Behavioural Health 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.

Reports to Manager or designate. As a member of the health care team and delivering services at various sites in the community, including private homes, the Behavioural Health Clinician (BHC) provides care within the context of a client-centered approach, the vision/values of Island Health and in accordance with professional standards of practice.

The Behavioural Health Clinician provides short term advanced clinical practice and interventions relating to assessment, intervention, treatment, and/or, consultation and referral for clients experiencing chronic disease, mild to significant mental health conditions, depression and anxiety, and challenges affecting achievement of their health goals pertaining to lifestyle choices. The BHC is responsible for working with the Primary Care providers to recognize and address psychological symptoms and conditions using applicable evidence based approaches to meet short term behavioural needs of clients.

Travel may be a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of Island Health in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle.

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

- Master's Degree in a health related discipline from an approved post-secondary institution.
- Three (3) years of recent related experience working with various community based health and human services, adults with complex multiple health care disabilities, and working with populations suffering from mild to significant mental health conditions in areas such as chronic disease, primary care, geriatrics, community health, behavior and human development.
- Knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Mental Health Act, Continuing Care Act, and the Adult Guardianship Act;
- Knowledge and experience implementing a harm reduction approach;
- Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Valid BC Driver's License.

**Skills And Abilities**:

- Demonstrated advanced competence congruent within Island Health's service framework and standards, and behavioural health service delivery, as a member of an interdisciplinary care team.
- Demonstrated abilities in written and verbal communication, facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution techniques, and demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and their families and with colleagues, both on a one-to-one basis and within a multidisciplinary team/group context.
- Ability to be empathetic and to relate well with people from a wide variety of socio-economic & cultural environments.
- Demonstrated judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy.
- Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative, with limited supervision.
- Demonstrated knowledge of adult education skills.
- Ability to promote positive change and independence.
- Ability to prioritize and organize workload.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Ability to operate a personal computer with a variety of Windows-based software.
- Ability to foster good public relations.
- Ability to maintain a commitment to continued professional development as required by the employer.
- Ability to operate related equipment.

**Job Requirements**: