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Concurrent Disorders Counsellor
BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services
Coquitlam, BC
What you’ll do
- Conduct intake and comprehensive psychosocial, social and concurrent disorder assessments of adults experiencing severe psychiatric and behavioural difficulties who have been referred by the Courts to determine current level of functioning and areas of strengths and deficits by methods such as utilizing best practices, evidence based practices and the principles of harm reduction; interviewing patients to identify their developmental history and their perception of level of social functioning and problems, interviewing family members and other community sources for collateral information, collecting file data and reviewing referral information from Police, Court and other community agencies, and consulting with treatment team members; analyzing and interpreting data from established assessment tools; identifying client needs, formulating treatment goals and barriers to treatment; preparing a written assessment that may be utilized in Court, submitting recommendations and information related to diagnosis, fitness to stand trial, mental state at a time of offence and treatment plans; and preparing ongoing written assessments of patient progress and submitting written reports to the B.C. Board of Review and/or Review Panel regarding recommendation for release.
- Provide direct concurrent disorders treatment and support services for patients regarding alcohol and/or drug abuse issues by methods such as carrying out evidence based individual, group and family therapies according to a variety of theoretical models; establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships based on respect; developing and providing psychosocial group programs targeting specific areas of psychological and social functioning including social skills, anger management, coping skills, assertiveness training, and self-esteem; and probing reasons for substance abuse and addiction; eliciting concerns; exploring emotional response to substance abuse and addiction, identifying goals and expectations, reviewing client and family learning needs, assisting with understanding of illness, suggesting positive behavior modifications; examining motivations for change; and teaching relapse prevention strategies and insight oriented group counselling. Coordinates activities of self help volunteer groups such as AA and NA at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. Documents and charts patient involvement in concurrent disorders programs.
- Develop community substance abuse treatment plans for patients upon their release and provides outreach dual diagnosis treatment and support services to Forensic Community Clinics and Concurrent Disorders Programs in the community by assessing and screening FPH patients for referral to Dual Diagnosis treatment resources in the community; providing counselling for patients on an interim basis who are being discharged to the community but not yet been accepted for treatment by Community Concurrent Disorders Programs; developing concurrent disorders programs for Forensic clientele, and promoting working relationships and protocols between Adult Forensic Psychiatric Services and Concurrent Disorders Programs and other agencies. Participates in community education, prevention, and concurrent disorders awareness activities for dual diagnosis clients.
- Provide concurrent disorders consultation and training to adult Forensic Psychiatric Services and Concurrent Disorders Programs staff by developing and presenting concurrent disorder training; acting as a consultant to Forensic Services Providers and related agencies regarding individual cases, program development and access to Forensic Psychiatric Services; and acting as a resource for senior management, AFPS and ADP regarding program planning needs for concurrent disorder clients.
- Participate in BC Review Board hearings and responds to questions of the Review Board members, legal counsel for the client, crown counsel, and other participants as appropriate
What you bring
Qualifications
- Masters Degree in an Allied Health Discipline from a recognized program.
- Three (3) years recent related experience in an addictions and mental health setting, or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience.
- Valid BC Drivers License. Local area travel may require the use of a personal vehicle.
Skills & Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of and a demonstrated ability in comprehensive psychosocial assessments and treatment services including therapeutic counselling and individual group and family therapies.
- Comprehensive knowledge of developmental theories, family dynamics, treatment and behaviour management modalities.
- Comprehensive knowledge of drug and alcohol addiction issues, best practices and evidence based practices.
- Seasoned knowledge and experience in working with psychiatrically disabled and substance abusing individuals.
- Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports.
- 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: Three Regular, Full-Time opportunities available (1.00 FTE)
Wage: $35.65 – $44.56 per hour.
Location: 70 Colony Farm Road. Coquitlam, B.C. V3C 5X9
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday; 0800-1600
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
BCMental Health & Substance Use Services(BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.
BCMHSUS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) 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: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA and BCMHSUS are 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.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: $35.65-$44.56 per hour
Benefits:
- Commuter benefits
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Wellness program
Flexible Language Requirement:
- French not required
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: One location