Job Description

FORWARD HOUSE COMMUNITY SOCIETY

TITLE:

Mental Health Advocate

HOURS PER WEEK:

Permanent part-time.

REPORTS TO:

Executive Director

LAST REVISED:

September 2025

Forward House is a non-profit that offers community-based resources, structured rehabilitation programs, and support services to adults who live in Parksville, Qualicum Beach, or the surrounding area, and are living with mental health challenges or needing support with addiction recovery.

Our services include:

Mental health advocacy services including connections to resources and community partners

Education and rehabilitation programs, strengths-based programs focused on mental health education, goal setting, skills of daily living, vocational skills, psychosocial skills, and community connections

Social-recreational activities and support

Addiction recovery groups

Support and education programs

JOB SUMMARY:

A Forward House Mental Health Advocate works with our clients, providing information and support in a safe, trauma-informed, and strength-based environment. This includes helping members access community-based services, facilitating psycho-social-recreational activities, participating in the meals program, encouraging independence, and fostering opportunities for the enhancement of social and life skills. Recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practice is inherent in all aspects of service delivery.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides advocacy services in a manner which promotes hope and optimism, dignity and worth of our service users

Works collaboratively with other staff, students, and volunteers to provide meaningful activities for our clients

Facilitates group programming related to education, recreation, and/or expressive therapies

Cooperates and collaborates with staff in the provision of quality, person-centered care

Gathers and collates program information and submits daily reports, as required

Maintains accurate and up-to-date files and reports

Works alongside and supports practicum students in their learning

Assumes leadership and coordination of specific program areas as required by the Executive Director

Participates in staff meetings and training sessions, which may include in-house staff development workshops

Participates in special events and community presentations as required

Prepares client lunches and dinners as required

Participates in the upkeep and cleaning of Forward House (bathrooms, laundry, kitchen, floors, dusting, etc...), in collaboration with the other staff

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum one-year certificate in mental health, social support worker, community support, addiction recovery worker, nursing, or a related field.

Minimum of three years of related experience in direct client service.

Current knowledge of community resources related to mental health and problematic substance use.

Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Practice.

Current Standard First Aid (CPR C) ticket.

Current FoodSafe certification.

JOB SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Demonstrated written and interpersonal communication skills, including strong listening skills and compassionate communication techniques.

Demonstrated self-awareness and ability to create and maintain professional boundaries.

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a cooperative team environment.

Demonstrated understanding of confidentiality and privacy issues.

Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to crisis situations.

Demonstrated respect for diversity.

Job Type:

Part-time. 16-24 hours weekly.

Work Location

: Parksville, in person.

Schedule:

Shifts available Monday to Saturday.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Education:

AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)
Experience:

direct client service: 3 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

First Aid Certification (required) Food Safety Certification (preferred)
Work Location: In person