MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTIONS CLINICIAN, FIRST NATIONS

Position Summary
Northern Health values diversity within the workplace and our commitment of reaching a representative workforce. For this position, we also want to highlight First Nation, Inuit, Métis or Indigenous Ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for this position. All candidates will be considered; however, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. For this initiative candidates from this group who wish to qualify for preferential consideration are encouraged to self-identify.

Are you a Mental Health & Addictions Clinician – First Nations 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 Mental Health & Addictions 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 in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority and First Nations communities; the Mental Health & Addiction Clinician provides comprehensive assessment, care planning and treatment coordination for designated clients and their families. Working collaboratively with other health care providers and the multidisciplinary team, the Mental Health & Addiction Clinician provides direct psychosocial care, counselling and group work, system navigation and advocacy, education and linkage to relevant specialized complex care resources while facilitating client self-management. The Mental Health & Addiction Clinician is responsible for providing and developing services to maintain or improve the health and social well-being and functioning of the identified population.
The Mental Health & Addiction Clinician is a member of the Mobile Support Team delivering outreach to First Nations communities by providing a continuum of services such as: prevention, promotion, and education; assessments and care planning for individuals and families; consultation on cultural and clinical interventions; and crisis response when communities are impacted by critical events. The position is to provide community development support as it relates to Mental Wellness with First Nations communities. The Mental Health & Addiction Clinician is either a Social Worker who is registered with and practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice and code of ethics as outlined by the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW); or a Clinical Counsellor who is registered with and practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice and code of ethics as outlined by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

Shift Rotation/Hours of work: Monday to Friday, Days - 08:30 to 16:30

Qualfications
• Master’s Degree in Social Work or Clinical Counselling from an accredited university.
• Two (2) years’ recent related Mental Health & Addictions experience in clinical areas, services, and programs, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Eligible for registration with the relevant professional association.
• Valid BC Driver’s License and access to personal vehicle for business related purposes.
• Travel is a requirement of this position; and flexibility in relation to work schedules and locations may be required.
• Experience working with BC First Nations organizations and communities.
• Knowledge of the health and wellness governance landscape in First Nations health in BC, particularly relative to mental wellness.
• Knowledge of theories, practices and principles relative to mental wellness, suicide prevention, and mental health emergency response, particularly relative to First Nations in BC, including the current programs and services available.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal/First Nations mental wellness health system needs, including mental health and wellness issues that face BC First Nations.
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, an understanding of First Nations cultural principles and protocols and ability to manage conflict in a respectful and culturally relevant and safe manner.

Skills and Abilities:
• Assessment and Treatment: Demonstrated ability to complete initial and ongoing client assessments (clinical and diagnostic reasoning) through appropriate/prescribed technical, therapeutic, safety type interventions.
• Teaching: Ability to teach clients and others both one-on-one and in groups.
• Knowledge Integration: Integrates best practice and current research evidence to support professional practice decisions and actions.
• Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, the public, medical staff and members of the interdisciplinary team using verbal, written, computer communication means. Ability to effectively apply conflict resolution skills.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) to problem-solve and make decisions effectively. Applies the problem-solving process demonstrating critical thinking and decision-making skills using a systems approach.
• Human Caring and Relationship Centered Practice: Ability to promote client-focused care that demonstrates care for and with clients and significant others, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, client advocacy and social justice concerns.
• Management: Demonstrated ability to organize work, set objectives and establish priorities. Manages time and resources, implements activities to promote cooperation among the interdisciplinary team and collaborates across disciplines.
• Leadership: Promotes staff morale, engagement and empowerment. Demonstrates creative planning for change and innovation, implementation of Northern Health policies or other protocols, and ongoing professional development of self and others.
• Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and a commitment to excellence in the provision of client care.
• Equipment: Demonstrated computer skills including the use of Windows based programs. Demonstrated data analysis skills including appropriate data analysis and reporting tools. Demonstrated ability in the use of e-mail and word processing. Ability to operate other related equipment as required in the specific practice area.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Where you will be working:
Community:
Information about living, working, and thriving in the area is available through Fort St. James

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, person centered care in collaboration with communities and partner organizations throughout Northern BC.

What Northern Health Has to Offer You!
Joining Northern Health means becoming part of a supportive team that values your growth and well-being. Here’s what we provide:
• 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.

Important Application Information
Please ensure you upload the following documents as part of your application:
• Registration number (if you belong to a regulated profession).
• Supporting documents for education and qualifications, such as:
• Program certificates or diplomas.
• High school, college, or university transcripts.
• Cover letter and resume (recommended).

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