FORWARD HOUSE COMMUNITY SOCIETY
Job Description
TITLE: Mental Health Support Worker
HOURS PER WEEK: Permanent part-time.
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
LAST REVISED: February 2026
Forward House is a non-profit society that offers non-clinical services to adults who 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
· Support programs focusing on mental health education, vocational skills, psychosocial skills, and community connections
· Social-recreational activities and support
· Addiction recovery groups
JOB SUMMARY:
Provides client support in a safe, compassionate and strengths-based environment. Creates and facilitates meaningful programming in a group context.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Works in accordance with the Forward House Policies and Procedures Manual and the Employee Handbook
· Creates a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone at Forward House
· Establishes relationships with clients while maintaining professional boundaries in a therapeutic environment
· Works collaboratively with other staff, students and volunteers to develop and implement meaningful activities for clients
· Creates and facilitates group programming related to education, recreation, and/or expressive therapies. Encourages clients to participate in a wide variety of program offerings
· Provides appropriate opportunities for the enhancement of independence and social skills through 1:1 interaction and/or group facilitation
· 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
· Ensures the security of confidential materials as defined by Forward House procedures
· 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 work, community support, addiction recovery, nursing, or a related field.
· Minimum of three years of related experience.
· Current knowledge of community resources related to mental health and addiction recovery.
· Knowledge and understanding of Trauma-Informed Practice.
· Current Standard First Aid (CPR C) ticket.
· Current FoodSafe certification.
· Non-Violent Communication and ASIST training preferred
· Class 5 Driver’s Licence
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 Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: $23.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
