In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority, patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
Under the general direction of the Director, and consistent with the Ethics and Standards of the College of the Psychologists of BC, and Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission (FPSC), the Forensic Psychologist is responsible for providing psychological and/or neuropsychological services for persons ordered by the Court, certified under the Mental Health Act, or found unfit to stand trial or not criminally responsible on account of a mental disorder under the Criminal Code of Canada. Provides testimony as an expert forensic witness in the Courts or the BC Review Board in support of court-ordered or court-related psychological assessments and/or interventions; provides direction to psychologist assistants and supervision of clinical psychology residents and trainees; may participate in research in relevant forensic issues; and participates on FPSC committees pertaining to quality improvement and professional practice.
Duties/Accountabilities:
1. Completes comprehensive psychological 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; consulting 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; reviewing the police reports, and previous psychological, nursing, psychiatric, and social assessments; determining the appropriate battery of psychological testing to be administered to the offender; arranging and conducting psychological interviews with the various individuals, and other relevant collaterals; advising the accused person regarding issues of consent and confidentiality/non-confidentiality; and supervising and/or administering psychological testing and interpreting the results.
2. Prepares 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.
3. Participates 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.
4. Provides 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; maintains up-to-date knowledge and understanding of forensic psychology issues and expertise in risk assessment and risk management tools and the relationship to criminal behaviour; establishes through education, experience and reputation recognition by the courts as an expert witness in forensic psychology; and is 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.
5. May participate in research in relevant areas of forensic psychology by assisting in the development of design and outcome studies; assisting in data collection and analysis; working with institutions of higher learning in major research undertakings; preparing research papers for publication and presentation at relevant psychiatric and psychological conferences; and maintaining an up-to-date review of relevant research in issues of forensic psychology.
6. Provides direction to psychological assistants and supervises residents and trainees in clinical psychology by apprising assistants and trainees of complex legal issues inherent in forensic psychology; assigning cases and determining appropriate psychological testing to be applied; monitoring accuracy and quality of testing processes and interpretation of results; participating in evaluation of work performance, and identifying areas of weakness and strength; ensuring opportunities for training and hands-on experience; and liaising with training supervisors at institutions of learning.
7. Participating on committees of the FPSC by participating as chairperson or member of Forensic Psychology Committees; representing psychology and addressing issues in the planning, development, and implementation of assessment and treatment program initiatives; ensuring that psychological practices are consistent with the ethics and standards of the College of Psychologists of BC; and the policies, standards and practices of Forensic Psychiatric Services and the Provincial Health Services Authority; and assisting in the evaluation of qualifications of applicants for psychologist positions, psychologist assistants, residents/trainees, and contracted psychological services.
8. Providing general and specialized individual and group interventions for mentally disordered offenders by demonstrating expertise in general psychological treatment approaches for psychiatrically ill accused persons; demonstrating specialized expertise in treatment approaches for violent offenders, sexual offenders, or other specialized forensic psychology issues; ensuring initial and ongoing informed consent of the accused person; evaluating the accused person’s response to treatment initiatives, level of supervision appropriate to current psychological functioning, risk factors, and indicators for further offending during treatment; consulting with collaterals on issues of major concern; maintaining appropriate medical records in the approved Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission format; and preparing progress and discharge reports as required.
9. Participates in departmental/external meetings and in-services, and corporate initiatives by methods such as attending and/or leading meetings and providing relevant input to remain informed of departmental/practice activities and to contribute to the organization's initiatives.
10. Provides specialized forensic psychological assessment, treatment, and consultation services via Telehealth/videoconferencing technology on an as-needed basis when deemed appropriate and face-to-face service provision is not feasible.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience
- 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.
- 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.
- Ability to prepare comprehensive written assessments for the Courts, BC Review Board, and other referral sources.
- Ability to testify before the Court and BC Review Board as an expert witness.
- Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, develop/implement short-term and long-term objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team and to deal with others effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to initiate and carry out research and program evaluation.
- Demonstrated ability to provide clinical and professional supervision and to provide instruction and teaching.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work.
- Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
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