VCH Regional MHSU - Concurrent Disorders Steering Committee

Consultation has concluded

We acknowledge that our places of work and the Vancouver Coastal Health sites lie on the traditional homelands of the First Nation Communities of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai’xais, Líl̓wat, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), N’Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh (Sechelt), Skatin, Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Tla’amin, Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Wuikinuxv, and Xa’xtsa.

The Concurrent Disorders Steering Committee is looking to include one peer advisor/rep who is a person with lived and living experience (PWLLE) of Concurrent Disorders (experiencing mental illness and using substances), as well as one family advisor/rep who has experience with supporting a loved one with Concurrent Disorders. We want to make sure that these client and family voices are represented, and that we listen to those voices when making decisions about services.

Ideally, our advisors will have a concurrent disorder or be family members of someone with a concurrent disorder. Ideally, they will be able to speak up about these experiences. It may also be desirable for our advisors to have some background in committee work, as meetings are fast-paced and involve multiple stakeholders.

How will the committee work?

We are looking for our advisors to commit to a 1 year term (6 meetings in total), with the possibility of extension. We are looking for our advisors to start by September 29th, 2022.

  • Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday, every other month, from about 3 to 4:30 p.m. (1-1.5 hour meetings).
  • 1:1 coaching and support can be provided outside of the regular committee meeting, particularly at the beginning. Regional Lead can provide information, clarification, support, feedback as needed throughout involvement.
  • An orientation meeting with Regional Lead and Consumer Coordinator will be provided at beginning of involvement to answer any questions.

Zoom and reliable computer/internet access are required.

Commitment

Approximately two hours every two months for a year (12 hours in total for the year) – including meeting time, preparation time, and correspondence.

How will the individuals and family members with lived experience be involved in the committee?

  • Provide lived/living experience perspective.
  • Be a shared decision-maker.
  • Help ensure that the committee proceeds with respect to the lived and living experience perspective and using a client-centered framework.

Compensation

Thank you honoraria of $20.00 an hour paid by cheque each quarter (every 3 months).

We will need the advisors’ SIN# and mailing address in order to process the cheque.

How do I apply?

Please send a note to Tao-Yee Lau, MHSU Consumer & Family Coordinator, at taoyee.lau@vch.ca by 5pm on Friday, August 12th, 2022.

Use the subject line "Concurrent Disorders Steering Committee Advisor".

Please include a short note with your personal or professional experience, particularly with Concurrent Disorders, how you could contribute to the committee, and the best number to reach you at.

If you are shortlisted, follow-up phone calls will take place during the weeks of August 15th and 22nd.

Background

The Concurrent Disorders Steering Committee offers guidance for Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) authority service providers and programs that work with people who experience mental illness and who use substances. The committee leads projects that are aimed at improving the experiences of this client group. Projects may include reviewing ways of asking questions about mental health and substance use, education for staff about Concurrent Disorders, and supporting new treatments like Suboxone or Naltrexone.

The committee composition includes representatives from Mental Health & Substance Use and Addictions programs from across VCH, ie., managers, directors, and medical leads from Operations and Regional MHSU. The committee makes decisions through consensus.

We acknowledge that our places of work and the Vancouver Coastal Health sites lie on the traditional homelands of the First Nation Communities of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai’xais, Líl̓wat, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), N’Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh (Sechelt), Skatin, Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Tla’amin, Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Wuikinuxv, and Xa’xtsa.

The Concurrent Disorders Steering Committee is looking to include one peer advisor/rep who is a person with lived and living experience (PWLLE) of Concurrent Disorders (experiencing mental illness and using substances), as well as one family advisor/rep who has experience with supporting a loved one with Concurrent Disorders. We want to make sure that these client and family voices are represented, and that we listen to those voices when making decisions about services.

Ideally, our advisors will have a concurrent disorder or be family members of someone with a concurrent disorder. Ideally, they will be able to speak up about these experiences. It may also be desirable for our advisors to have some background in committee work, as meetings are fast-paced and involve multiple stakeholders.

How will the committee work?

We are looking for our advisors to commit to a 1 year term (6 meetings in total), with the possibility of extension. We are looking for our advisors to start by September 29th, 2022.

  • Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday, every other month, from about 3 to 4:30 p.m. (1-1.5 hour meetings).
  • 1:1 coaching and support can be provided outside of the regular committee meeting, particularly at the beginning. Regional Lead can provide information, clarification, support, feedback as needed throughout involvement.
  • An orientation meeting with Regional Lead and Consumer Coordinator will be provided at beginning of involvement to answer any questions.

Zoom and reliable computer/internet access are required.

Commitment

Approximately two hours every two months for a year (12 hours in total for the year) – including meeting time, preparation time, and correspondence.

How will the individuals and family members with lived experience be involved in the committee?

  • Provide lived/living experience perspective.
  • Be a shared decision-maker.
  • Help ensure that the committee proceeds with respect to the lived and living experience perspective and using a client-centered framework.

Compensation

Thank you honoraria of $20.00 an hour paid by cheque each quarter (every 3 months).

We will need the advisors’ SIN# and mailing address in order to process the cheque.

How do I apply?

Please send a note to Tao-Yee Lau, MHSU Consumer & Family Coordinator, at taoyee.lau@vch.ca by 5pm on Friday, August 12th, 2022.

Use the subject line "Concurrent Disorders Steering Committee Advisor".

Please include a short note with your personal or professional experience, particularly with Concurrent Disorders, how you could contribute to the committee, and the best number to reach you at.

If you are shortlisted, follow-up phone calls will take place during the weeks of August 15th and 22nd.

Background

The Concurrent Disorders Steering Committee offers guidance for Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) authority service providers and programs that work with people who experience mental illness and who use substances. The committee leads projects that are aimed at improving the experiences of this client group. Projects may include reviewing ways of asking questions about mental health and substance use, education for staff about Concurrent Disorders, and supporting new treatments like Suboxone or Naltrexone.

The committee composition includes representatives from Mental Health & Substance Use and Addictions programs from across VCH, ie., managers, directors, and medical leads from Operations and Regional MHSU. The committee makes decisions through consensus.