Clinician, Geriatric Community Mental Health

Detailed Overview

Reporting to the Coordinator, Geriatric Program, the Clinician works as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide assessment, treatment, consultation and follow-up services to mentally ill elderly clients of special complexity and difficulty, and their caregivers.

This position is also required to provide liaison with relevant community agencies in the planning and development of services for the elderly, and participate in the provision of community education in matters related to older adults with age related mental health issues.

Responsibilities Provides clinical services to elderly clients and their caregivers referred to the team by screening and assessing referrals, completing comprehensive psychosocial assessments, contributing advice and expertise to recommendations, consultations and treatment planning in conjunction with other team members.

Provides treatment planning and interventions using a variety of psychosocial treatment modalities, crisis intervention and family counselling through home visits and outreach.

Collects collateral information for team assessments related to competency (personal and financial). Provides follow-up, ongoing monitoring of complex psychosocial situations, and referral services where required.

Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team by coordinating work and cooperating with members of the team including attendance at team meetings and relevant conferences.

Maintains clinical and statistical documentation according to established policies and procedures. Provides consultation, support and informal education to families and other informal caregivers of the clients.

Facilitates client and caregiver utilization of appropriate community services by keeping knowledgeable about other services and liaising with them.

Provides consultation and develops care and treatment plans for shared clients in cooperation with care facility staff, physicians, Home Health, Specialized Seniors Clinics and other appropriate partners.

Acts as an advocate on behalf of clients and their families. Maintains records and statistics, and prepares written reports according to policies and procedures.

Provides crisis intervention. Provides ongoing liaison with assigned facilities / agencies in the community on a regular scheduled basis.

Provides consultation and advice to colleagues and other teams. Interprets the role of geriatric teams to community groups and agencies.

Participates in Mental Health and Substance Use Services training and planning activities as required. Supervises students as caseload permits.

Provides consultation and education to referral agencies, care facilities and care givers towards improved care of the elderly with mental illness and represents the team on local committees and advisory boards as required.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Master's degree in Social Work, Clinical Counselling or other relevant health related discipline.

One year's recent, related experience with Geriatric psychiatry clients in a recognized psychiatric and / or community mental health setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Eligible for registration with relevant professional association. Valid Class V BC Driver's Licence and possession of a personal vehicle.

Skills and Abilities Demonstrated clinical skills in working with older adults with age related mental health issues. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, with professionals, clients and caregivers.

Ability to provide formal and informal education. Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams. Demonstrated ability to network with other services and agencies.

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

Good understanding of relevant legislation (i.e. Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship and Trustee Act, etc.).