Access Referral Worker, Specialized Substance Use Team

Come work as an Access Referral Worker on the Specialized Substance Use Team at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in Vancouver BC! Apply now to join the team!

Within the context of a client and family centered care model and in accordance with established vision and values of the organization works within Vancouver Community Addictions Services to screen and refer substance dependant adults and youth who call the Access Referral Line seeking assistance with withdrawal management and problematic substance use. Coordinates admissions into addictions residential housing addictions residential services withdrawal management facilities and other agencies; provides information to clients families health care providers and the general public; maintains clients records; coordinates bed availability with direct and contracted agencies and client admission into available beds; and maintains and updates waitlists. Maintains compiles and provides data and statistics produces reports as requested compiles designated material for distribution and engages in on-going team planning development evaluation and quality improvement activities.

Education & Experience

• Diploma in Community Social Services from a recognized program and two (2) years recent related experience working with substance dependant adults and youth requiring withdrawal management services and assistance with problematic substance use or an equivalent combination of education training and experience.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of substance misuse and treatment modalities
• Ability to keyboard 5000 Keystrokes per hour.
• Knowledge of placement criteria for substance dependent adults and youth requiring
• withdrawal management services and assistance with problematic substance use.
• Knowledge of community social health resources and agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully both oral and written form (English).
• Ability to resolve conflicts and provide crisis intervention.
• Ability to work independently and within a team setting.
• Ability to organize and prioritize.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
• Ability to analyze make decisions and resolve problems.
• Ability to use computer and enter data accurately
• Physical ability to carry out duties of the position.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

As per Ministry of Health policy all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

Why Join Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH):

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care research and teaching delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH we embrace thinking boldly taking smart risks and going first when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package including MSP extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports including counselling critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

At Vancouver Coastal Health our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices diverse teams and inclusive environments which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of BCs Top Employers Canadas Best Diversity Employers and Canadas Top Employers for Young People in 2025.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.


***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.