Mental Health Advocate

Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) • Vancouver, BC, CA • 1d ago

The Opportunity

The Mental Health Advocate is responsible for providing advocacy and assisted referral services to women with mental health concerns who live and/or work in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver primarily in the areas of BC Benefits and income assistance, Residential Tenancy, Housing, and the Ministry for Children and Families. Reporting directly to the Specialized Services Program Manager, the Mental Health Advocate will work in collaboration with other DEWC staff to promote integrated services to women. She will work from a feminist perspective and within an anti-oppression framework.

About DEWC

The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) exists to support and empower women and children, living in extreme poverty in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, who are particularly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, injustice and injury. Through low barrier Drop-In Centers and Emergency Shelters, DEWC provides basic need services, programs, and specialized supports to over 1000 women and children daily to help them survive the conditions that surround them. See website (www.dewc.ca) for details on our mission and mandate as well as programs and services.

About You

Must have at least 2 years related experience, preferably working with marginalized women.
You are knowledgeable of the issues impacting women in the dtes, including gender-based violence, mental health, homelessness, and addictions with understanding of trauma-informed care responses.
You have the ability to work within busy, chaotic, crises driven environment where there are multiple demands and prioritize.
You have efficient organizational skills including record keeping, scheduling, and problem-solving abilities
You have demonstrated experience providing assisted referral as well as familiarity with support services, agencies and community resources in the dtes.
You have or will obtain a First Aid Certification and NVCI

Benefits of Joining the DEWC Team

Healthcare: Extended health & dental coverage including vision; prescription medications; alternative therapies; EAP; life insurance; and long-term disability.

Paid time off: 3 weeks paid vacation in the 1st year, 4 weeks after 1 year; 13 paid statutory holidays; 12 paid sick days annually; and access to time off to handle family or personal situations.

For your Retirement: Enrolled in the Municipal Pension Plan with a matching contribution from DEWC.

Other perks: Compressed work schedule; employee loan program; regular staff development days; and DEWC employees are considered first for any open positions

POSITION DETAILS: