Forensic Community and Liaison Social Worker (BSW), Forensic Psychiatric Surrey Regional Clinic - Surrey BC

Forensic Community and Liaison Social Worker (BSW)
BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Surrey, BC

As of April 1, 2024 this position may qualify for a one-time recruitment incentive up to $15,000, $20,000 or $30,000 (subject to funding availability). To learn more about this incentive and if you qualify, please ask your Talent Acquisition Advisor at kelsey.fogliato@phsa.ca!

What is Forensics?

Forensic Psychiatric Regional Clinics and Programs are for people with a mental health and/or substance use disorder who have come into contact with the law. The courts may refer them to one of our regional clinics for assessment and treatment. We believe that people, when properly supported, have the ability to manage most aspects of their lives. We focus on people's strengths and resources instead of on symptoms and problems. They are a key member of their treatment team and an active participant in their own care. We help them get the care, support, and treatment they need.

Watch this video to learn about working with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services!

What you’ll do

• Conduct initial intake and ongoing biopsychosocial social work psychiatric assessments including current mental status examinations, general assessments of physical health, special needs/precautions, and completes all related assessment tools as per policy.  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).  Ensure the Regional Clinic Manager is informed of emerging problems, unusual circumstances, plans of action, and legal issues concerning assigned clients.  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 by methods such as communicating and monitoring client contacts with mental health teams, private psychiatrists, family physicians, probation, other specialists, and social service agencies that are involved in the provision of services to the client to ensure continuity of care and sharing of pertinent information; establishing and maintaining excellent working relationships with all resources; communicating closely with treating psychiatrists/psychologists to ensure ongoing evaluation and effective treatment; and working in collaboration with other community resources to meet the client’s need for assistance including 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 such as compiling pertinent background information for clinical case planning and collecting information to assist psychiatrists/psychologists in the preparation of reports for the Courts.  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 by methods such as addressing immediate social or mental health needs, providing counseling/therapeutic support to individual clients and their families, and acting as a group co-facilitator as required; assisting with finding shelter, food, financial assistance, medication or referral to other appropriate resources; and monitoring client 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 by methods such as receiving referrals as per FPSC policy, accompanying clients to community resources as clinically appropriate as part of their community transition plan; and conducting home visits as per the ITP and FPSC policy, and meeting with clients outside of the office environment to assess and assist with their community reintegration and prosocial development.
• Conduct or participate in pre-release planning conferences; consults 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, inform community service providers of an increased risk to client and/or community safety as appropriate.  Monitor client compliance with Review Board dispositions and initiating direct back/ breach proceedings as necessary.  Share 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.

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services contexts 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, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
• 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.).

Skills & 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.

• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the 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, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

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, Full-Time
Wage: $42.27 to $52.81 per hour

The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 10022 King George Highway, Surrey, BC V3T 2W4
Closing Date: March 25, 2025
Hours of Work: Rotate 0830 hrs-1630hrs & 1000hrs-1800hrs Monday to Friday & Stats; Rotate from 1000hrs-1800hrs on weekends
Requisition # 180113E

What we do

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.

BCMHSUS program 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.

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.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and 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 excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula 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 exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the 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 internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of March 6, 2025. 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.