Health Career Access Program (HCAP)

HCAP is a new entry-level opportunity for people interested in joining the healthcare sector. There are two HCAP pathways: you can train as a health care assistant or become a mental health and addictions worker. We will pay 100 percent of your wages, tuition and books while you undergo an accelerated 12 to 18 month training program. This includes online and in-person training as well as the opportunity for hands-on learning in home support, long-term care or mental health and addiction services.

Once your training is done, you’ll have a job with VCH, with a return of service commitment for at least one year.

This program offers an easy-entry, financially supported start to long-term career growth opportunities across VCH. When your training is successfully completed, you’ll be eligible to register as a Care Aide with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry and become a qualified health care assistant or become a mental health and addictions worker.

For external applicants, please start your application by clicking one of the buttons below:  

HCAP for Home Support   HCAP for Long Term Care   HCAP MHSU  

For internal applicants, please follow the internal application process by clicking here.

As a Health Care Support Worker at Vancouver Coastal Health, you will: 

• Work under the direction of a Registered Nurse or another regulated healthcare professional. 
• Perform various non-direct and/or non-clinical healthcare supports for clients and residents in long-term care, assisted living, and home settings in accordance with the established care plan and safety requirements.

Qualifications

Education and experience 

• Proof of Grade 10 completion (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C.
• For applicants with three years of full-time instruction in English: English 10 completion or equivalent
• For applicants with less than three years of full-time instruction in English: Standardized English language proficiency test score. If English is not your first language, an English test may be required.

Knowledge and abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to deal with others effectively. ​
• Ability to organize work. 
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position. 
• Ability to operate related equipment.

For more information about entry requirements, view the HCA entry requirements document.​

1. Apply: Submit your application to the Talent Acquisition Team. 
2. Train: Attend orientation and work with a mentor as a Health Care Support Worker. 
3. Learn: Attend classes and graduate from a post-secondary institution. 
4. Work: Register as a Care Aide with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry and work as a Community Health Worker or Health Care Assistant 

Your time commitment

The Long-term Care and Assisted Living  (HCAP LTC) program requires a total commitment of 1.5 to 2 years. Successful candidates are expected to be available 37.5 hours a week, including mornings, evenings, and weekends during the program. They may also work as healthcare support workers for up to six months before starting school. The school program typically lasts between seven to eight months. After graduation, candidates are required to fulfill the Return of Service Agreement for 12 months.

Questions? Please email hcap@vch.ca. 

As a Mental health and addictions support worker at Vancouver Coastal Health, you will: 

• work under the supervision of an experienced or certified mental health and/or substance use worker or regulated health care professional.  
• Provide non-clinical support to individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges to help meet their needs and maximize independence. 

Typical duties include: 

• Establishing rapport with individuals, families, caregivers and/or visitors.
• Assisting the care team to plan, set up, and deliver services and programs, such as organizing space and greeting attendees.
• Helping remove barriers for individuals to attend appointments and services. For example, by providing reminders, making travel arrangements and being supportive.
• Assisting in maintaining a safe and clean environment for clients and team, for example by following infection control procedures.

Qualifications

Education and experience 

• Successful completion of grade 12 (or equivalent) or academic mature student category. A minimum of 60% (C grade) in English 12 (or equivalent).
• Valid BC Driver’s License may be required as local area travel may require the use of a vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively, including working with clients living with mental illness and/or substance use challenges.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

1. Apply: Submit your application to the Talent Acquisition Team. 
2. Train: Attend orientation and work with a mentor as a mental health and addictions support worker.
3. Learn: Attend classes and graduate from a post-secondary institution in a mental health and addictions worker certification program. 
4. Work: Work in mental health and substance use as a mental health and addictions worker or community liaison worker for one year.

Your time commitment

This program requires a minimum commitment of about 21 months. Successful candidates are expected to be available 37.5 hours a week including mornings, evenings, and weekends during the program. They will also work as Mental Health Support Workers for at least 20 days before starting school. The education portion of the program typically lasts eight to ten months. After graduation, employees are required to fulfill the Return of Service Agreement for 12 months.

 Questions? Please email hcapmhsu@vch.ca

Seats in Vancouver, North Shore, Richmond, Sechelt, Powell River are now filled for the 2024 HCAP MHSU Cohort, please check back often for future opportunities.