Independent Rights Advisor

Full-Time 1.0 FTE

Open Date: October 6, 2025

Close Date: Open Until Filled

Classification: Advocate

Grid/Pay Level: Grid 33

Collective Agreement: Community Sub-Sector

Union: BCGEU

Wage Range: $31.56 - $33.28

Classification: Advocate

Program: Independent Rights Advice Service

Reporting To: Operations Manager, or designate

Facility Site: Multiple CMHA Mid-Island Sites, Community Agencies

Shift Times: Monday - Friday, Flexible Start - End times, some weekend and evening coverage may be required.

Days Off: Weekends and Stat Holidays

SCOPE AND LEVEL DEFINITION

Independent Rights Advice Service (IRAS) Advisors will play a key role in the launch and direct delivery of a new province-wide independent rights advice service for involuntary patients under the Mental Health Act. The IRAS is designed and delivered using a partnership model that brings together multiple organizations and stakeholders, including the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Community Legal Assistance Society, Health Justice, Métis Nation BC, and others. The service will provide rights information and advice to people who are experiencing involuntary treatment under BC’s Mental Health Act.

The services will be delivered virtually, as well as in-person when required, in communities throughout BC through a network of Rights Advisors. Under the direction of the Programs Director, or designate, Rights Advisors will help people experiencing involuntary treatment, either while detained in a designated facility or in community on extended leave, understand what is happening to them and what their rights are. They will provide assistance and support if the patient chooses to exercise their rights.

Please note: While this role is a remote role, the successful candidate will be required to attend various locations, in person, in the South Island (Duncan, Victoria).

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide prompt virtual and in-person independent rights advice meetings with people experiencing involuntary treatment under the Mental Health Act that is unbiased, non- judgmental, trauma-informed, culturally safe, and accessible;
• Ensure that rights advice meetings cover all necessary topics, including: explaining the meaning of and restrictions involved in being an involuntary patient or a patient under 16 years of age admitted at the request of a parent or guardian, as appropriate; explaining relevant patient rights under the Mental Health Act; identifying available options if the patient disagrees with their current situation (e.g., applying for a review panel hearing, making a court application); explaining options for reporting concerns if they have concerns with the way they have been treated or the care they have received (e.g., complaining to the Patient Care Quality Offices in the health authorities, the Ombudsperson); and assisting the patient to exercise their rights if requested (e.g. apply for a second medical opinion, apply for a review panel hearing, or connect with a legal service provider).
• Provide referrals to lawyers, advocates, and other supports and resources as appropriate and as possible;
• Arrange for interpretation, cultural, and accessibility supports as needed;
• Support the participation of family members and personal supporters as chosen by the patient;
• Successfully complete initial and ongoing training and development activities;
• Participate in a virtual community of practice with other Rights Advisors throughout BC;
• Enter case notes, records, and complete service delivery confirmation forms as required by IRAS service and privacy standards;
• Maintain appropriate, confidential records and provide information and reports as required; and
• Participate in IRAS complaints process, including resolving problems as needed.
• Communicates and collaborates with other CMHA staff and programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Typical Education, Training and Experience

• Degree in criminology, health sciences, social services or related program.
• Two years recent related experience
• Criminal Record Check for Working with Vulnerable Populations
• Drivers license and access to reliable, personal transportation
• Successfully completion of all initial and ongoing mandatory training required by IRAS;
• Extensive knowledge of the BC Mental Health Act.
• Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity Training
• Full COVID-19 Vaccination
• Certification in First Aid and CPR (level C).
• or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
• or other Qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work
• All Rights Advisors must be independent from designated facilities in BC and from the care, treatment, or supervision of any patients on extended leave. People who are employed by, have privileges at, or provide health and social services at designated facilities under the Mental Health Act and teams with delegated authority over a patient on extended leave are not eligible for the role.

Typical Skills and Abilities

• Lived experience of involuntary mental health treatment;
• Lived or professional experience communicating or working with people with diverse health needs and disabilities, including people with a mental health-related disability;
• Membership in a community or personal experience that will help contribute to the diversity of Rights Advisors in BC;
• Commitment to centring the patient’s goals and choices in communication and decision- making; Knowledge of and commitment to cultural safety, anti-racism, and reconciliation;
• Commitment to continual learning and understanding our shared history of colonization, the ongoing harms of our colonial past, and the systemic and individual power imbalances present in society as a result;
• Experience explaining legal information and legal rights;
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships following harm reduction principles
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources including applicable harm reduction resources
• Good interpersonal skills including the ability to display tact and diplomacy
• Ability to interact with people of all ages, identities and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to problem solve and deal with conict effectively
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to deal with a broad range of professionals
• Punctuality, the ability to respond promptly to meeting requests, and comfort juggling multiple tasks and appointments
• A high degree of discretion and commitment to strict confidentiality;
• Ability to work constructively as a part of team
• Comfortable working independently, and in cooperation with others
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
• Ability to organize and prioritize
• Comfort with technology including video conferencing, case management, scheduling platforms, and Office 365.