Concurrent Disorder Counsellor, Forensic Psychiatric Hospital - Coquitlam, BC

Concurrent Disorder Counsellor, Maximum and Multi-Level Security Units, Rehabilitation
BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services
Coquitlam, BC

Effective December 6, 2024, as negotiated in the latest collective agreement, a classification system will be implemented for the HSPBA roles in PHSA, effectively transitioning to a profile-based system. As a result, it may have impact to this job posting’s job title, job description, and wage range.

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.  Coordinate activities of self help volunteer groups such as AA and NA at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital.  Document and chart 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.  Participate 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

• Master’s 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 & Knowledge

• 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.
• Commitment to develop knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments 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 – and how they intersect across the health care system.
• 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 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.).

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: Regular, Part-Time (0.50 FTE)
Wage: $43.97 – $54.93 per hour
Location: 70 Colony Farm Road, Coquitlam, B.C. V3C 5X9
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Hours of Work: Rotating days; 0800-1600
Requisition: # 168314E

What we do

BC Mental 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 equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently marginalized groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya'kula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities. PHSA must uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents such as 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.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of July 5, 2024. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.