Contract Psychologist - Correctional Health Services

Port Coquitlam, Canada

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Overview

Working within Correctional Health Services, you will provide trauma-informed care to clients presenting with a wide variety and complexity of acute and chronic illnesses/diseases, including communicable diseases, substance dependency, and mental health and general health issues. You will be a member of an interdisciplinary, collaborative health care team, liaising with other health care professionals, clients, family members, and community agencies to provide clients with safe and effective care. Be part of a team where you can live and work in your community, positively influence an incarcerated individual’s journey down a new path, and see the difference you can make as you serve the diverse populations of the BC Corrections system.

Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Temporary, Casual, Contractor
Job Level: Entry, Mid, Senior
Travel: Minimal

Success Profile

What does it take to be successful working in Correctional Health Services at PHSA? Check out the top traits we’re looking for and see if you have the right mix.

Achiever
Confident
Detail-oriented
Good Listener
Team Player
Trustworthy

About Correctional Health Services

Correctional Health Services (CHS), part of BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS), a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is an integral part of British Columbia’s health care system. CHS provides health services at the 10 provincial correctional centres. PHSA is mandated to improve the quality and continuity of care for clients across the province during their time in correctional facilities and as they reintegrate into the community. This will help to improve access to primary health care, as well as mental health and substance use support for inmates; key needs that have been identified not just in BC, but internationally.

“Corrections was something different, so I tried it, and I never left.”
Kelsey Holzworth
Registered (Clinic) Nurse, Prince George Regional Correctional Centre

“We have a really robust health care system within corrections. We have what we call our Mental Health and Substance Use team and it’s made up of allied health professionals as well as nurses, and that includes Mental Health Coordinators, Concurrent Disorder Counsellors, Addictions Counsellors, Access and Transition Nurses who do a lot of discharge planning work, Mental Health & Substance Use Nurses, Social Workers as well as Support Workers.”
Shannon Petovello
Mental Health Coordinator, Alouette Correctional Centre for Women

"This is a fantastic place to learn and grow as a nurse. I had only been a nurse for a year when I started here."
Jennifer Gill
Licensed Practical Nurse, Alouette Correctional Centre for Women

New Grad Opportunities with Correctional Health Services

It’s just amazing. Get behind the scenes, and learn why Corrections nurses what they do. Intrigued? We’re hiring!

Benefits

Benefits vary by job type and are confirmed in the interview and hiring process.

Healthcare

Extended Health and Dental Benefits
Continuing Education

Access to More than 2.000 in-house training programs
Relocation Reimbursement

Relocation support for out-of-province hires
Collaboration

Work with individuals bringing expertise from a variety of backgrounds
Variety

Opportunity to work across multiple roles, such as clinic nurse and mental health & substance use nurse roles.
Compensation

Equitable hourly rates in accordance with collective agreements

Job Details

Contract Psychologist - Correctional Health Services Port Coquitlam, Canada

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Job ID 2433974_pl355 Date posted 06/06/2025

Contract Psychologist Opportunities with Correctional Health Services

BCMHSUS is seeking out qualified psychologists to work under contract within Correctional Health Services as key members of the clinical teams at provincial correctional facilities in BC. This position involves providing psychological services for incarcerated female clients in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary clinical team and BC Corrections staff. Psychological services provided will include, but are not limited to:

Psychological assessment and treatments of incarcerated clients
Behavior management interventions
Assessing and monitoring of client’s mental health status, including suicide risk and assessment for removal of at-risk status
Providing consultation to the Health Care Team with regard to psychological and behavioural issues

Correctional Health Services is operated as part of PHSA’s BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

(BCMHSUS) portfolio, which includes Forensic Psychiatric Services. BCMHSUS provides health care services and expertise for people with complex needs, including severe mental health and substance use issues, across BC. This involves a broad network of established external partnerships with regional health authorities, First Nations Health Authority, advocacy organizations and other health care agencies across the province.

Clients in correctional centres routinely experience significant medical needs, and 60% of Corrections clients have a mental health and/or substance use diagnosis. Additionally, clients frequently present with histories of significant complex trauma, and trauma-informed practice is integral to our approach to treatment. Correctional Health Services draws on the extensive experience and expertise within PHSA and BCMHSUS in the areas of complex mental health, substance use, and Forensic Psychiatric Services in supporting clients during their time in correctional centres, and as they transition back to the community. Emphasis on a strong continuum of care, which includes close collaboration with the BC Corrections Team, supports improved client health outcomes. Opportunities are available for contracts across the province, with particular needs in Kamloops, Nanaimo, Oliver, Port Coquitlam, and Prince George. In-person service delivery is preferred, although options are available for virtual service provision, particularly to remote areas.

Requirements:

Doctorate in Clinical or Clinical-Forensic Psychology, or closely related area, with training in providing psychological services in a Correctional or Forensic Mental Health setting.
Practicing clinical registration as a psychologist (good standing), with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia
Clinical experience with assessment and treatment of adults in Correctional or Forensic Mental Health settings including psychological assessment, violence and suicide risk assessment, evidence-informed clinical interventions, and trauma informed practice.

Commitment to, and competence in, cultural safety, DEI, and Indigenous-Specific Anti-Racism.

The current pay rate for this position is $200/hr. For more information and a full job description for these exciting opportunities, please visit: http://jobs.phsa.ca

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) which provides specialized health services to British Columbians. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include Compassion, Respect, Equity, Courage, and Innovation; and our vision is to boldly create an equitable, anti-racist and culturally safe health system where everyone thrives. Learn more about PHSA and BCMHSUS here: http://www.phsa.ca/our-services/programs-services/bc-mental-health-substance-use-services

We hire based on merit and welcome all qualified applicants. We believe that delivering exceptional care to our diverse patient population depends on a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. Our goal is to foster a safe, inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.

We invite you to apply now with your resume and cover letter to martin.zakrzewski@phsa.ca

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