More than just a job.
Clinical Scientist III (Research Lead), Correctional Health Services, BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services – Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, Canada
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 - 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.
Testimonials
![]()
"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
![]()
"Corrections was something different, so I tried it, and I never left."
Kelsey Holzworth Registered (Clinic) Nurse, Prince George Regional Correctional Centre
-
Community Transition Teams
-
Dudes Club
Dudes Clubs have sprung up throughout the province, giving Indigenous men in B.C. a space where they can engage with a community that prioritizes supportive relationships, health care and shared world views.
-
Prison health is public health
“Prison health is important because most persons that are incarcerated will end up back in the community—upwards of 80-90 per cent of people," says Dr. Nader Sharifi, the medical director of Correctional Health Services. "So it became obvious very early that providing care in custody reflects on what happens in the community. For example, ensuring high quality STD (sexually transmitted diseases) testing and treatment in custody will prevent the spread of infectious disease in the community.”
Benefits and Perks
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
ReimbursementRelocation support for out-of-province hires
-
Collaboration
Work with an interdisciplinary health care team
-
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
Clinical Scientist III (Research Lead), Correctional Health Services, BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services – Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, Canada
Clinical Scientist III (Research Lead)
Correctional Health Services
BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services
Vancouver, BC
BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) is seeking a strong and visionary candidate for the position of Clinical Scientist III (Research Lead). This new position will be responsible for building a research program that will inform and contribute to excellence in clinical care and improved outcomes for people within the provincial correctional system. Reporting to the Executive Director of Research and working in close partnership with clinical and operational leadership and the Research Leads for Forensic Psychiatric Services and Complex Mental Health and Substance Use Services, this position will strengthen connections between evidence, practice, and policy at BCMHSUS.
The successful candidate will be recommended for a partner track appointment with the University of British Columbia (UBC) in a relevant academic unit, such as the School od Population and Public Health. BCMHSUS will work with the academic unit to facilitate this appointment process. Should a UBC partner appointment be granted, this appointment will come with responsibilities associated with such appointment including expectations related to teaching/mentoring, service, and research.
What you do
- In consultation with BCMHSUS and specific clinical program area leadership, provides leadership for related research and initiatives.
- In collaboration with research and operational leadership, actively participates in the strategic development of research at BCMHSUS that is relevant to its mandate, priorities, and values.
- Designs, conducts, interprets and reports on independent and collaborative studies in relation to a variety of health programs specific to the service area, ensuring that outcomes appropriately inform decision-making.
- Collaborates with external and internal partners, including patients, families and other People with Lived Experience (PWLE) of mental illness, substance use problems, and criminal justice system involvement to better understand their needs, engage them, and ensure research that is meaningful to them.
- Ensures the development of data collection instruments and develops tools, templates and techniques for effective management of studies. Collaborates with investigators and other internal and external partners to develop and complete analyses and/or evaluations.
- Actively participates in the translation of research findings by preparing and submitting academic manuscripts and technical reports in peer reviewed journals and other relevant clinical, research, and policy publications. Prepares abstracts, posters, and oral presentations for conference submissions. Represents BCMHSUS in presenting information at scientific conferences, workshops, and related events, as appropriate. Represents BCMHSUS in presenting information at scientific conferences, workshops and related events as required.
What you bring
Qualifications
- A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a PhD or MD in relevant field and minimum of four to six (4-6) years of related research training/experience.
- Demonstrated ability to initiate and sustain a successful research program in an area and setting relevant to the applicable BCMHSUS clinical program area.
- Established track record of research and publication in mental health, addictions/ substance use, and population/ public health.
Skills and Knowledge
- Demonstrated ability to secure and maintain academic appointment at a BC university as associate or full professor.
- Advanced knowledge of relevant database, spreadsheet, statistical, graphical, presentation, communication and web software applications as appropriate
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of stakeholders supported by an acute awareness of the impact of actions.
- Publication record in relevant research areas, including significant contributions to multiple high impact publications.
- 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 Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls calls for justice, and how they intersect across the health care system.
- Supports team members on their learning journey, ensuring education strategy for team/department to implement Indigenous Cultural Safety at a practical level.
- Works collaboratively with appropriate Indigenous teams/departments to ensure ICS lens applied holistically.
- 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, 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 (1.00 FTE)
Salary Range: $141,267 - $211,902/year. 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: 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday; 0800-1600
Requisition # 138226
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).
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 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 December 27, 2022. 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.
Featured Jobs
- Associate, Records and Benefits Mar. 22, 2023
- Senior Practice Leader, Epidemiologist - BC Centre for Disease Control Mar. 22, 2023
- Educator/Facilitator, Chee Mamuk - BC Centre for Disease Control Mar. 22, 2023
- Education Specialist Mar. 22, 2023