Forensic Psychologist, Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services – Coquitlam, BC

Forensic Psychologist, Maximum and Multi-Level Security Units

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Coquitlam, BC

What you’ll do

• Complete comprehensive psychological assessments including assessing risk to re-offend, upon referral by reviewing the legal orders to ascertain the stage of proceedings and the nature of the assessment requested;
• consulting with the interdisciplinary team which may include the assigned psychiatrist, case manager, nurse, psychiatric social worker, and psychologist assistant as necessary to determine the nature of the assessment;
• reviewing the police reports, and previous psychological, nursing, psychiatric, and social assessments; determining the appropriate battery of psychological testing to be administered to the offender;
• arranging and conducting psychological interviews with the various individuals, and other relevant collaterals; advising the accused person regarding issues of consent and confidentiality / non-confidentiality;

and supervising and / or administering psychological testing and interpreting the results.

Prepare comprehensive written psychological reports that include descriptions and interpretations of psychological testing and formulation of a psychological profile with recommendations for treatment and management of risk related behaviors.

Psychological Reports must be prepared at a standard for submission to the Courts or the BC Review Board.

• Participate in treatment planning conferences relating to persons who have been referred for assessment by providing input from a forensic psychology perspective on a variety of issues related to the patient.
• Provide testimony as an expert forensic psychology witness in the Courts or BC Review Board hearings in support of psychological assessments by researching, studying and understanding complex legal and clinical issues related to relationships between psychological factors and criminal behaviors;
• maintains up-to-date knowledge and understanding of forensic psychology issues and expertise in risk assessment and risk management tools and the relationship to criminal behaviour;
• establishes through education, experience and reputation recognition by the courts as an expert witness in forensic psychology;

and is able to withstand intensive and extensive cross examination intended to diminish status as an expert witness or destroy credibility or accuracy of facts, testing formulations, conclusions and recommendations contained in written reports.

• May participate in research in relevant areas of forensic psychology by assisting in the development of design and outcome studies;
• assisting in data collection and analysis; working with institutions of higher learning in major research undertakings; preparing research papers for publication and presentation at relevant psychiatric and psychological conferences;

and maintaining an up-to-date review of relevant research in issues of forensic psychology.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD. or PsyD) in Clinical Forensic Psychology or Clinical Psychology with experience in a forensic and / or tertiary-level mental health context.
• One (1) year direct clinical experience performing diagnostic assessment and treatment of adults in a forensic or tertiary-level mental health setting including risk assessment, cognitive behavioral therapy or other relevant assessment and treatment modalities.
• Current registration with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia, or secured within 18 months of hire.

Skills and Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of psychology including risk assessment and risk management, developmental theories, family and social dynamics, treatment and behaviour management modalities and psychological testing and interpretation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the justice system, complex legal issues and other forensic matters.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated specialized expertise in treatment approaches for violent offenders, sexual offenders, or other specialized forensic psychology issues, including the evaluation of the accused person’s response to treatment initiatives.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities related to trauma informed and culturally safe practices.
• 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, 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.

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

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 () 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 :

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.