YOUTH THERAPIST, CONCURRENT DISORDERS

Northern Health; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health

Dental benefits

Municipal pension plan

Four weeks vacation after 1 year

Moving expenses support

Employee referral program

Training and development

Access to outdoor activities

Job summary

Northern Health in British Columbia seeks a Youth Therapist to support youth and families affected by mental illness and substance use disorders. You will conduct screenings, develop treatment plans, and provide individual and group therapy within a trauma-informed framework, coordinating with local and regional services.

The role emphasizes reducing barriers to care, rapid reengagement, and client-centered approaches, with daytime hours Monday–Friday in a specialized services setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Social Work and relevant registration eligibility.
• 1 year of recent youth mental health or substance use experience or 2 years with families affected by mental illness and substance use disorders.

Responsibilities

• Perform screening, assessment, and treatment planning for youth and families.
• Provide individual and group therapy and care coordination across services.
• Liaise with community resources and educate clients and caregivers.
• Participate in case conferences, trainings, and process improvement activities.

Skills

Harm reduction

Trauma-informed care

Youth mental health

Group therapy

Case management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication (verbal & written)

Clinical assessment

Resource navigation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Social Work

Job description

Position Summary

Are you a Youth Therapist, Concurrent Disorders looking to highlight your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new and dynamic environment? We currently have an opportunity for you to bring your excellent work ethic to our Specialized Services department.

In accordance with the established mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of Northern Health, and under the general supervision of Manager or designate and working from a framework of cultural safety and humility, this position supports care coordination across substance use services, local service areas, and regional and provincial services, with an emphasis on reducing barriers to re-enter the system of care and facilitating timely treatment and rapid reengagement of clients where appropriate and feasible.

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. Provides initial screening, client assessment, treatment recommendations and plans, determines referral needs, provides case management and follow-up support, provides therapy including group therapy, liaises regarding complex situations, provides group education, liaison with community resources for specialized services, and counsels clients, maintaining respect for client dignity and maximum client self-determination and independence in provision of services. Participates in local committees and internal and external case conferences, and develops and delivers in-services, presentations and training to clients, families, and caregivers. Participates in the development of standardized documents, procedures, and process, and contributes to the collation of data analytics. Participates in process improvement activities and follows clinical and customer best practices.

Shift Rotation/Hours of work:

Monday to Friday, Days - 08:00 to 16:00

Qualfications

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable social sciences program such as Psychology or Social Work. One (1) year recent, related experience with youth in a mental health or substance use setting, or two (2) years’ recent related experience working with clients and families with, or affected by, mental illness and substance use disorders, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Eligible for registration with relevant/applicable professional association as necessary.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented approach; concurrent disorders; addictions and addictions counselling.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of relevant Acts such as Mental Health Act, Freedom of Information Act, Child, Family and Community Service Act, pertinent regulations, policies and procedures, and other statutory duties.
• Comprehensive knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis and professional practice guidelines for the treatment of various disorders.
• Demonstrated ability in utilizing metal health and addictions standardized tools for client assessments.
• Demonstrated therapeutic skills in the areas of case management, individual and group therapy with youth with various mental health disorders including concurrent disorders.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the broad range of issues pertaining to adolescent mental health problems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the developmental stages of the individual including related family life cycle and psychosocial issues.
• In-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with other community partners to inform the referral process.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing within a diverse and multicultural community.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals, groups, and interdisciplinary professionals through understanding the frameworks of other disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to assess, plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and problem-solve, organize, and prioritize workload in a complex environment.
• Ability to effectively develop, coordinate and deliver in-services, education, presentations, psycho-educational and support groups and consultation to clients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers, including related word processing and database management software applications.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Where you will be working:

Community:

Information about living, working, and thriving in the area is available through The Hazeltons

More about Northern Health

Northern Health (NH) boasts the most affordable communities in BC to live, work, and play. NH covers an area of nearly 600,000 square kilometres and offers health services in 26 communities, 55 First Nations communities, 11 Métis chartered communities, and Inuit families. We provide both hospital and community-based care to a population of approximately 300,000 people. With a team of over 12,000 staff and physicians, we are committed to offering high quality, care in collaboration with communities and partner organizations throughout Northern BC.

What Northern Health Has to Offer You!

• Benefits for Indigenous Employees: Ceremonial, Cultural, and Spiritual Leave, Access to NH Indigenous Community of Practice.
• Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casual employees have option of paying for benefits.
• Four weeks of vacation after one year of continuous service.
• Financial support for moving expenses for eligible positions.
• Employee referral program with attractive incentives.
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities.
• Access to spectacular outdoor activities and enjoy the shortest commutes in BC.
• Loan Forgiveness Programs offered through Federal and Provincial Government for eligible professions.

International Applicants

Before applying, please review the steps outlined on our Northern Health Careers page: Information for international applicants