Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.  Within the context of a biopsychosocial framework and in accordance with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) standards of practice, the Forensic Social Worker (FSW), Minimum and Medium Security Units works under the general direction of the Director, Shared Services and with the clinical support of the Professional Practice Leader, Social Work,  as part of a multidisciplinary forensic psychiatric team to provide a defined range of forensic mental health social worker services to adults experiencing severe psychiatric and behavioral difficulties who have been referred by the Courts.  The FSW carries out social work psychiatric/psychological assessments services to adults who have been referred by the Courts; prepares ongoing written assessment of progress and submits written reports to the B.C. Board of Review and/or Review Panel regarding recommendation for release; collaborates and consults with other professionals in the coordination and review of treatment; provides psychosocial intervention and treatment services for psychiatric patients who may be held under Order-in-Council; Mental Health Act certification, Court Order and/or Informal criteria; and provides information and support to services.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work.
•    Two (2) years recent, related experience working in a mental health setting, or an equivalent combination of experience.
•    Effective September 1, 2013, full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) is required.

Skills and Abilities

•    Broad knowledge of and experience in utilizing developmental theories, family dynamics, behaviour management modalities; providing direct treatment through individual, group and family therapies; and other treatment services for adult offenders and their care givers.
•    Broad knowledge of the service delivery system for adults at risk at the local, regional and provincial level.
•    Broad knowledge of social work theory and Forensic Psychiatric Social Work practice.
•    Broad knowledge of BCCSW professional practice standards.
•    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.
•    Demonstrated ability to conduct biopsychosocial psychiatric assessments, and provide intake, treatment, and discharge planning.
•    Demonstrated ability in completion of documentation that is in compliance with ministry, agency and legal requirements.
•    Demonstrated ability to assess clients’ responses to care and to respond appropriately.
•    Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events and to problem solve.
•    Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with clients and their families, colleagues, physicians, and other health care staff.
•    Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills that promotes communication and lead to a co-operative approach to problem solving within a multidisciplinary setting.
•    Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
•    Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with conflict situations, manage aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.
•    Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others in a complex health care environment.
•    Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, work direction, and effective consultation.
•    Demonstrated ability to teach, demonstrate and coach clients and co-workers both one-on-one and in groups.  
•    Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, Internet and e-mail software.
•    Ability to operate related equipment.
•    Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.