JOB SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Within the context of a biopsychosocial framework and in accordance with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) standards of practice, the Forensic Social Worker (FSW) works under the general direction of the Director, Shared Services and with the clinical support of the Professional Practice Leader, Social Work, as part of a multidisciplinary forensic psychiatric team to provide a defined range of forensic mental health social worker services to adults experiencing severe psychiatric and behavioral difficulties who have been referred by the Courts. The FSW carries out social work psychiatric/psychological assessments services to adults who have been referred by the Courts; prepares ongoing written assessment of progress and submits written reports to the B.C. Board of Review and/or Review Panel regarding recommendation for release; collaborates and consults with other professionals in the coordination and review of treatment; provides psychosocial intervention and treatment services for psychiatric patients who may be held under Order-in-Council; Mental Health Act certification, Court Order and/or Informal criteria; and provides information and support to services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work.
• Two (2) years recent, related experience working in a mental health setting, or an equivalent combination of experience.
• Effective September 1, 2013, full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) is required.

Skills and Abilities

• Broad knowledge of and experience in utilizing developmental theories, family dynamics, behaviour management modalities; providing direct treatment through individual, group and family therapies; and other treatment services for adult offenders and their care givers.
• Broad knowledge of the service delivery system for adults at risk at the local, regional and provincial level.
• Broad knowledge of social work theory and Forensic Psychiatric Social Work practice.
• Broad knowledge of BCCSW professional practice standards.
• Broad knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.
• Broad knowledge of Bill C30 and the Provincial Court system.
• Broad knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects).
• Demonstrated ability in social work practice related to assessment of behaviour, risk and to assisting clients to regain/improve their coping abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct biopsychosocial psychiatric assessments, and provide intake, treatment, and discharge planning.
• Demonstrated ability in completion of documentation that is in compliance with ministry, agency and legal requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to assess clients’ responses to care and to respond appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events and to problem solve.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with clients and their families, colleagues, physicians, and other health care staff.
• Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills that promotes communication and lead to a co-operative approach to problem solving within a multidisciplinary setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with conflict situations, manage aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others in a complex health care environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, work direction, and effective consultation.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, demonstrate and coach clients and co-workers both one-on-one and in groups.
• Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, Internet and e-mail software.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

1. Completes a full biopsychosocial social work assessment of adults experiencing severe psychiatric and behavioral difficulties who have been referred by the Courts by methods such as 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 reviewing referral information from Police, Court and other community agencies; 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; identifying client needs, problem areas and formulating treatment goals; preparing ongoing written assessment of client progress and submitting written reports to the B.C. Board of Review and/or Review Panel regarding recommendation for release.
2. Collaborates and consults with other professionals in the multi-disciplinary team in the coordination and review of patient treatment by methods such as participating in treatment conferences to determine team members responsibilities; monitoring treatment plans, re-evaluating and modifying treatment to meet changing needs of patients and/or his/her support system; providing systems perspective including family, social and community network to other team members; acting as a client advocate; planning client discharge and release to the community by arranging pre-placement visits, referrals to boarding homes, and community mental health support agencies; maintaining comprehensive documentation ensuring case reviews and tracking of client’s treatment progress; and providing information and support to families on an ongoing basis.
3. Provides psychosocial intervention and treatment services for psychiatric patients who may be held under Order-in-Council; Mental Health Act certification, Court Order and/or Informal criteria by methods such as functioning as Primary Counsellor for identified patients (psychotherapy and behavioural); carrying out evidence based individual, group and family therapies according to a variety of theoretical models; establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships based on respect; providing supportive counselling to improve social functioning, self-esteem and independence for clients; providing group work treatment on alcohol and/or drug addiction and sex offender target groups; providing social skills and psycho-educational training; and providing psychosocial counselling.
4. Provides information, support and facilitates transition into FPSC by methods such as assessing client eligibility for income assistance and Legal Aid; retrieving patient belongings including arranging for property storage and rent payment; assisting the client and/or applying on behalf of clients for various needs, social insurance, birth certificate, handicapped benefits, Canada disability pension, Comfort Allowance; initiating Power of Attorney, guardianship and trusteeship for patients; and networking and interfacing with community support groups and agencies.
5. Maintains concise and accurate documentation of relevant information on client files in accordance with FPSC policy standards to meet regulatory requirements and provide evidence and rationale to support findings and treatment plan such as compiling pertinent background information. Provides written reports and summaries as per FPSC policy, standards and guidelines.
6. Provides information about the Mental Health Act and its application to Forensic Psychiatric Services in the community, the legal process and mentally disordered offenders to other professionals, departments and agencies; and providing information about the role of Forensic Psychiatric Services in relation to the Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Social Services systems.
7. Provides student supervision, clinical guidance and the opportunity to observe and take an active role in the treatment of social work clients. Provides input to the Manager and/or Academic Program as requested on individual’s progress in achieving established standards of care.
8. Maintains and updates relevant knowledge and understanding of Forensic Psychiatric Social Work practice, forensic psychiatric mental health, Social Work standards of practice, and the applicable sections of the Freedom of Information and Protection and Privacy Act, FPSC health information records as per FPSC policy. Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of mental health, social, financial, rehabilitation, emergency, and other resources in the service.
9. Participates in committees, team meetings, task groups, continuing education, conferences, and/or corporate initiatives by methods such as providing input from a clinical perspective, presenting relevant material, acting as an advocate for the goals and objectives of the program, and promoting optimal support and availability for resources for patients.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.