other Kettle staff to exchange information related to a Member/client’s current health status, goals, and skill development, ensuring coordinated and effective service delivery. The role also serves as a positive role model by demonstrating appropriate personal and social behaviours in a variety of settings, including interactions with government representatives, law enforcement personnel, service providers, and other community partners.
The Advocate develops and documents legal and advocacy arguments to support Members/clients in obtaining services, benefits, and other entitlements. The role also develops and implements individualized action plans to support Members/clients in effectively participating in the advocacy process and achieving successful outcomes.
Typical Duties:
Provide individualized advocacy services to members experiencing barriers related to housing, income security, healthcare access, disability benefits, employment, human rights, and other social determinants of health.
Support members in understanding and exercising their rights within provincial and federal systems, including income assistance, disability benefits, tenancy matters, healthcare services, employment, and administrative processes.
Advocate on behalf of members with government ministries, service providers, landlords, employers, healthcare providers, and community agencies to promote equitable access to services, benefits, and supports.
Accompany members to meetings, appointments, hearings, and other proceedings as required to provide advocacy support and facilitate meaningful participation.
Conduct comprehensive intake interviews to identify advocacy needs, gather relevant information, and assess barriers impacting members' well-being and access to services.
Obtain, review, and organize documentation, records, and collateral information necessary to support advocacy efforts and member goals.
Develop collaborative advocacy plans that identify objectives, strategies, timelines, and required supports to address members' concerns and advance their rights.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client files in accordance with organizational policies, privacy legislation, Law Foundation of BC requirements, and funder standards. Utilize Clio and other designated case management systems to document service delivery, track file progression, conduct follow-up activities, maintain statistical records, and complete all required file management processes, including conflict checks, intake and consent forms, file reviews, outcome reporting, closing letters, and other documentation necessary to support ethical, accountable, and effective advocacy services.
Successfully complete all required Law Foundation of BC training, orientation, and practice requirements within designated timelines. Continued performance of advocacy duties and maintenance of the position is contingent upon the successful completion of required training and ongoing compliance with Law Foundation of BC standards and expectations.
Provide clear, accessible, and culturally responsive information regarding rights, responsibilities, legislation, policies, administrative processes, community resources, and available options related to advocacy matters.
Support members in completing applications, forms, appeals, and other documentation required to access benefits, services, and entitlements, and facilitate referrals to legal services, healthcare providers, community agencies, and other specialized supports as appropriate.
Research legislation, policies, regulations, and administrative processes to support advocacy efforts and identify pathways to address barriers experienced by members.
Assist members in preparing for appeals, reviews, hearings, tribunals, and dispute resolution processes by gathering evidence, organizing documentation, developing advocacy strategies, and preparing written submissions, advocacy letters, and supporting documentation.
Support members through administrative tribunals, appeals processes, and other rights-based proceedings within the scope of a community advocacy role.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary staff teams, community organizations, legal service providers, government agencies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to coordinate services, address systemic barriers, and support positive outcomes for members.
Develop and maintain effective partnerships with community agencies and service providers to strengthen access to justice, resources, and community supports.
Provide individual and group-based education, workshops, presentations, and community awareness initiatives on topics including rights, benefits, housing, income security, self-advocacy, and navigating public systems, while promoting understanding of mental health, substance use, and barriers to service access.
Monitor and assess situations where a member may be at risk of harm to themselves or others and take appropriate action in accordance with organizational policies and procedures, including the use of trauma-informed, person-centred, crisis intervention, and de-escalation strategies.
Collaborate with healthcare providers, crisis teams, emergency responders, and support networks when immediate intervention is required and maintain current knowledge of emergency response procedures, mental health first aid, and workplace safety practices.
Maintain statistical, case management, and service delivery records required for program evaluation, reporting, funding accountability, and continuous quality improvement.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of advocacy resources, referral directories, research materials, and shared knowledge tools.
Participate in team meetings, case consultations, training opportunities, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Promote and contribute to a respectful, inclusive, culturally safe, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and anti-oppressive environment for members, colleagues, and community partners.
Comply with organizational policies, procedures, privacy requirements, workplace health and safety standards, and applicable program requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education, Training, and Experience
Grade 12
Community Social Worker Diploma
Two (2) years recent related experience including working with individuals with mental illness and/or addiction and/or concurrent disorders; as well as experience in analyzing legal and legislative documents to prepare an effective and legally sound argument on behalf of a client
Or, an equivalent combination of education, training, and life and/or work experience Class 5 BC Driver’s License when applicable
Current certificates in CPR, Basic First Aid, WHMIS, and Level 1 Food Safe
Skills & Abilities
Advocacy skills
Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills
Ability to analyze and resolve problems
Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
Ability to operate related equipment
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to organize and prioritize
Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients
Ability to instruct adults
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
Why The Kettle?
We offer competitive wages, a comprehensive employer-paid benefit plan for full-time and part-time staff including Extended Medical and Dental coverage, and to those who are eligible, the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP)
The Kettle appreciates and acknowledges the land in which we live and work on as unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
The Kettle Society is committed to promoting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, creating a diverse workforce, enhancing inclusion, and removing barriers to accessibility in the workplace. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply, and encourage applications from qualified candidates who identify as members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including Indigenous identity, race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence that is unrelated to the employment of that person.
Please do not contact the employer directly as only short listed candidates will be contacted by our People & Culture Team. We appreciate your interest in our organization.