Eating Disorders Therapist, MHSU

Reporting to the Program Coordinator, provides consultation, case management and therapy to individuals and families who have and are affected by eating disorders. Assesses clients, determines referral needs, provides group therapy, family therapy and group education, liaises with community resources for specialized services. 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 internal and external case conferences and develops, coordinates and delivers in-services. Participates in the development and evaluation of eating disorders services.

• 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.
• Functions as a primary therapist and case manager as part of a multi-disciplinary, providing client psychosocial and social assessment and short and long term individual, group and family therapy using a variety of interviewing, counseling and assessment methods in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and practices. Manages cases and formulates treatment plans and goals in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team, client and family.
• 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 and families with, or affected by 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.
• 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.

Education and Experience

Master's Degree in Social Work, Clinical Counselling, or other relevant health related discipline.

Two years' recent related 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 - Class 5 Personal Vehicle for work related purposes.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of eating disorders intervention strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake client assessments utilizing mental health and eating disorders standardized tools.
• Ability to assess, plan, organize, implement, evaluate and problem-solve.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, groups, and other professionals within an interdisciplinary environment in a diverse community.
• Ability to work effectively with others, including working effectively in a multicultural environment, independently, as part of an interdisciplinary team and understanding the frameworks of other disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, families, staff and community agency personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload in a complex environment.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of relevant Acts such as Mental Health Act, Freedom of Information Act, pertinent regulations, policies and procedures, and other statutory duties.
• Ability to educate and provide consultation to clients, families and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to develop, coordinate and deliver in-services, presentations, psycho-educational and support groups.
• 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.
• Demonstrated therapeutic skills in the areas of case management, individual and group therapy with adults with various mental disorders including eating disorders.
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers, including related word processing and database management software applications.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.