Forensic Psychologist, Minimum and Medium Security Units, BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services – Vancouver, BC

Job title: Forensic Psychologist, Minimum and Medium Security Units, BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services – Vancouver, BC

Job description: Forensic Psychologist

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Vancouver, BC

What you’ll do

• Complete comprehensive psychological assessments, including the assessment of risk to re-offend upon referral by reviewing legal orders to ascertain the stage of proceedings and the nature of the assessment requested. Consult with the interdisciplinary team, which may include the assigned psychiatrist, case manager, nurse, psychiatric social worker, and psychologist assistant as necessary to determine the nature of the assessment. Review police reports and previous psychological, nursing, psychiatric, and social assessments. Determine the appropriate battery of psychological testing to be administered to the offender. Arrange and conduct psychological interviews with various individuals and other relevant collaterals. Advise the accused person regarding issues of consent and confidentiality/non-confidentiality. Supervise and/or administer psychological testing and interpret the results.
• Prepare comprehensive written psychological reports that include descriptions and interpretations of psychological testing and formulation of a psychological profile with recommendations for treatment and management of risk-related behaviors. Psychological Reports must be prepared at a standard for submission to the Courts or the BC Review Board.
• Participate in treatment planning conferences relating to persons who have been referred for assessment by providing input from a forensic psychology perspective on a variety of issues related to the patient.
• Provide testimony as an expert forensic psychology witness in the Courts or BC Review Board hearings in support of psychological assessments by researching, studying, and understanding complex legal and clinical issues related to relationships between psychological factors and criminal behaviors. Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of forensic psychology issues and expertise in risk assessment and risk management tools and the relationship to criminal behavior. Establish through education, experience, and reputation recognition by the courts as an expert witness in forensic psychology. Be able to withstand intensive and extensive cross-examination intended to diminish status as an expert witness or destroy credibility or accuracy of facts, testing formulations, conclusions, and recommendations contained in written reports.
• Participate in research in relevant areas of forensic psychology by assisting in the development of design and outcome studies. Assist in data collection and analysis. Work with institutions of higher learning in major research undertakings. Prepare research papers for publication and presentation at relevant psychiatric and psychological conferences. Maintain an up-to-date review of relevant research in issues of forensic psychology.
• Provide direction to psychological assistants and supervise residents and trainees in clinical psychology by apprising assistants and trainees of complex legal issues inherent in forensic psychology. Assign cases and determine appropriate psychological testing to be applied. Monitor accuracy and quality of testing processes and interpretation of results. Participate in evaluation of work performance and identify areas of weakness and strength. Ensure opportunities for training and hands-on experience. Liaise with training supervisors at institutions of learning.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD. or PsyD) in Clinical Forensic Psychology or Clinical Psychology with experience in a forensic and/or tertiary-level mental health context.
• One (1) year direct clinical experience performing diagnostic assessment and treatment of adults in a forensic or tertiary-level mental health setting including risk assessment, cognitive behavioral therapy or other relevant assessment and treatment modalities.
• Current registration with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia, or secured within 18 months of hire.

Skills and Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of psychology including risk assessment and risk management, developmental theories, family and social dynamics, treatment and behaviour management modalities and psychological testing and interpretation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the justice system, complex legal issues and other forensic matters.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated specialized expertise in treatment approaches for violent offenders, sexual offenders, or other specialized forensic psychology issues, including the evaluation of the accused person’s response to treatment initiatives.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities related to trauma informed and culturally safe practices.
• Broad knowledge of the service delivery system for offenders and their families at the local, regional and provincial level.
• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.)

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular Part-Time (0.40 FTE)

Wage: $53.27-$66.53 per hour

Location: 300 – 307 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1P8

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Hours of Work: 08:00-16:00

Requisition: #155566

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

(BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.

BCMHSUS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority ( ) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs:

PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of November 20, 2023 . If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.

Labor Agreement Health Science Professionals

Requisition # 155566E-2408280

Work Site 307 West Broadway, #300, Vancouver, V5Y 1P8

Job Type Regular, Part-Time

Salary/Rate $53.27 – $66.53 / Hour

FTE .40

Hours of Work 08:00-16:00

Work Days TBD

Expiry Date 09-Dec-2023

Click Here to Apply

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