Forward House Advocate

FORWARD HOUSE COMMUNITY SOCIETY

Job Description
TITLE: Forward House Advocate

HOURS PER WEEK: Permanent part-time.

REPORTS TO: Executive Director, Program Manager.

LAST REVISED: Dec 2023

Forward House is a non-profit that offers community-based resources, structured rehabilitation programs, and support services to residents 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:

• Forward Club House: Social-recreational activities and support.
• Advocacy Services: Providing connections to resources and community partners.
• A.C.E (Ability. Connections. Empowerment.): A Mental Health Rehabilitation Program offered with the support and partnership of Island Health. This strengths-based program focuses on goal setting, skills of daily living, vocational skills, psychosocial skills, and community connections.
• Addiction Recovery: Group and one-on-one support.
• Support and education programs.
• Counselling.

JOB SUMMARY:

A Forward House Advocate works with our Service Members, 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 Service Members.
• Facilitates group programming related to education, recreation, and/or expressive therapies.

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• 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 community resources related to mental health and problematic substance use.
• Knowledge of understanding of Trauma-Informed Practice.
• Current Standard First Aid (CPR C) ticket.
• Current FoodSafe certification.
• Class 5 Driver’s License and appropriate car insurance with minimum $3 million third party liability coverage.

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: Permanent part-time. 20+ hours weekly. Work Location: In person.

Schedule: Shifts available Monday to Saturday.

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Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Salary: From $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 18 – 22 per week

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)

Work Location: In person