MHSU Access & Crisis Response Clinician

Vancouver Island Health Authority; Victoria; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vancouver Island Health Authority is seeking an MHSU Access & Crisis Response Clinician in Victoria, BC. This role involves providing urgent clinical responses and assessing adults with mental health and addiction issues, as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Ideal candidates should have a Master's in a health-related field and extensive experience in crisis intervention. Strong communication and clinical skills are essential. The position may require travel between multiple sites, utilizing a personal vehicle.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an approved post‑secondary institution is required.
• Two years of recent related experience in crisis intervention and risk assessment.
• Thorough understanding of mental health and addictions issues.

Responsibilities

• Perform triage and clinical assessments for adults with mental health and addictions problems.
• Engage in crisis intervention and provide stabilization services.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to plan service priorities.

Skills

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Crisis intervention

Psychotherapeutic interventions

Effective verbal and written communication

Public relations skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Master’s degree in a health-related discipline

Job description

MHSU Access & Crisis Response Clinician

Victoria Church Avenue Health Centre (VCAHC) – Victoria, BC.

Travel between multiple sites is a regular/on‑going requirement. Transportation arrangements may require the use of a personal vehicle.

Responsibilities include triage, screening/assessment, urgent clinical response, short‑term psychotherapeutic/stabilization services, exploration of community resources, liaising and coordinating with other community services, and participation in planning priorities for service to adults with mental health & addictions problems. The clinician works as a member of a multidisciplinary team and within the organization’s framework and standards to provide advanced clinical practice and interventions.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

Master’s degree in a health‑related discipline from an approved post‑secondary institution. Two years of recent related experience in areas requiring frequent crisis intervention and risk assessment, such as policing, crisis counseling, paramedicine or similar work environments; thorough understanding of mental health and alcohol and drug addiction issues; psychiatric and suicide/homicide risk assessments, psychiatric and addictions treatment methodologies, crisis intervention and response techniques and strategies, the change process, and community dynamics; advanced knowledge of available programs and services, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community; knowledge of applicable legislation such as the Mental Health Act, Child Protection legislation, and the Adult Guardianship Act; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid BC driver’s licence.

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced practice skills related to cognitive behavioral therapy, brief solution‑focused therapy, risk assessment and other psychotherapeutic interventions.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and clinical skills, including crisis intervention, stabilization, de‑escalation and brief psychotherapy.
• Organizational, problem‑solving and teaching skills.
• Judgment, observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work professionally and effectively with very difficult/at‑risk clients.
• Collaboration as part of a multidisciplinary team and proactive conflict management.
• Promotion of positive change and independence.
• Prioritization and organization of workload.
• Capacity to perform all duties of the position.
• Public relations skills.
• Computer proficiency with Windows‑based software and other office equipment.

This role is part of a multidisciplinary Crisis and Transitional Care team supported by psychiatry. The team delivers community‑based, clinically led crisis response and transitional care services, providing mobile, in‑person assessment, short‑term stabilization, and follow‑up care for individuals of all ages experiencing mental health, substance use, or situational concerns. The service model prioritizes in‑person community‑based service and requires demonstrated independent clinical judgment, including comprehensive clinical and risk assessments, care‑planning, and decision making. Expertise in substance use assessment, Mental Status Examination, suicide risk assessment, and crisis intervention in community settings is essential. Experience providing service for individuals in emotional distress, under the influence of substances, or exhibiting psychiatric or behavioural symptoms is required.