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 – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.
PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is 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 indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.
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

• Complete 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.
• Collaborate and consult 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.
• Provide 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.
• Provide 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.
• Maintain 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. Provide written reports and summaries as per FPSC policy, standards and guidelines.
• Provide 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.
• Provide student supervision, clinical guidance and the opportunity to observe and take an active role in the treatment of social work clients. Provide input to the Manager and/or Academic Program as requested on individual’s progress in achieving established standards of care.