RN/RPN, Mental Health & Substance Use, Group Therapy Services

Fraser Health continues to be recognized as one of BC's Top Employers, are you someone who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others?

Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations. Our team of nearly 45,000 medical staff and volunteers is dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities to deliver on our vision: Better health, best in health care.

Effective October 26th, 2021, all new hires to Fraser Health will need to have full COVID 19 vaccination (have received a full series of a World Health Organization “WHO” approved vaccine against infection by SARS-COV-2, or a combination of approved WHO vaccines). Please note this applies to all postings, and individual medical exemptions must be approved by the Provincial Health Officer.

Take the next step and apply so we can continue the conversation with you.

Come work with dedicated health care providers who are enthusiastic and committed to provide quality healthcare to our clients/patients/residents. We invite you to find out why more than 95% of new employees recommend Fraser Health as an excellent place to work. Work hard and have fun while you do it.

Curious to learn what it’s like to work here? Like us on Facebook (@fraserhealthcareers), follow us on Twitter & Instagram (@FHCareer), or connect with us on LinkedIn (fraserhealthcareers) for first-hand employee insights.

Job Classification for Langley Memorial Hospital: DC1, Bargaining Unit: BCNU & UPN

Job Classification for all other sites: DC1, Bargaining Unit: BCNU & HSA

In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, and working collaboratively and in partnership with the interprofessional care team in the provision of person-centered and recovery oriented care, the Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse provides assessment services; facilitates group and individual therapy in collaboration with the interprofessional team and coordinates, develops and plans group programs; monitors, assesses and evaluates clients' progress, makes adjustments to treatment needs and liaises with health care professionals in the hospital and community.

1. Facilitates the group therapy process in collaboration with members of the interprofessional team utilizing cognitive, behavioural, psycho-educational, problem solving and crisis intervention methods.


2. Coordinates, plans, develops and evaluates therapeutic and psychotherapeutic group programs for clients within the Group Therapy Services Program through methods such as collaborating with members of the interprofessional team, identifying clients' needs and liaising with external agencies.


3. Monitors, assesses and evaluates client's progress in collaboration with other members of the health care team to ensure program meets client/family needs and the effectiveness of group therapy. Identifies problems and implements established protocol for high risk clients in crisis and makes adjustments to treatment needs in consultation with the health care team.


4. Coordinates care for clients by collaborating with interprofessional care team, performing intake functions, conducting mental health assessments, developing, implementing, maintaining and adjusting comprehensive treatment plans based on client needs and best practices, administering prescribed medications, and monitoring and assessing client's mental state, response to medications and efficacy of treatment plan to ensure optimum use of resources and to facilitate client centred care.


5. The nurse works from a strengths-based model, using motivational interviewing and engagement techniques and works collaboratively with clients and professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans and assists clients to access appropriate services in the community.


6. Establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect with client and their informal support network by engaging stakeholders in treatment planning and evaluation, providing support and follow-up planning, promoting and supporting clients to manage self care, encouraging informed decision making and empowering the client to improve the clients' quality of life. Teaches client and their family about management and treatment of specific psychiatric conditions, concurrent substance use issues, their symptoms and integration of illness into their lifestyle.


7. Provides treatment services including crisis intervention, individual counselling and education according to a variety of theoretical models to clients and their informal support network as required by methods such as assessing situation, eliciting concerns, exploring emotional response to illness, identifying goals and expectations, reviewing client and family learning needs, assisting with understanding of illness, teaching coping strategies, and consulting with colleagues when required.


8. Initiates and participates in case conferences/meetings with clients, family, service providers and members of the interprofessional team for identification of client mental health issues, concerns regarding services and coordination, emergent issues, and discussion of on-going follow-up care to ensure a coordinated approach to treatment. Acts as client advocate to protect and promote clients' right to autonomy, respect, privacy, dignity, and access to information.


9. Consults and collaborates with members of the interprofessional care team including MH&SUS Physicians, Primary Care Providers (GP/NP), Team Coordinator, Clinical Nurse Educators, and other health care professionals/providers in the identification and resolution of issues, adjustments to care plans as required, and in regard to changes in client condition.


10. Documents assessments, care plan, observations, interventions, client/family responses, outcomes/evaluations, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures.


11. Maintains a safe environment for clients, visitors and employees by adhering to established safety and emergency practices and procedures and reporting any risks and anomalies to the Team Coordinator.


12. Identifies own learning needs/goals, reviews these with the Team Coordinator and engages in a variety of activities to meet these needs/goals.


13. Participates in research and quality improvement activities by identifying client care issues, collecting data, and identifying needs and recommendations for corrective action and changes to practices, procedures or protocols.


14. May be required to: plan, coordinate, and deliver educational sessions to clients and their family members on topics such as detoxification, relapse prevention, stress management, wellness, self care, problem solving and coping skills.


15. Performs other related duties as required.

Graduation from approved School of Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing.

Two (2) years recent related experience providing treatment services to individuals with mental health and/or concurrent mental health and substance use issues, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

• Ability to develop, plan and evaluate group therapy programs.


• Ability to complete initial and ongoing mental health and substance use client assessment and provide nursing care through appropriate/prescribed technical, therapeutic, safety type interventions including crisis intervention.


• Knowledge of mental illness and substance use treatment.


• Knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects).


• Counselling and group facilitation skills.


• Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to mental health and substance use practices.


• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with clients, families/care givers, the public, medical staff and members of the interprofessional care team.


• Ability to promote person-centered care that demonstrates empathy for clients/families/care givers, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, including advocacy for special populations.


• Ability to educate clients and families/care givers about topics essential to their health care and well-being.


• Ability to organize and prioritize work.


• Ability to collaborate with and promote cooperation among members of the interprofessional care team.


• Ability to use factual information and basic principles and procedures to support nursing decisions and actions with relevant research-based evidence/evidence-informed practice.


• Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications.


• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.