ASTAT Clinician

Island Health; Salt Spring Island Electoral Area; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare authority in British Columbia is seeking an ASTAT Clinician to provide urgent individual and group therapy services for adults dealing with mental health and addiction issues. The role involves collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, client assessment, and effective communication with community services. Candidates must hold a Master's degree and have relevant experience in mental health settings. A valid BC Driver’s License is also required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years recent experience working with adult acute clientele in mental health.
• Experience with crisis intervention and group psychotherapy work.
• Valid BC Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Provide urgent individual and group clinical response to adults.
• Participate in planning and assessment of community resources.
• Provide consultation on ASTAT & Group Psychotherapy services.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication

Advanced competence in the treatment of addiction

Good observation and client-assessment skills

Collaboration within an interdisciplinary team

Knowledge of non-violent crisis intervention

Education

Master's Degree in a health-related discipline

Job description

Overview

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority. The ASTAT Clinician will work within a therapeutic team under the Coordinator of Access and Crisis Services to provide urgent individual and group clinical response and psychotherapeutic services to adults with mental health and addiction issues.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Team Lead and as part of the interdisciplinary team, the ASTAT Clinician:
- Provides urgent individual and group clinical response and psychotherapy to adults with mental health and addiction issues.
- Participates in planning and assessment of community resources and client needs, liaises with relevant community services, links the ASTAT program with other service agencies.
- Provides consultation and education on ASTAT & Group Psychotherapy services to other service providers and maintains clinical records.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a health‑related discipline from an approved post‑secondary institution.
• Minimum of two (2) years of recent related experience working with adult acute clientele in a mental health and addictions facility or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience with crisis intervention, urgent response, short‑term therapy, and group psychotherapy work.
• Significant understanding of substance use issues and substance use assessments, the change process, and community dynamics.
• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders and applicable legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Adult Guardianship Act.
• Valid BC Driver’s License.

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced competence in the treatment of addiction and mental illness within a rehabilitation/recovery, harm‑reduction focused model.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize workload.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative and creativity in clinical practice.
• Sound judgment, decision making, and problem‑solving skills.
• Organizational, problem‑solving, and teaching skills.
• Good observation and client‑assessment skills, tact, and empathy.
• Collaboration within an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Knowledge of non‑violent crisis intervention.
• Implementation of problem‑solving processes.
• Effective engagement with a wide range of community and facility contacts.
• Client‑centered holistic approach to care.
• Proven assessment, care, planning, and coordination skills.
• Respect for client rights, values, and preferences including multicultural issues.
• Proficiency in operating a personal computer with Windows‑based software.
• Fostering good public relations.
• Operation of related equipment.