Mhsu Clinical Counsellor, Acute Care

**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.

Working in the Acute Care (Inpatient) setting as a member of a multidisciplinary care team, the MHSU Clinical Counsellor provides advanced clinical practice and interventions relating to assessment, crisis intervention, education, individual and group treatment, harm reduction, consultation and referral for clients experiencing mental health, substance use and/or concurrent disorder problems and their caregivers/families.

This position will consult with community resources for the purposes of care coordination and discharge planning and may participate in the training and supervision of students.

This position provides harm reductions services, immediate support, assessment and referral for clients in a trauma informed, recovery focused and culturally competent framework.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education, Training And Experience**:

- Master's Degree in a health-related discipline from an approved post-secondary institution (Master's in Counselling); and
- Recognized post basic education related to mental illness, substance use and concurrent disorders; and
- Two (2) years of recent, related experience including experience facilitating group therapy; and
- A significant understanding of mental health issues; substance use issues and concurrent disorders issues and evidence based best treatment practices; and
- Knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act; and
- Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships, and their function in coordinating patient care from hospital to community; and
- Knowledge of mental health/substance use assessments, crisis intervention, treatment methodologies, intervention strategies, the change process, and community dynamics

Training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy is preferred.

An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

**Skills And Abilities**:

- Demonstrated practice skills related to dialectical behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapy, brief solution focused therapy, risk assessment and other psychotherapeutic interventions.
- Demonstrated competence congruent with the care and treatment of mental illness, substance use and/or concurrent disorders.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and nuture an environment of quality, trauma informed and culturally safe care.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Demonstrated sound organizational and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated clinical coaching/teaching skills and experience
- Demonstrated sound judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, and empathy
- Encompasses skills of tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity in all encounters with others
- Work independently, demonstrating initiative, with limited supervision
- Work cooperatively as part of an inpatientmultidisciplinary team Promote positive change and independence
- Prioritize and organize patient demands made and care needs
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
- Foster ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary and inter-agency team
- Operate related equipment, including a computer with a variety of Windows-based software
- Maintain a commitment to continued professional development as required by the Employer

**Job Requirements**: