Forensic Community and Liaison Social Worker (BSW), FPSC Clinics, BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services – Kamloops, BC

Social Worker (BSW), Minimum and Medium Security Units
BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Kamloops, BC

What you’ll do

• Conduct initial intake and ongoing biopsychosocial social work psychiatric assessments; identify, develop and implement an Integrated Treatment Plan based on the evaluation of clinical risk and need through the completion of the Short-term Assessment of Risk & Treatability (START); screen to determine whether referral to or liaison with other agencies is required and whether appropriate community options exist.
• Provide community case coordination and advocacy services for clients with other health/service providers; communicate closely with treating psychiatrists/psychologists to ensure ongoing evaluation and effective treatment; collaborate with other community resources for resources (financial, housing, medical and psychiatric care, substance abuse intervention, family support, employment/skills training opportunities, life skills training, transportation, and prosocial/recreational programs).
• Maintain concise and accurate documentation of relevant information on client files in accordance with FPSC policy standards to meet regulatory requirements and provide evidence and rationale to support findings and treatment plan; provide written reports and summaries as per FPSC policy, standards and guidelines.
• Provide clinical services, information and support, and short-term, time-limited follow-up as required; monitor clients for presence of side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), tardive dyskinesia and other movement disorders related to psychoactive medications, providing information on medication management, including teaching the client about benefits and possible side effects; and giving advice and information about mental illness, personality disorders, range of treatment options available, court process, community options, and resources and education on mental illness.
• Facilitate access to psychiatric and social services through referrals, conducting site visits with clients, completing home visits as per the ITP and FPSC policy, and meeting with clients to assess and assist with their community reintegration and prosocial development.
• Conduct or participate in pre-release planning conferences; consult with appropriate members of the clinical treatment team to help determine requirement for certification under mental health act and other emergency situations, psychiatric treatment needs, and social needs including referrals to other agencies; and following the consultation with the clinical team, informs community service providers of an increased risk to client and/or community safety as appropriate. Monitors client compliance with Review Board dispositions and initiating direct back/ breach proceedings as necessary. Shares in the Duty Officer responsibilities at the clinic as required.

What you bring

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work.
• Two (2) years recent, related experience working in a mental health setting.
• Effective September 1, 2013, full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) is required.
• Valid BC Drivers License.  Local area travel may require the use of a personal vehicle.
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Broad knowledge of social work theory and Forensic Psychiatric Social Work practice.
• Broad knowledge of BCCSW professional practice standards.
• Broad knowledge of other facilities and community resources.
• Broad knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.
• Broad knowledge of Bill C30 and the Provincial Court system.
• Broad knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects).
• Demonstrated ability in social work practice related to assessment of behaviour, risk and to assisting clients to regain/improve their coping abilities.
• 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 and 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 (1.00 FTE) until 14^th June 2024
Wage: $43.12 – $53.87 per hour
Location: 1315 Summit Drive #5, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 5R9
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Hours of Work: Monday-Friday, 08:30-16:30
Requisition: #159542

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

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).

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.

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 February 10^th, 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.