Forensic Psychiatrist - BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Psychiatrists and Psychologists with BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS), a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority, report dually to the BCMHSUS Medical Director and to the senior leadership team for their area of service(s). Medical professionals work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams supporting specific services: the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, regional clinics, and the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT). Teams in forensic psychiatry support adults with complex mental health and substance use issues who are involved in the criminal justice system.

Working within Forensic Psychiatric Services, the focus will rely on experience in this area of care, along with the assessment and management of substance dependence and mental health issues. A high level of collaboration is used for management of patients through recovery, rehabilitation, as possible, reintegration into the community. As part of the Forensic Psychiatric Services, medical professional team members provide specialized forensic psychiatric and psychological assessment and treatment services to the courts, the BC Review Board, and to the custody and community branches of BC Corrections.

• Complete comprehensive assessments including assessing risk to re-offend, upon referral by reviewing the legal orders to ascertain the stage of proceedings and the nature of the assessment requested; interpret assessment results and develop treatment recommendations within formal reports for submission to the courts of law.
• Participate in treatment planning conferences, considering a holistic model of care for individual clients and interdisciplinary approach to care.

• Support the ongoing education of the Forensic Psychiatry team through sharing your extensive hands-on experience and background in treating complex clinical problems.
• Cross-appointments as faculty at the University of British Columbia are encouraged, with aim to further the knowledge of mental health treatment in the forensic population across the province.

• Lead planning and implementation of care and treatment through innovative services and delivery models, developed by collaborative, cross-service professional teams, e.g. the new Forensic Assertive Community Treatment team (FACT).
• Join BCHMSUS in its provincial leadership of system-wide improvement through various initiatives including research, academic teaching, and health promotion.

Interested Candidates will have obtained fellowship standing in the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada in Psychiatry along with a certification in Forensic Psychiatry subspecialty and an active interest in academic forensic psychiatry or accepted equivalent. Candidates must be eligible for licensing with the College of Physicians & Surgeons of British Columbia.

Applications, accompanied by a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, and the name, title, rank and contact information of four references, should be directed to:

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) 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: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

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.