Eating Disorders Therapist, MHSU

Detailed Overview

Reporting to the Clinical Coordinator, Community Mental Health Centre, the Eating Disorders Therapist provides consultation, case management and therapy on complex cases to individuals and families with and affected by serious eating disorders.

Assesses clients, determines referral needs, provides group therapy and group education, liaises with community resources for specialized services and counsels clients.

Formulates and implements treatment plans and provides comprehensive case consultation and follow-up support on treatment decisions in collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team.

Participates in and leads a variety of team and / or local committees and internal and external case conferences and develops, coordinates and delivers in-services, presentations and training to clients, families and caregivers.

Participates in the development and evaluation of eating disorders services. Responsibilities Assesses client needs and available services and develops treatment options with client input.

Facilitates clients' utilization of appropriate community services and programs through methods such as researching available services, liaising with service and program providers and providing advice and consultation to colleagues.

Provides referrals to appropriate community treatment alternatives and services, including residential programs, family therapy, marital and separation counselling, alcohol and drug treatment, victim assistance, employee assistance programs, transition homes, vocational programs, and other agencies.

Utilizes available community resources such as volunteers, community groups, alternate care services and other service agencies to develop supportive and rehabilitative programs for clients and their families.

Delivers group therapy sessions to clients by using various group processes and theory for specific client populations with special emphasis on but not limited to group treatment of eating disorders.

Develops and coordinates group sessions including the necessary preparation, prioritizing, scheduling and arranging for space and other resources.

Provides therapy to clients with, or affected by serious eating disorders including people in crisis. Provides therapy and case management in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and practices.

Formulates and implements treatment plans through methods such as negotiating a process for achieving goals, collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team and evaluating goals while maintaining respect for client dignity and maximum client self-determination and independence.

Maintains client records through methods such as documenting client assessments, charting client information, preparing progress notes and reports in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements, documenting for future reference and ensuring that access to and disclosure of information and records are in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.

Participates in and leads a variety of team and / or local committees and internal and external case conferences through methods such as engaging in practice evaluation, identifying opportunities for change, assessing available resources, initiating solutions and analyzing outcomes.

Identifies areas for improved efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery to enhance client care services to ensure positive and productive community relationships.

Maintains a variety of records such as workload statistics by methods such as recording information into approved formats under the request and direction of the Clinical Coordinator and / or Manager, Mental Health or designate, collating data, analyzing trends, accounting for variances, preparing reports as required and recommending an action plan to the Manager as required.

Develops, coordinates and delivers in-services, education sessions, presentations and training to clients, families, staff and other caregivers through methods such as collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, determining relevant content and required handouts, conducting literature searches and planning and coordinating seminars.

Maintains knowledge of mental health as it relates to eating disorders through methods such as reviewing literature and research, consulting with clinical and community experts within the field, evaluating clinical practice and participating in professional development activities in order to improve care through new practices.

Assists in the orientation and training of new staff and provides internal, local and authority training on eating disorders as requested.

Participates in the development and evaluation of eating disorder programs through methods such as collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, providing input and making recommendations to the appropriate Managers as requested.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Master's Degree in Social Work, Clinical Counselling or other relevant health related discipline.

Two years' recent relevant clinical experience working with eating disordered clients or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Eligible for registration with relevant professional association. Valid B.C. Driver's License and access to personal vehicle for business related purposes.

Skills and Abilities Demonstrated counselling, client assessment and case management skills. Demonstrated knowledge of eating disorders intervention strategies.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, including empathetic and respectful communication appropriate to the situation.

Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with clients, families, and members of the interdisciplinary team, and including the ability to effectively network with other services and agencies.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Knowledge of community resources and methods of accessing them. Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of relevant Acts such as Mental Health Act, Freedom of Information Act, pertinent regulations, policies and procedures, and other statutory duties.

Demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate and deliver in-services, presentations, psycho-educational and support groups.

Demonstrated ability to make effective referrals, reflecting in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with other community partners.

Comprehensive knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis and professional practice guidelines for the treatment of various disorders.

Proficiency in the use of personal computers, including related wordprocessing and database management software applications.

Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position. .