Program Assistant, BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Job title: Program Assistant, BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Job description: Program Assistant
BC Mental Health Program
Vancouver, BC

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Program Assistant reports to a Director and serves as a vital linkage and communication source to keep the program/department informed and aligned to its priorities. The position is accountable for providing confidential administrative and secretarial support for a program/department, following administrative policies and procedures and organizes the day-to-day administrative operations to ensure accurate and timely delivery of administrative services. Coordinates the flow of information, maintains the integrity and confidentiality of all information which flows through, communicates internally and externally to respond to inquires and clarify details, coordinates appointments and meetings, attends and records management meetings, arranges travel and accommodation, coordinates meeting logistics, submits HR and Finance information, and maintains office equipment and supplies. Designs, creates and maintains correspondence, documents, presentations, orientation packages, and spreadsheets (including data entry) for authorization by the management team; processes confidential and sensitive documents. The Program Assistant supports leadership in setting a positive, collaborative, efficient tone for the program/department.

What you’ll do

• Responds to verbal and written communication and liaises internally and externally to respond to, share information, clarify details, and ensure follow-up by relevant personnel on emergent issues. Discusses inquiries for information with a variety of internal and external contacts in order to obtain and disclose information. Effectively triages visitors, telephone calls, correspondence and incoming materials by screening and prioritizing for immediate attention, distributing as appropriate, taking and relaying messages, and directing visitors.
• Prepares and updates various documents such as reports, correspondence, presentation materials, spreadsheets, and website materials in an accurate and timely manner including material that is confidential or sensitive in nature. Utilizes a variety of software applications to ensure professional standards are maintained, relevant and current data is used and end product is appropriately and professionally formatted. Enters and collects data, and compiles relevant statistical information and reports.
• Maintains a consistently updated and accurate meeting schedule for the program/department as required. Coordinates meetings ensuring well-defined and timely agendas, identification of and notification to interested parties, compilation of background information and supporting materials and preparation of packages/summary documents and meeting facilitation. Coordinates administrative meeting logistics and makes catering, travel and accommodation arrangements. Attends and acts as a recorder for confidential meetings such as management meetings and follows-up on action items and in-services as required.
• Authorizes expense reimbursements and invoices up to a pre-determined limit, and utilizes an expenditure tracking system to ensure expenditures and invoices are authorized and processed in a timely and accurate manner. Completes purchase requisitions/online purchasing and forwards for processing, and ensures invoices are authorized for payment and submitted for payment. . Ensures appropriate supplies and support materials are available and equipment is in working order. Coordinates and standardizes the implementation of technology (new and existing) within the program.
• Completes and submits eForms for designated Leaders; processes timekeeping for assigned staff; and liaises with Finance, Payroll and Human Resources as necessary.
• Initiates follow-up processes with staff and others. Resolves day-to-day problems as required, evaluates operating procedures, and advises management as necessary. Provides assistance on projects by collecting data requiring the evaluation and determination of available sources. Actively participates in team meetings and provides input to new policies, processes, quality improvement activities, and the development of strategies.

What you bring

Qualifications

• A level of education, training and experience equivalent to Grade 12 plus graduation from a formal secretarial program plus three (3) years recent related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, resolve administrative issues/problems, prioritize workload, and to be flexible to meet and adapt to changes in organizational priorities. Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office applications, including word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software, at an intermediate level. Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload and work under time pressures to meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including the ability to respond professionally, courteously, and in a clear manner. Demonstrated interpersonal and time management skills. Demonstrated ability to record and transcribe minutes of meetings.
• Ability to type 60 words per minute.

Skills & Knowledge

• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-time (1.00 FTE)
Salary Range: $47,064 – $61,771 /year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1
Closing date: Applications accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 0800-1600 (Monday to Friday)
Requisition # 160837

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

The Provincial Health Services Authority ( ) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs:

PHSA is committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of March 5th, 2024. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.
Labor Agreement Excluded
Requisition # 160837E-2413534
Work Site 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 2N9
Job Type Regular, Full-Time
Salary/Rate $47,064.00 – $61,771.00 / Year
FTE 1.00
Hours of Work 0800-1600
Work Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Expiry Date 27-Mar-2024

Click Here to Apply

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