Requisition number

204406E

Date posted

09/18/2026

Communications Officer

Communications, PHSA Corporate - BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) Expansion Project

Prince George or Lower Mainland, British Columbia

This is a full-time, temporary role, until approximately March 2029. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to applicants in Prince George. As per alignment with Section 42 of the human rights code, preference may be given to Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit/Inuk) applicants.

PHSA is seeking a creative, compassionate and all-round outstanding communicator to serve as a communications officer BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS supporting the) expansion project in Prince George.

Working as a key team member with PHSA Communications & Engagement, and the expansion project team, this role offers the opportunity to provide internal and external communications support on a major project that will expand mental health and substance use care in Northern BC. This successful candidate will work with a variety of subject matter experts, Indigenous organizations, regional health authority partners, community organizations, and others.

The successful candidate will possess empathy and dedication, and have strong relationship-building skills. They will also demonstrate exceptional judgement in the management of sensitive projects. If you are a strong writer and storyteller with a passion for health communications, who is looking to expand your skills and expertise as part of a high-performing communications team, then keep reading.

Role Summary

In accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings gifted to the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), the communications officer is a strategic, compassionate communicator who - using an anti-racist, inclusive, and equitable lens - serves with purpose while upholding his/her shared responsibility for ensuring the highest standards of patient and employee safety and contributing to continuous quality improvement in all aspects of the position.

Reporting to the manager, Communications & Engagement supporting BCMHSUS, the communications officer supports the development and implementation of strategic and tactical communication plans and priorities as determined by their manager in collaboration with senior leadership and staff at the program/site level and communications department level focusing primarily on the communications needs associated with the expansion project. The communications officer establishes strong rapport and provides timely advice, support, and expertise to clinical program leads, staff and partners on related matters under their respective mandates.

Working with both internal and external partners and facilitating key relationships, including with Indigenous nations in Prince George and Northern BC, the communications officer brings storytelling expertise to their role to produce content that is high-quality, consistent, and in alignment with the strategic priorities for PHSA and BCMHSUS. Additionally, working closely with the project team and key partners, you will help ensure timely, accurate, and effective communication, while supporting project planning and execution, tracking deliverables, and contributing to key project milestones and communications initiatives.

In keeping with our culture of collaboration and teamwork, the officer participates in the PHSA media on-call roster.

What you'll do

• As a fully contributing member of a high-performing team, this role is responsible for the provision of consistent and high-quality communication materials to support the Prince George Mental Health and Substance Use expansion project.
• Work collaboratively with broader PHSA communications team members to contribute to centralized, coordinated and proactive editorial planning across all internal and external communication platforms.
• Liaise with all levels of PHSA staff and leaders to research and write materials such as media releases, backgrounders, fact sheets, Q&A documents, issue notes, and other communications materials to support brand reputation management.
• Develop, write and edit a broad range of communication materials, including intranet and web materials, newsletter articles, brochures, displays, speeches, memos, social media content, and presentations.
• Liaise with communications counterparts from other health authorities, community organizations, provincial agencies, and other key partners to facilitate requests for information and to collaborate with partners on joint initiatives and events.
• Participate in the PHSA after-hours on-call roster. Act as initial contact for media inquiries and provide support as required for media and other events, where assigned.

What you bring

Qualifications

• A level of education, training and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as a degree in Journalism, Public Relations or Communications, combined with at least five years of experience in a communications role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Communications, PHSA Corporate and BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) Expansion Project contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

• Some background in project management, or in communications supporting project management, is an asset for this role.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (verbal and written); solid business and feature story writing; skill and proficiency in organizational communication, including communication planning and evaluation and digital engagement practices are required.
• Recent training/experience related to DEI and Cultural Safety is a strong asset for this role.
• The ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy is important as is excellent decision-making skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team; and flexibility to reprioritize quickly to meet changing priorities.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products, Adobe Acrobat, database and web-based programs.
• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

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: Temporary Full-Time (Until March 2029)

Salary Range: $90,770- $130,481/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: Prince George or Lower Mainland, British Columbia. The successful applicant can be based anywhere in BC, with preference to those based in Prince George.Closing date: Applications accepted until position is filledHours of Work: 08:30-16:30 (Monday to Friday)Requisition #: 204406E