Case Manager, Community Mental Health & Mentally Disordered Offenders, Masters Degree - Abbotsford

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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.

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Utilizing the case management model and as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Case Manager provides clinical services to clients in Adult Community Support Services (ACSS) including services to Mentally Disordered Offenders (MDO). Takes the lead with MDO referrals to Community Mental Health. The Case Manager works closely with other members of the multidisciplinary team in assessing clients' mental health status, formulating a plan of care, implementing planned care and evaluating outcomes. Works in partnership with clients, caregivers, facility managers and staff of relevant community and regulatory agencies; participates in planning and developing mental health services and provides community mental health education.

1. Functions as a primary therapist and case manager, providing diagnostic client assessment and short and long term individual, group, and family therapy, using a variety of interviewing, counselling, and assessment methods, in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and procatcies.  Manages cases and formulates treatment plans and goals in conjunction with assigned agency staff, and other services including Probation Services.
2. Facilitates clients' utilization of appropriate community services and rehabilitative programs by performing duties such as researching available services, liaising with these agencies, providing related advice and consultation to clients and providing referrals to appropriate community treatment alternatives and services. Utilizes available community resources to develop supportive and rehabilitative programs for adults and their families. Makes arrangements for clients to be admitted to hospital when required, including on an involuntary basis. Makes phone calls to appropriate parties and necessary transportation arrangements.
3. Provides client care linkages between community mental health services and acute care facilities, including liaising with the Riverview Hospital, acute care hospitals, and the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital to ensure appropriate referrals of clients and to facilitate assessment and care planning for client discharge from hospital.  Liaises with Forensic Community Outpatient Clinic and collaborates with crown counsel or judiciary regarding special court processes as required.  Exchanges relevant client information and receives information about the status and background of clients who will be discharged or referred, in order to make necessary preparations for provision of a smooth continuum of care between acute care and community mental health services.
4. Provides support and direction to clients requiring enhanced case management by monitoring their mental health status and assessing their social adjustment and ability to perform routine life activities, including managing money and taking medication regularly. Provides follow-up care and services as required, including providing referrals to other healthcare professionals such as Recreational Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Psychiatrists. Updates the Clinical Coordinator on the status of client treatment and progress, as well as significant and unusual issues, developments, and circumstances.
5. Maintains client records and statistics, prepares reports, and completes forms as required, in accordance with Fraser Health policies and standards, including clinical record standards of Mental Health Services. Obtains consent forms for release of client information.
6. Advocates on behalf of clients, by performing duties such as providing clients with information about appeal processes, providing information about clients to relevant Ministries, and assisting clients to complete forms. Acts as a resource for clients and their families.
7. Provides education to clients, their families, and staff of residential facilities and other agencies, regarding community mental health programs and issues.
8. Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities for assigned area by performing duties such as participating in quality initiatives, providing feedback to the Clinical Coordinator about needs and gaps in programs and services, and suggesting solutions and initiatives to assist in the development and maintenance of a coordinated mental health care system within the community.
9. Participates as a member of local committees and advisory boards, including the Mentally Disordered Offender Committee, to provide and receive information as a representative of the Community Mental Health team, as required.
10. Participates in clinical research and program evaluation activities relevant to the needs of clients, families, hospitals, and the community, by providing information as requested.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience

Master's Degree in Social Work, Clinical Counselling or other relevant health related discipline. One (1) year of relevant clinical experience in either a hospital or community setting, including experience working with mentally disordered offenders, forensics or corrections, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.  Valid B.C. driver's license and access to personal vehicle for business related purposes.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated counselling, client assessment and case management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, including empathic and respectful communication appropriate to the situation.
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with clients, families, and members of the interdisciplinary team, and including the ability to effectively network with other services and agencies.
• Knowledge of Mentally Disordered Offenders referral and court diversion process
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and theories of Social Work.
• Knowledge of community resources and methods of accessing them.
• Comprehensive knowledge of emergency triage procedures, mental health status assessment, and counselling principles and interview techniques.
• Working knowledge of psychopharmacology, crisis theory, and de-escalation techniques.
• Working knowledge of DSM IV Multiaxil Diagnosis or International Classification of Diseases.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.