Youth Concurrent 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 Program Coordinator or designate and working as a member of a multidisciplinary health team, the Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Clinician provides client and family-centered care through a trauma-informed approach and evidence-informed practice to individual youth and families with and affected by serious and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders.

Reporting to the Manager or Designate, the Youth Concurrent Clinician provides clinical assessments, intervention, treatment, outreach and consultation services to youth with any of the following co-existing concerns: mental health concerns, substance use concerns, complex trauma, diverse abilities such as FASD, Autism, ADHD, intellectual delay and/or challenging behavior.

Working closely with the Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD) and Delegated Aboriginal Agencies, the Youth Concurrent Clinician provides initial screening, client assessment, treatment, recommendations and plans, determines referral needs, and provides case management and follow-up support. Arranges consults as appropriate regarding complex situations (I.e Aboriginal Health, Psychiatry, and Addictions Medicine). Liaises with community resources and other agencies for specialized services. Practicing from a recovery oriented, trauma informed perspective, maintains respect for client dignity and maximum client self-determination and independence in provision of services.

Travel may be a requirement of this position and transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Island Health.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education, Training And Experience**:
Master's Degree in a health or human services related field of study, including counselling content from an approved post-secondary institution. Five (5) years of recent related experience including working with persons mental heath, substance use concerns and diverse abilities.

Knowledge of and experience with a range of emotional, behavioral and mental health issues specific to the youth and young adult population. Knowledge of developmental disabilities, mental health and/or alcohol and drug use assessments, treatment methodologies, intervention strategies, the change process, and community dynamics. Extensive knowledge of Indigenous community and resources, ideally those on Vancouver Island.

Eligible for registration with a relevant/applicable professional association.

Knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Mental Health Act, the Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act and the Guardianship Act; Knowledge of available programs such as community agencies, partner organizations including, Community Living BC and Ministry of Children & Family Development, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community to persons with diverse abilities, mental health and substance use illnesses.

Valid BC Driver's License.

**Skills And Abilities**:

- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deliver empathic/non-judgmental age and gender sensitive service and to relate well with people from a wide variety of socio-economic and cultural environments.
- Demonstrated foundation in counselling, evidence-based modalities and approaches including but not limited to Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused and Family Counselling methods.
- Demonstrated ability in problem solving and ethical decision-making.
- Demonstrated ability to engage clients through the use of sound judgment, good observation and attending skills, tact and empathy.
- Ability to promote and support positive change and independence.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and nurture an environment of quality, trauma informed and culturally safe care.
- Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative, with limited supervision.
- Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary and inter-agency team.
- Able to establish and maintain relationships based on mutual respect and trust, appropriate sensitivity and transparency, empathy, and compassion with clients, colleagues, professional associates, and the greater community.
- Encompasses skills of tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity in all encounters with others.
- Ability to physically and emotionally carry out the duties of the position.
- Ability to operate a personal computer with a variety of Windows-based software.

**Job Requirements**: