Job Summary Table of Social Work Lead

🧠 Social Work Lead Role With Refugee Mental Health Focus

Job Description Summary

The Social Work Lead and Community Engagement Team Co-Lead position at VAST works closely with multiple teams to facilitate efficient access for referred individuals to appropriate trauma-informed mental health services and resources for refugees and survivors of torture in British Columbia.

Responsibilities

• 📋 Conduct intakes based on presenting issues and support Community Engagement team members in doing the same
• 👥 Co-lead weekly Community Engagement Team meetings and train team members on client database management
• 🔄 Coordinate with settlement agency partners and maintain comprehensive community resource listings
• 📊 Assess and identify appropriateness, alignment, urgency, and complexity of referred cases using Red, Yellow, Green system
• 📝 Create and monitor waiting lists of referred individuals requiring counseling services
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Facilitate interdisciplinary case conference meetings amongst VAST team members
• 🌎 Participate in public education on refugee mental health with community agencies and tertiary institutions
• 💰 Assist with reporting activities for fundraising team planning and development
• 🤝 Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with prospective funders, community partners, clients, and the public
• 💻 Communicate with database manager to maintain system upgrades according to service needs
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Attend clinical supervision meetings and participate in staff meetings and workshops as needed
• 🔄 Collaborate with team leads and counselors in client allocation for counseling appointments or vulnerability assessments

Benefits and Perks

• 🏢 Hybrid work model allowing for both in-office and remote work
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Unionized position with CUPE-1936
• 🌱 Opportunity to work within a culturally diverse and socially impactful organization
• 🧠 Access to clinical supervision meetings and professional development workshops
• 🤝 Collaborative work environment with multidisciplinary team

🏢 Social Work and Refugee Mental Health at VAST

Company Overview

Founded in 1986 by a small group of human rights activists and mental health workers, Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST) has grown to become BC’s largest center for refugee mental health. From its origins supporting refugees from South and Central America, VAST now works with survivors from over 100 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Their services are offered in more than a dozen languages, including Arabic, Farsi, French, Mandarin, and Spanish.

VAST’s mission centers on supporting the mental health of refugees who arrive in British Columbia with psychological trauma resulting from torture, political violence, and persecution based on race, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The organization facilitates healing processes for approximately 1,000 survivors of torture annually, providing accessible and culturally appropriate individual and group counseling services.

Social Work in Refugee Mental Health Services

Working in refugee mental health requires unique skills and sensitivity. At VAST, social workers engage directly with survivors of torture and political violence, helping them navigate both psychological recovery and practical challenges of resettlement. The Social Work Lead position combines clinical assessment expertise with community engagement coordination, ensuring efficient resource allocation for vulnerable populations.

The role requires strong cross-cultural competence and understanding of trauma-informed approaches. The successful candidate will help maintain VAST’s province-leading model of trauma-informed mental health service provision while strengthening connections with external service providers and community resources.

Career Growth Opportunities in Refugee Support Services

This position offers exceptional professional development in specialized trauma care and refugee mental health services. As Canada continues welcoming refugees from conflict zones worldwide, professionals with expertise in culturally-sensitive trauma treatment are increasingly valuable in healthcare, mental health, and social service sectors.

Working at VAST provides opportunities to: – Develop specialized expertise in trauma-informed care for refugees – Build strong case management and assessment skills – Gain experience in interdisciplinary collaboration – Contribute to community education and advocacy efforts – Participate in international networks supporting torture survivors

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

VAST is committed to diversity and inclusion at all organizational levels. More than half of the team identifies as survivors themselves, ensuring representation of lived experience throughout the organization. VAST values diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds, recognizing that this diversity strengthens their ability to serve refugee communities effectively.

Equal Opportunity Statement

VAST is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability status.

Remote Work Policy

This hybrid position requires in-office work at the Vancouver/Surrey location on specific days each week, with the flexibility to complete some work remotely. Candidates must be local or able to commute to the office as needed. Virtual work capabilities are required, including proficiency with Google services and CRM systems.

Application Process

1. Submit your application through the LinkedIn job posting
2. Selected candidates will be contacted for an initial interview
3. Final candidates may participate in a second interview or skills assessment
4. References will be checked prior to final offer

Qualifications For Social Work Lead Position

Successful candidates for this Social Work Lead and Community Engagement Co-Lead position must possess: – MSW degree and current registration as a Social Worker in BC – Significant cross-cultural experience and previous work with trauma survivors – Knowledge of refugee and refugee claimant processes and systems – Ability to work virtually and confidence using Google services and CRM systems – Experience working with interpreters – Preference given to candidates with bilingual capability or bi-cultural background – Strong collaboration and leadership skills to co-lead the Community Engagement Team

For this unique role supporting refugee mental health services, VAST seeks candidates who combine professional social work qualifications with cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practice. The position offers opportunities to contribute to BC’s mental health sector for newcomers while advocating for survivors of torture and political violence.

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