Clinician, Early Psychosis Intervention; EPI - Indigenous

Position: Clinician, Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) - Indigenous

Detailed Overview

In collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team, provides clinical and liaison services through an Indigenous lens to clients identified as First Nations, Métis and Inuit in community programs throughout the Fraser Salish region who are taking part in the Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Program. Incorporates traditional Indigenous models of health and healing into clinical assessment, planning care, treatment, consultation and follow-up, applying the Provincial EPI Standards and Guidelines and the Early Psychosis Carepath in a way that honours and respects cultural practices and protocols.

Utilizes the case management model including assessing clients' mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health and substance use status, formulating a plan of care, implementing planned care and evaluating outcomes. Provides assertive outreach for clients experiencing vulnerability due to barriers in accessing services. Shares knowledge with team members in caring for Indigenous clients, and provides mental health and substance use education to clients, families and communities.

Partners with clients, caregivers, facility managers and staff of relevant community and regulatory agencies, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Métis Nation BC, First Nations communities and Métis Chartered Communities. Participates in program planning, policy development, research and evaluation to develop and deliver culturally safe mental health and substance use services for Indigenous peoples. Reports clinically to same discipline Clinical Lead as required.

Responsibilities Functions as a primary therapist and case manager. Provides diagnostic client assessment, short- and long-term individual, group, and family mental health and concurrent disorder therapy, using a variety of interviewing, counselling and assessment methods in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and practices. Manages client cases and formulates treatment plans and goals with the client and their circle of care, in conjunction with appropriate facility staff, including joint care plans with facility Managers of Care, assigned agency staff, and other services.

Uses crisis intervention and outreach as required. In consultation and collaboration with local Indigenous communities, acts to enhance, maintain, and/or develop culturally safe and accessible health services for Indigenous clients, including organizing engagement and informational events as needed. 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, warm hand-over, and follow-up with appropriate community treatment programs and services.

Utilizes available community resources to develop supportive and rehabilitative programs for adult clients and their families. Makes arrangements for clients to be admitted to hospital when required, including on an involuntary basis. Provides client care linkages between community mental health and substance use services and acute care facilities, including liaising with tertiary and 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 community outpatient clinics and treatment programs. 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 and substance use services. Assesses clients for placement to and discharge from care facilities, including specialized care licensed facilities, family care homes, congregate care homes and semi-independent living units, by determining eligibility and type and level of care required.

Makes arrangements for client placement and care in care facilities by liaising with facility operators, placing client names…