Developmental Service Worker, Forensic Psychiatry Program

Forensic Psychiatry Program
Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care - St. Thomas, ON
Full Time

The Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health is a program providing specialized mental health care for patients found Not Criminally Responsible or Unfit to Stand Trial. The Forensic Psychiatry Program has adopted the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Model as its overarching philosophical framework. This philosophy is built on a set of principles and values that emphasize client and family involvement in decision making, client choice, the provision of a range of services to meet treatment, rehabilitation and support needs, and a commitment from mental health services' professionals to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients based on their stated preferences, wishes, desires and life plans. As part of the forensic system, this must also be accomplished within the parameters defined by the Ontario Review Board within each patient's Disposition order. The Forensic Psychiatry Program is also highly invested in both education and research and has various connections with the University of Western Ontario.

Using the principles of client centered care within the context of an interdisciplinary team approach, the successful candidate will provide care and support to adult clients ages 18 years and older with a dual diagnosis (intellectual disability and a mental health need or extreme behavioural challenge) in the forensic program. This will be part of specialized programming to support the care of dual diagnosis clients in hospital, but also in supporting their transition needs into the community. Using a behavioural model, the Developmental Service Worker will work alongside the Advanced Behaviour Analysts and Social Worker on the Forensic Dual Diagnosis and Engagement Team to apply and integrate behaviour support plans into the daily care for each client. In addition, the Developmental Service Workers collect behaviour data and provide feedback to the interdisciplinary team regarding the behaviour support plans and plan of care for each client. This will include supporting 2 transitional beds within the community currently being developed.

Essential Qualifications

• Developmental Service Worker Diploma
• Valid Ontario Driver?s License
• Ability to travel within the catchment area
• Strong working knowledge of the Mental Health Act
• Must be capable of establishing positive interpersonal relationships
• Ability to work collaboratively within an inter-professional team as well as the ability to function independently with clients with a predictable outcome
• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to form working therapeutic relationships with those we serve
• Demonstrate effective written documentation skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and strong organizational skills
• The ability to recognize the cause and meaning of abnormal behaviour indicative of a significant emotional and or psychiatric change and respond therapeutically
• Ability to apply effective body mechanics and meet the physical demands of the position
• Working knowledge of the principals of applied behavioural analysis
• Knowledge of a Safety Culture in a Health Care Setting in compliance with the OHSA

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in French would be an asset
• Minimum of 2 years of prior experience working with individuals with a Dual Diagnosis

Teaching and Research

• St. Joseph's Health Care London through its affiliation with Western University and Fanshawe College is a leading research and teaching hospital. As an employee of St. Joseph's you will be expected to engage in role related teaching and research activities in addition to any of your clinical duties

Immunization Requirements

• Provide documentation you have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine (primary series, boosters and/or XBB) OR one dose of XBB vaccine at least 14 days prior to the start date.
• Provide vaccination records or proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chicken pox)
• Provide documentation of the Tuberculosis skin testing

Your interest in this opportunity is appreciated. Only those under consideration will be contacted.