Psychologist, Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI)

Detailed Overview

The Psychologist is in charge of psychological services for the Early Psychosis Intervention Program and is responsible for the provision of a full range of psychology services within a multidisciplinary team that provides mental health services to the community.

Provides expertise including assessment, diagnosis, intervention and evaluation in conjunction with team members and existing community care networks.

Reports clinically to the Clinical Practice Leader, Psychology. This position may be required to work at more than one site within an assigned geographic location.

Responsibilities In charge of psychological services for the assigned program, coordinates the development, management and provision of psychology services through methods such as analyzing treatment needs and establishing and maintaining policies, procedures and guidelines.

Provides psychological treatment to individuals and families with serious mental health problems by selecting from an array of treatment approaches that seems most suited to the client's needs, personality and level of functioning.

Provides rehabilitative treatment through collaboration with the multidisciplinary team for training and / or social rehabilitation of clients with persistent mental illness.

Conducts assessments through a variety of modules including interviewing, behavioural, observation, self-report inventories and psychologist administered test batteries.

Provides a comprehensive oral and / or written assessment of client functioning that may include specific information on any of the following areas;

intellectual, neuropsychological, emotional, personality, psychopathology, interests and aptitudes. Provides formal and informal consultation to staff / community psychologists, other multidisciplinary team members, other health care facilities, and students.

Duties include reviewing client / family needs or a specific client's progress, problem solving and providing guidance / knowledge in the management of a client and information regarding the appropriate usage of psychology assessment and testing tools to facilitate a conducive learning environment and ongoing staff development.

Offers consultation to colleagues on assessment and treatment issues, which may involve a direct consultation as with a formal assessment, co-therapy, or a discussion with colleagues over concerns regarding a particular client.

Acts as a senior non-medical therapist for clients with complex issues. Participates in the short and long-term planning for the assigned program through methods such as evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment within the program, identifying opportunities for change and formulating recommendations for quality improvement to ensure optimal outcomes are met.

Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team by participating in team meetings, participating in the decision making process as it relates to team functioning and provision of service, and attending clinical / case conferences for client reviews, admissions and discharges.

Produces and maintains confidential client clinical records in accordance with established standards and procedures; writes timely and accurate reports of relevant observations and evaluations of care to ensure continuity of communication and full client documentation.

12. Participates and promotes educational programs on therapeutic and assessment techniques. 13. Initiates and carries out program evaluation in consultation with Manager or assigned program Coordinator by suggesting hypotheses, identifying relevant variables, formulating a research design and carrying it out.

14. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from a recognized university.

Current registration with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia. Three years recent related experience in the provision of mental health services including adolescent and youth mental health or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Valid Class V BC Driver's licence and possession of a personal vehicle with business insurance coverage. Ability to be in charge of a psychological service.

Comprehensive knowledge and skill in working with adolescents with mental health problems, family therapy, and group therapy.

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the diagnostic criteria pertaining to psychiatric diagnosis and early psychosis.

Demonstrated knowledge of family dynamics and family systems theory, crisis intervention, child protection and related legislation, and the full continuum of services available to youth and families.

Demonstrated knowledge of the development stages of an individual within the family life cycle and the related psychosocial issues that may occur.

Demonstrated knowledge of developmental theories, family and social dynamics, treatment and behaviour management modalities and psychological testing and interpretation.

Ability to prepare comprehensive written assessments. Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation. Demonstrated sound knowledge of the service delivery system at the local, health authority and provincial level.

Demonstrated ability in implementing policies and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to deal effectively with others including the ability to work in a team and client-focused environment. Demonstrated ability and skills to provide effective therapy to adults with various mental disorders.

Ability to plan, implement, organize and prioritize work. Ability to operate related equipment. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.