Forensic Community and Liaison Social Worker (MSW/BSW), Forensic Psychiatric Regional Clinic, BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services - Vancouver, BC

Social Worker MSW / BSW - Minimum and Medium Security Units BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Vancouver, BC

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 complete 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;
• establish and maintain excellent working relationships with all resources; communicate closely with treating psychiatrists / psychologists to ensure ongoing evaluation and effective treatment;

and work 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; 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, 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

• Master’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, 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.