Concurrent Disorders Counsellor, Forensic Psychiatric Hospital – Coquitlam, BC

Concurrent Disorders Counsellor, Minimum and Medium Security UnitsBC Mental Health & Substance Use ServicesCoquitlam, BC

What is the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital?

The Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (FPH) is a 190-bed secure facility located in Coquitlam, B.C., on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded core territory of the kwikwəƛ̓əm First Nation (Kwikwetlem). We treat people who have been found not criminally responsible for a crime or unfit to stand trial due to a mental health disorder. We deliver services to patients using the “Clinical Program Model,” which aims to deliver high-quality care to meet the specific needs of patients and is currently the best practice in health care.

Watch this video to learn about working with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services!

What you’ll do

Conduct intake and comprehensive psychosocial, social and concurrent disorder assessments of adults experiencing severe psychiatric and behavioural difficulties who have been referred by the Courts to determine current level of functioning and areas of strengths and deficits by methods such as utilizing best practices, evidence based practices and the principles of harm reduction; interviewing patients to identify their developmental history and their perception of level of social functioning and problems, interviewing family members and other community sources for collateral information, collecting file data and reviewing referral information from Police, Court and other community agencies, and consulting with treatment team members; analyzing and interpreting data from established assessment tools; identifying client needs, formulating treatment goals and barriers to treatment; preparing a written assessment that may be utilized in Court, submitting recommendations and information related to diagnosis, fitness to stand trial, mental state at a time of offence and treatment plans; and preparing ongoing written assessments of patient progress and submitting written reports to the B.C. Board of Review and/or Review Panel regarding recommendation for release.
Provide direct concurrent disorders treatment and support services for patients regarding alcohol and/or drug abuse issues by methods such as carrying out evidence based individual, group and family therapies according to a variety of theoretical models; establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships based on respect; developing and providing psychosocial group programs targeting specific areas of psychological and social functioning including social skills, anger management, coping skills, assertiveness training, and self-esteem; and probing reasons for substance abuse and addiction; eliciting concerns; exploring emotional response to substance abuse and addiction, identifying goals and expectations, reviewing client and family learning needs, assisting with understanding of illness, suggesting positive behavior modifications; examining motivations for change; and teaching relapse prevention strategies and insight oriented group counselling. Coordinates activities of self help volunteer groups such as AA and NA at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. Document and chart patient involvement in concurrent disorders programs.
Develop community substance abuse treatment plans for patients upon their release and provides outreach dual diagnosis treatment and support services to Forensic Community Clinics and Concurrent Disorders Programs in the community by assessing and screening FPH patients for referral to Dual Diagnosis treatment resources in the community; providing counselling for patients on an interim basis who are being discharged to the community but not yet been accepted for treatment by Community Concurrent Disorders Programs; developing concurrent disorders programs for Forensic clientele, and promoting working relationships and protocols between Adult Forensic Psychiatric Services and Concurrent Disorders Programs and other agencies. Participate in community education, prevention, and concurrent disorders awareness activities for dual diagnosis clients.
Participate in BC Review Board hearings and responds to questions of the Review Board members, legal counsel for the client, crown counsel, and other participants as appropriate.

What you bring

Qualifications

Masters Degree in an Allied Health Discipline from a recognized program.
Three (3) years recent related experience in an addictions and mental health setting, or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience.
Valid BC Drivers License. Local area travel may require the use of a personal vehicle.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

Advanced knowledge of and a demonstrated ability in comprehensive psychosocial assessments and treatment services including therapeutic counselling and individual group and family therapies.
Comprehensive knowledge of developmental theories, family dynamics, treatment and behaviour management modalities.
Comprehensive knowledge of drug and alcohol addiction issues, best practices and evidence based practices.
Seasoned knowledge and experience in working with psychiatrically disabled and substance abusing individuals.
Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Part-Time (0.50 FTE) Wage: $44.85 - $56.02 per hour2% of the straight-time hourly rate of pay for employees working in Minimum and Medium security units and community settings; 4% of the straight-time hourly rate of pay for employees working in Maximum and Multi-level security units.Location: 70 Colony Farm Rd, Coquitlam, BC V3K 5Z1Hours of Work: Mondays, Tuesdays, Rotating Fridays; 0800-1600Requisition # 205227E

** Please indicate in your cover letter why you are interested in joining our team at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital!

What we do

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.

BCMHSUS program is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

PHSA plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BCMHSUS committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

Attention current employees of PHSA:

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.

The internal job posting expires on October 16, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail [email protected] with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail [email protected] with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at [email protected].