Job Summary:
In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
Within the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, the Rehabilitation Department is responsible for providing a full range of rehabilitation services to mentally disordered offenders. Under the day-to-day supervision of the Clinical Coordinator and direction of the Director Rehabilitation Services the Concurrent Disorders Counsellor, Maximum and Multi-Level Security Units position is responsible for providing concurrent disorder-related assessment and treatment services; providing substance abuse consultation and training to staff at the Hospital and to Forensic community clinics. Due to the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital’s Provincial mandate, this position has a significant role in representing Adult Forensic Psychiatric Services in its liaison with other agencies, Ministry of Children and Family Services, Ministry of the Attorney General and other Health Authorities.
Duties/Accountabilities:
1. Conducts 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.
2. Provides 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.
3. Develops 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.
4. Participates 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.
5. Maintains concise and accurate documentation of relevant information on patient files in accordance with FPSC policy standards and in compliance with professional and legal requirements in order to provide evidence and rationale to support findings and treatment plans. Provides written reports and treatment summaries as per FPSC policy, standards and guidelines.
6. Participates in committees, team meetings, task groups, continuing education, conferences, and/or corporate initiatives by methods such as providing input from a clinical perspective, presenting relevant material, acting as an advocate for the goals and objectives of the program, and promoting optimal support and availability for resources for patients.
7. Participates in research as well as other multidisciplinary projects through methods such as reviewing relevant literature, collaborating with and other health care professionals, promoting staff awareness and involvement in research activities, collecting data, analyzing information and promoting the use of research findings as basis for practice.
8. Maintains and updates knowledge and understanding of relevant research, techniques and best practices in psychiatric rehabilitation and concurrent disorders treatment, Forensic Psychiatric mental health, applicable legislation and FPSC policies and procedures. Participates in relevant professional development and continuing education activities.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience
• 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 and 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.
• Broad knowledge of the service delivery system for adults at risk at the local, regional and provincial level.
• Broad knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.
• Broad knowledge of the Canadian judicial system as it relates to forensic mental health clients
• Broad knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects).
• Broad knowledge of adult education principles, methods and tools.
• Demonstrated ability in implementing decisions regarding treatment and release consideration for concurrent disordered mentally disordered offenders.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in development of a comprehensive treatment plan.
• Demonstrated ability in completion of documentation that is in compliance with professional, agency and legal requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events and to problem solve.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with patients and their families, colleagues, physicians, and other health care staff.
• Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills that promote communication and lead to a co-operative approach to problem solving within a multidisciplinary setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with conflict situations, manage aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others in a complex health care environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, work direction, and effective consultation.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, demonstrate and coach clients and co-workers both one-on-one and in groups.
• Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, Internet and e-mail software.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
