Mental Health & Addictions Clinician , First Nations (Northern Health)

Position Summary

Are you someone who has a real passion for helping others? Are you looking to highlight your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new and dynamic environment? We currently have an exciting opportunity for you to bring your excellent work ethic to our Mental Health & Addictions department.

In accordance with established vision and values of the organization, and in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority and First Nations communities; the Mental Health & Addiction Clinician provides comprehensive assessment, care planning and treatment coordination for designated clients and their families.

Working collaboratively with other health care providers and the multidisciplinary team, the Mental Health & Addiction Clinician provides direct psychosocial care, counselling and group work, system navigation and advocacy, education and linkage to relevant specialized complex care resources while facilitating client self-management. The Mental Health & Addiction Clinician is responsible for providing and developing services to maintain or improve the health and social well-being and functioning of the identified population.

The Mental Health & Addiction Clinician is a member of the Mobile Support Team delivering outreach to First Nations communities by providing a continuum of services such as: prevention, promotion, and education; assessments and care planning for individuals and families; consultation on cultural and clinical interventions; and crisis response when communities are impacted by critical events. The position is to provide community development support as it relates to Mental Wellness with First Nations communities.

The Mental Health & Addiction Clinician is either a Social Worker who is registered with and practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice and code of ethics as outlined by the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW); or a Clinical Counsellor who is registered with and practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice and code of ethics as outlined by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

Shift Rotation/Hours of work: Monday to Friday, Days, 08:00 to 16:00

New Wage: As of April 1, 2023, the new wage is: $39.14 - $48.88/hour

Quesnel has a population of 10,000 (2021) local residents and is one of the central interior's oldest cities and home to the world's largest gold pan. Nestled on the banks of the Fraser and Quesnel rivers, Quesnel is the commercial centre of the North Cariboo. Check out Quesnel for more information on this outdoor playground and its access to a wealth of adventures.

What Northern Health has to offer you!

• Financial Support for Moving Expenses is available for eligible positions
• Spectacular outdoor activities and the shortest commutes in BC
• Four weeks vacation with one year of continuous service
• "Loan Forgiveness Programs" are offered through the Federal and BC Government for eligible professions.
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Employee referral program
• Comprehensive benefit packages including MSP, extended health/dental and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casuals have the option of paying for benefits.

Qualfications

• Travel is a requirement of this position; and flexibility in relation to work schedules and locations may be required.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal/First Nations mental wellness health system needs, including mental health and wellness issues that face BC First Nations.
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, an understanding of First Nations cultural principles and protocols and ability to manage conflict in a respectful and culturally relevant and safe manner.
• Knowledge of theories, practices, and principles relative to mental wellness, trauma informed practice, historic abuse, suicide prevention, and mental health emergency response, particularly relative to First Nations in BC, including the current programs and services available.
• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or Clinical Counselling from an accredited university.
• Eligible for registration with the relevant professional association.
• Valid BC Driver's License and access to personal vehicle for business related purposes.
• Experience working with BC First Nations organizations and communities.
• Two (2) years' recent related Mental Health & Addictions experience in clinical areas, services, and programs, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Knowledge of the health and wellness governance landscape in First Nations health in BC, particularly relative to mental wellness.

Skills And Abilities

• Equipment: Demonstrated computer skills including the use of Windows based programs. Demonstrated data analysis skills including appropriate data analysis and reporting tools. Demonstrated ability in the use of e-mail and word processing. Ability to operate other related equipment as required in the specific practice area.
• Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and a commitment to excellence in the provision of client care.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) to problem-solve and make decisions effectively. Applies the problem-solving process demonstrating critical thinking and decision-making skills using a systems approach.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Teaching: Ability to teach clients and others both one-on-one and in groups.
• Management: Demonstrated ability to organize work, set objectives and establish priorities. Manages time and resources, implements activities to promote cooperation among the interdisciplinary team and collaborates across disciplines.
• Human Caring and Relationship Centered Practice: Ability to promote client-focused care that demonstrates care for and with clients and significant others, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, client advocacy and social justice concerns.
• Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, the public, medical staff and members of the interdisciplinary team using verbal, written, computer communication means. Ability to effectively apply conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge Integration: Integrates best practice and current research evidence to support professional practice decisions and actions.
• Assessment and Treatment: Demonstrated ability to complete initial and ongoing client assessments (clinical and diagnostic reasoning) through appropriate/prescribed technical, therapeutic, safety type interventions.
• Leadership: Promotes staff morale, engagement and empowerment. Demonstrates creative planning for change and innovation, implementation of Northern Health policies or other protocols, and ongoing professional development of self and others.

Who We Are

Northern Health covers an area of nearly 600,000 square kilometers and offers health services in over two dozen communities and 55 First Nation's communities. We deliver hospital and community-based health care for a population of 300,000.

Employing more than 7,000 staff throughout the region, Northern Health provides exceptional health services for Northerners, through the efforts of dedicated staff and physicians, in partnership with communities and organizations in Northern BC.

There is a wide variety of career opportunities available in our two dozen hospitals, 25 long-term care facilities, public health units and many other offices providing specialized services.

Value