Forensic Social Worker

The Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (FPH) is a 190-bed secure facility located in Coquitlam, B.C., on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded core territory of the kwikwəƛ̓əm First Nation (Kwikwetlem). We treat people who have been found not criminally responsible for a crime or unfit to stand trial due to a mental health disorder. We deliver services to patients using the “Clinical Program Model,” which aims to deliver high-quality care to meet the specific needs of patients and is currently the best practice in healthcare.

Learn about working as a member of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital team.

Watch this video to learn about working with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services

• Complete a full biopsychosocial social work assessment of adults experiencing severe psychiatric and behavioral difficulties who have been referred by the Courts by methods such as interviewing patients to identify their developmental history and their perception of level of social functioning and problems; interviewing family members and other community sources for collateral information reviewing referral information from Police, Court and other community agencies; preparing a written assessment that may be utilized in Court, submitting recommendations and information related to diagnosis, fitness to stand trial, mental state at a time of offence and treatment plans; identifying client needs, problem areas and formulating treatment goals; preparing ongoing written assessment of client progress and submitting written reports to the B.C. Board of Review and/or Review Panel regarding recommendation for release.
• Collaborate and consult with other professionals in the multi-disciplinary team in the coordination and review of patient treatment by methods such as participating in treatment conferences to determine team members responsibilities; monitoring treatment plans, re-evaluating and modifying treatment to meet changing needs of patients and/or his/her support system; providing systems perspective including family, social and community network to other team members; acting as a client advocate; planning client discharge and release to the community by arranging pre-placement visits, referrals to boarding homes, and community mental health support agencies; maintaining comprehensive documentation ensuring case reviews and tracking of client’s treatment progress; and providing information and support to families on an ongoing basis.
• Provide 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 by methods such as functioning as Primary Counsellor for identified patients (psychotherapy and behavioural); carrying out evidence-based individual, group, and family therapies according to a variety of theoretical models; establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships based on respect; providing supportive counselling to improve social functioning, self-esteem and independence for clients; providing group work treatment on alcohol and/or drug addiction and sex offender target groups; providing social skills and psycho-educational training; and providing psychosocial counselling.
• Provide information, support and facilitates transition into FPSC by methods such as assessing client eligibility for income assistance and Legal Aid; retrieving patient belongings including arranging for property storage and rent payment; assisting the client and/or applying on behalf of clients for various needs, social insurance, birth certificate, handicapped benefits, Canada disability pension, Comfort Allowance; initiating Power of Attorney, guardianship and trusteeship for patients; and networking and interfacing with community support groups and agencies.
• Maintain concise and accurate documentation of relevant information on client files in accordance with FPSC policy standards to meet regulatory requirements and provide evidence and rationale to support findings and treatment plan such as compiling pertinent background information. Provide written reports and summaries as per FPSC policy, standards, and guidelines.
• Provide information about the Mental Health Act and its application to Forensic Psychiatric Services in the community, the legal process and mentally disordered offenders to other professionals, departments and agencies; and providing information about the role of Forensic Psychiatric Services in relation to the Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Social Services systems.
• Provide student supervision, clinical guidance and the opportunity to observe and take an active role in the treatment of social work clients. Provide input to the Manager and/or Academic Program as requested on individual's progress in achieving established standards of care.

Qualifications

• 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 Knowledge

• 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 caregivers.
• 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 healthcare 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 assisting clients to regain/improve their coping abilities.
• Commitment to develop knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), and the Declaration Act Action Plan.
• As a strong asset for consideration, knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism, and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth and development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.