Recovery College Facilitator

Internal/External Posting: Recovery College Facilitator 

Permanent Full-Time 1.0 FTE x1

Open Date: June 20, 2025 

Close Date: July 07, 2025 

Job Title:

Recovery College Facilitator 

Classification:

Group Facilitator

Grid/Pay Level:

Grid 30

Collective Agreement:

Community Sub-Sector

Salary Range:

$30.15 - $31.89 

Union:

BCGEU

Job Family:

Client Services

Program:

Recovery College 

Benchmarks:

82600

Reporting To:

Wellness Programs Coordinator or designate

Facility/Site:

Multiple CMHA Mid Island Sites

Shift Times:

Monday - Friday, 0900-1700, Flexible start/end time as needed 

Days off:

Weekends and Statutory Holidays

Date reviewed: February 05, 2025

SCOPE AND LEVEL DEFINITION

Recovery Colleges are structured programs based on adult learning models with the goal of providing an environment and experience where participants bolster their strengths and learn skills to promote their recovery. The focus of the program is educational rather than therapeutic. Recovery Colleges are often attended by a broad spectrum of the community, including people experiencing mental heath and substance use challenges, family members, supporters and peers.

The defining features of a Recovery College program are: Educational, Collaborative, Strengths-based and Person-centred, Progressive, Community Facing, and Inclusive. 

Adult Learning Principles are incorporated into the design of Recovery Colleges: 

• Active participation 
• Self-directed learning 
• Practical application and relevance 
• Comfortable learning environment 
• Collective experience 
• Goal-oriented 

Recovery College Facilitators, under the direction of the Wellness Programs Coordinator will interact with attendees, lead workshops, courses and group activities to meet attendees’ activation, life skills, recreational, and social needs. Facilitators will create, evaluate, and facilitate courses, workshops, and activities. Facilitators work independently and collaboratively with the other healthcare providers to offer integrated support to clients accessing the college.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Engages positively with people who live with mental heath challenges, use illicit substances, experience homelessness, and other stigmatized populations using a trauma informed and harm reduction approach.
2. Builds rapport, provide support and advocate for a diverse range of clients including individuals who are actively using substances and living with significant health challenges.
3. Facilitates group support programs to encourage skill development in areas such as self-esteem, coping skills, motivation, positive parenting skills, and the formation of mutual support networks. Reports difficulties to the coordinator. Provides related feedback, and follows up with clients as required. 
4. Interviews clients, gathers background information, determines suitability for the program, and makes referrals to other programs as required. 
5. Plans group support programs by determining content and structure, consulting with clients as appropriate. 
6. Evaluates courses, workshops, etc., using information attained by observation and client feedback on issues such as group session effectiveness, and material presented. Gathers and reports feedback to the coordinator. 
7. Arranges courses, workshops, and activities by performing duties such as scheduling session times, booking facilities, and acquiring materials. 
8. Participates in the development of courses and workshops in collaboration with coordinator and community partners. 
9. Observes participants and their interactions, and reports unsafe conditions and behavioural, physical, and/or cognitive changes to supervisor. 
10. Applies sound judgement, stay grounded and use creativity, flexibility and assertiveness when working through often unpredictable situations and emergencies.
11. Responds to changeable and sometime volatile behaviours utilizing non-violent communication and deescalation techniques. Receives participant feedback, inquiries, and complaints, and responds as required. 
12. Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as statistics, progress reports, activity participation reports, observation reports, and participant activity profiles. 
13. Works professionally and ethically in a team setting, including the ability to maintain confidentiality, and stay focused on the participants’ needs.
14. Refers participants to other programs/services and provides information regarding available resources. 
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Typical Education, Training and Experience

• Completion of Social Services Diploma, Group Facilitator, or related education
• Class V BC Driver’s License Preferred
• Certificates in CPR and First Aid 
• Naloxone Training 
• Valid Criminal Record Check for working with Vulnerable Populations 
• Must have the physical, mental and emotional ability to perform the duties of the position
• Recent, related experience of two years
  Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  Or other Qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work 

Typical Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current social issues related to homelessness, mental health and substance use
• Knowledge of harm reduction and psychosocial rehabilitation principles
• Knowledge of, and ability to do group facilitation
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing 
• Good interpersonal skills including the ability to display tact and diplomacy
• Ability to interact with people of all ages, identities and cultural backgrounds
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients
• Ability to analyze and resolve problems 
• Conflict resolution skills
• Facilitation skills
• High level of tech related skills due to on-line facilitation 

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