Job Description

In accordance with the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) vision and values, the Mental Health Clinician works as a member of an integrated health service team and delivery model and practices in accordance with within VCH policies, guidelines, and clinical practice documents. The Mental Health Clinician works from a harm reduction, culturally safe, trauma informed, recovery oriented, and client-centred model of care. Conducts psychosocial, mental health and substance use assessments. Collaborates with the client and interdisciplinary team to facilitate transitions through the continuum of services for clients with complex discharge and/or intake/referral needs across multiple sites, clinics, services, This includes: clients, family members, primary care/mental health/ substance use service providers, private General Practitioner (GP) partners, community care partners and services. The Mental Health Clinician provides consultative and direct services to clients, families, staff and community health professionals. Prepares and maintains client records in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures. The Mental Health Clinician uses health management and/or self-care management principles to identify problems, address issues or variances from the plan of care in collaboration with the entire interdisciplinary team and any other health care services involved. The Mental Health Clinician establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect. QUALIFICATIONS:Education & Experience Master’s degree in a related health science discipline from a recognized program. Two (2) years experience working in a health care setting providing assessment and treatment services to individuals with complex mental health, substance use and chronic medical concerns or equivalent.Current full registration with applicable regulatory College or eligibility for registration with the appropriate professional body or association, as applicable.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesDemonstrated knowledge of the principles of recovery in mental illness.Demonstrated knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation methodology.Demonstrated knowledge of community, social and mental health resources.Demonstrated knowledge and experience in providing culturally safe and competent care, specifically pertaining to Indigenous peoples.Demonstrated ability to identify emotional, social, or environmental barriers and intervene to eliminate stigma.Demonstrated ability to effectively manage conflict situations and aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with clients, families, team members, other groups and community agency personnel.Demonstrated ability to assess clients at risk and knowledge of appropriate acts; e.g. Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship, Health Care Consent, and Care Facilities Admissions Act as it relates to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.Demonstrated knowledge of mental illness, substance use and addictions treatment.Demonstrated knowledge of other health disciplines and their role in healthcare.Demonstrated knowledge of evidence based practice.Demonstrated knowledge of brief counselling therapy skills as they would apply to short-term Mental Health Substance Use services.Demonstrated knowledge of individual and family therapy.Demonstrated ability to problem solve and use critical thinking skills.Demonstrated knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to the client.Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with clients and families Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events and deal effectively with conflict.Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities.Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessments.Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with clients and caregivers in order to explore issues that are beyond the initial presented concernsDemonstrated understanding of harm reduction and trauma-informed care.Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software.Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.Skilled in the use of equipment, and in the techniques appropriate for treatment.The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

Details

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.Unless otherwise noted on the posting, internal job postings close at 8:00 AM Pacific Time on the listed Closing Date. Please submit your digital application via the Internal Career Portal prior to the Closing Date & Time.Nursing & LPN successful applicants will be notified by email.We regret that only short listed candidates will be acknowledged.This is an internal job posting for Vancouver Coastal Health employees only.