Youth Therapist, Substance Use Services

Salary
The salary range for this position is CAD $44.85 - $56.02 / hour

Job Summary
Curious to learn what it’s like to work here? We are committed to planetary health, we value diversity in the work force and seek to maintain an environment of Respect, Caring and Trust.

Detailed Overview
Reporting to the Coordinator or designate, and reporting clinically to a DASW Supervisor as required, works from a framework of cultural safety and humility, supports care coordination across substance use services, local service areas, and regional and provincial services, with an emphasis on reducing barriers to re-enter the system of care and facilitating timely treatment and rapid re‑engagement of clients where appropriate and feasible.

Provides client and family‑centered care through a trauma‑informed approach and evidence‑informed practice to individual youth and families with and affected by persistent mental illness and substance use disorders. Provides initial screening, client assessment, treatment recommendations and plans, determines referral needs, provides case management and follow‑up support, provides therapy including group therapy, liaises regarding complex situations, provides group education, liaison with community resources for specialized services, and counsels clients, maintaining respect for client dignity and maximum client self‑determination and independence in provision of services.

Participates in local committees and internal and external case conferences, and develops and delivers in‑services, presentations and training to clients, families and caregivers. Participates in the development of standardized documents, procedures and process, and contributes to the collation of data analytics. Participates in process improvement activities and follows clinical and customer best practices. Services may be provided on an outreach basis when required in order to assess and/or engage with clients within their own environment and community.

May be assigned as the “most responsible clinician” to specific clients dependent on the client’s primary needs.

Responsibilities

Performs initial screening of referrals from other health care providers/agencies, family members and caregivers of children/youth with mental health disorders and addictions issues, physicians and other sources to determine appropriate treatment based on client needs, urgency of request and best practices. Where assigned to Indigenous portfolios, provides outreach and assertive case‑finding with Indigenous communities across the Fraser Salish Region.

Assesses client needs by gathering client information/history via phone interviews or other methods; seeking additional background information to perform initial assessment of client mental health status and risk to themselves or others and to determine priority of care, client eligibility, availability of resources, and service priorities; collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to determine best approach to care, and assessing the need for emergent crisis intervention.

Provides first level intervention and support such as short term brief interventions, follow‑up, monitoring, and evaluating treatment outcomes.

Provides treatment/support and case management for complex situations including people in crisis through provision of services such as delivery of individual and group therapy to clients and families; developing and implementing recovery‑oriented treatment options and plans through collaboration with clients and natural supports; providing comprehensive case consultation and follow‑up support on treatment decisions in collaboration with other interdisciplinary team members.

Facilitates client utilization of appropriate community services and rehabilitative programs through methods such as considering the client’s motivation and their stage in the treatment process, researching available services, liaising with service and program providers, providing advice and consultation to colleagues, and/or referring to other community resources as required.

Provides referrals to appropriate community treatment alternatives and services, including residential programs, family…