Mental Health & Substance Use Health Consultant

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

This position provides a platform for advance clinical interventions and ongoing consultation with primary care providers. Consultations include the recommendation of possible treatments and interventions to enhance quality of client care and outcomes.

The position provides advanced clinical practice and interventions relating to intake, assessment, crisis intervention, education, treatment, harm reduction consultation and referral for clients experiencing mental health, substance use and/or concurrent disorder problems and issues related to the social determinants of health.

This position consults extensively with primary care providers, and refers to community resources when necessary regarding the psychosocial and social determinants of mental health and substance use health aspects of the clients needs.

This position provides harm reductions services, immediate support, assessment and referral for clients in a trauma informed and culturally competent framework.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training And Experience

Master's Degree in a health related discipline from an approved post-secondary institution.

Minimum of two (2) years of recent related experience; recognised post basic education related to mental illness including experience with crisis intervention, urgent response, short-term therapy, and group psychotherapy or an equivalent combination of education training and experience.

Significant understanding of mental health and substance use issues, substance use assessments, the change process, community dynamics and the impacts of the social determinants of health are essential. Knowledge of applicable legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Adult Guardianship Act is required. Experience working with primary care providers. A valid BC Driver's License is required.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team including primary care providers.
• Ability to apply non-crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to plan and organize workload and establish priorities.
• Ability to work independently and to show initiative and creativity in clinical practice.
• Ability to show sound judgment, decision making and problem solving.
• Demonstrated organizational, problem solving and teaching skills.
• Demonstrated judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy.
• Knowledge of non-violent crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement problem-solving processes.
• Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of community and facility contacts.
• Ability to provide a client-centered holistic approach to care.
• Proven assessment, care, planning and coordination skills.
• Ability to foster good public relations.
• Ability to operate related equipment including a personal computer with a variety of windows based software.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.