Social Worker

Description:

Island Health is hiring Social Workers to join the Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) team across Vancouver Island, BC. Multiple positions are available in acute care, community programs, residential housing, detox services, rehabilitation, urgent primary care, and child, youth & family services.

Island Health is committed to enhancing mental health services through a patient-focused, interdisciplinary team approach. Social Workers in this role provide psychosocial support to patients and families, consult with hospital staff and community agencies, and help implement mental health and substance use care plans.

Key Benefits & Incentives:

• Up to $20,000 signing bonus (for eligible positions).

• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

• Student loan forgiveness (for eligible positions).

• Employer-paid benefits, including dental, prescription coverage, extended health plan, long-term disability.

• Municipal Pension Plan.

• Generous vacation leave (starting at four weeks).

• Thirteen statutory holidays annually.

• Premium employee discount program for local and national brands.

• Opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement.

MHSU Programs Hiring:

• Complex Care Housing (CCH)

• Acute Care (Inpatient, Psychiatric ICU, PES, Sub-Acute)

• Residential & Supportive Housing

• Community Mental Health Services

• Detox & Rehabilitation Services

• Tertiary Mental Health Programs

• Urgent Primary Care

• Child, Youth & Family Services

Responsibilities:

• Provide counseling and psychosocial support to patients with mental health and substance use challenges.

• Collaborate with hospital teams, community organizations, and health professionals to coordinate patient care.

• Conduct mental health assessments, crisis intervention, and treatment planning.

• Advocate for patient needs and help navigate available healthcare resources.

• Contribute to new mental health programs and treatment centers being established across Vancouver Island.

Qualifications & Requirements:

General Social Worker Roles:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (B.S.W.) or Master’s Degree in Social Work (M.S.W.).

• Registered with BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW).

• Experience in a medical or mental health setting is preferred.

Child, Youth & Family Social Work Positions:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (M.S.W.) from an accredited institution.

• Eligible for full registration with BCCSW.

• Advanced knowledge of mental health, substance use disorders, and treatment plans.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in child, youth, and family mental health services.

• Valid BC driver’s license.

About Island Health:

Island Health serves over 885,000 people across Vancouver Island, Salish Sea Islands, and Johnstone Strait. With over 30,000 healthcare professionals, the organization delivers a wide range of public health, primary care, mental health & substance use services, and acute hospital care.