Astat Clinician

**Job Description**:
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) 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.

Reporting to the Team Lead and as part of the therapeutic team under the Coordinator of Access and Crisis Services; Adult Short Term Assessment and Treatment Program (ASTAT) within Island Health and working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the ASTAT Clinician provides urgent individual and group clinical response and psychotherapeutic services to adults with mental health and addiction issues. The ASTAT Clinician participates in planning and assessment of community resources and client needs, liaising with relevant community services, linking the ASTAT program with other service agencies and providing consultation and education on ASTAT & Group Psychotherapy services to other service providers and maintaining clinical records.

**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 working with adult acute clientele in a mental health and addictions facility or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Experience with crisis intervention, urgent response, short-term therapy and group psychotherapy work. Significant understanding of substance use issues, substance use assessments, the change process and community dynamics are essential.

Knowledge of psychiatric disorders and applicable legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Adult Guardianship Act is required. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered. A valid BC Driver's License is required.

**Skills And Abilities**:

- Demonstrated advanced competence in the treatment of addiction and mental illness congruent with the organization's framework and standards within a rehabilitation/recovery, harm-reduction focused model.
- 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.
- Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- 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 respect client's rights, values and preferences including multi-cultural issues.
- Operate a personal computer with a variety of Windows based software.
- Foster good public relations.
- Operate related equipment.

**Job Requirements**: