Provide urgent individual and group clinical response and psychotherapeutic services to adults with mental health and addiction issues.
Participate in planning and assessment of community resources and client needs.
Liaise with relevant community services.
Link the ASTAT program with other service agencies.
Provide consultation and education on ASTAT and group psychotherapy services to other service providers.
Maintain clinical records.
Deliver services as part of an interdisciplinary therapeutic team under the Team Lead and Coordinator of Access and Crisis Services
Requirements summary
Master's Degree in a health-related discipline from an approved post-secondary institution.
Minimum two (2) years of recent related experience working with adult acute clientele in a mental health and addictions facility or related field (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
Experience with crisis intervention, urgent response, short-term therapy, and group psychotherapy.
Significant understanding of substance use issues, substance use assessments, the change process, and community dynamics.
Knowledge of psychiatric disorders and applicable legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Adult Guardianship Act.
Valid BC Driver's License.
Knowledge of non-violent crisis intervention.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to work independently with initiative.
Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team and carry out the duties of the position.
CRC required (criminal record check)
Master's Degree in a health related discipline from an approved post-secondary institutionInterdisciplinary team collaborationCrisis interventionNon-violent crisis interventionTeaching skillsPublic relationsDecision making and problem solvingOperating related equipmentUrgent responseSubstance use assessmentConsultation and educationProblem-solving processesClinical record keepingGroup psychotherapyShort-term therapyCommunication (verbal and written)Planning and organizing workloadComputer literacy (Windows-based software)Treatment of addiction and mental illnessHarm-reduction focused modelClinical assessment and judgmentClient-centered holistic approach to careRespect for client rights, values, and preferences
Job description
Close Date Jul. 3 2026 Location Salt Spring Island Health Unit (SSHU) - Salt Spring Island, BC V8k 1T1 CA (Primary) Work Area (FBA Only) Multi-Site No Travel Requirement Travel between multiple sites may be required Shift Start Time/End Time 0830-1630 Days Off Weekend/Stats Vacancy Type Temp FT Salary Range (Hourly Rate) $44.85 - $56.02 Paid FTE 1.0 Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS 75 Planned Start Date Jul. 13 2026 Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY) Jan. 4 2027 Pending Return of Incumbent Yes CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check) Yes
Job Description
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Reporting to the Team Lead and as part of the therapeutic team under the Coordinator of Access and Crisis Services; Adult Short Term Assessment and Treatment Program (ASTAT) within Island Health and working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the ASTAT Clinician provides urgent individual and group clinical response and psychotherapeutic services to adults with mental health and addiction issues. The ASTAT Clinician participates in planning and assessment of community resources and client needs, liaising with relevant community services, linking the ASTAT program with other service agencies and providing consultation and education on ASTAT & Group Psychotherapy services to other service providers and maintaining clinical records.
Qualifications
Education, Training And Experience Master's Degree in a health related discipline from an approved post-secondary institution. Minimum of two (2) years of recent related experience working with adult acute clientele in a mental health and addictions facility or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Experience with crisis intervention, urgent response, short-term therapy and group psychotherapy work. Significant understanding of substance use issues, substance use assessments, the change process and community dynamics are essential. Knowledge of psychiatric disorders and applicable legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Adult Guardianship Act is required. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered. A valid BC Driver's License is required. Skills And Abilities
Demonstrated advanced competence in the treatment of addiction and mental illness congruent with the organization's framework and standards within a rehabilitation/recovery, harm-reduction focused model.
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to plan and organize workload and establish priorities.
Ability to work independently and to show initiative and creativity in clinical practice.
Ability to show sound judgment, decision making and problem solving.
Demonstrated organizational, problem solving and teaching skills.
Demonstrated judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy.
Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to carry out the duties of the position.
Knowledge of non-violent crisis intervention.
Knowledge of and ability to implement problem-solving processes.
Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of community and facility contacts.
Ability to provide a client-centered holistic approach to care.
Proven assessment, care, planning and coordination skills.
Ability to respect client's rights, values and preferences including multi-cultural issues.
Operate a personal computer with a variety of Windows based software.
Foster good public relations.
Operate related equipment. Link to Full Job Description https://jd.viha.ca/JD4468.pdf Additional information for applicants Additional Clauses Requisition CA Health Science Professionals Affiliation/Union BCGEU
Market context
Mental health clinician roles in BC
In British Columbia, ASTAT clinician roles are typically tied to adult acute mental health and addictions services, where employers look for recent hands-on experience and a graduate-level health background. Competition often centers on candidates who can show strong assessment skills, crisis response experience, and comfort working with complex adult clientele. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit, then tailor your application to highlight acute-care and addictions experience.
