In 1986, a small group of human rights activists and mental health workers gathered in Vancouver to support the flood of refugees arriving from the armed conflicts in South and Central America. They founded the Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST), and this dedicated group of volunteers built what would become BC’s largest center for refugee mental health. Today, VAST works with refugees from over 100 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Our programs and services are offered in over a dozen languages, including Arabic, Farsi, French, Mandarin, and Spanish. We support the mental health of refugees who arrive in British Columbia with psychological trauma as a result of torture, political violence, and other forms of persecution on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
We facilitate the healing process for 1,500 survivors of torture each year, and their families, by providing accessible and culturally appropriate individual and group counselling and therapeutic services. We also provide psycho-legal documentation and support refugee claimants through the asylum process, and are called in to work with Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada when relevant. Canada is a signatory to the UN’s Convention Against Torture (1985), and the Refugee Convention (1951), both of which oblige us to protect the rights of survivors of forced displacement, including the Right to Rehabilitation, and to provide safe haven to those who at risk of persecution. VAST is an active member of the International Rehabilitation Council for Victims of Torture (IRCT), the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR), and the Canadian Network for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (CNSTT).
Founded on the conviction that ‘healing is an act of resistance’, for 38 years VAST has employed a province-leading model of trauma-informed mental health service provision. Our work has created and sustained a resilient, inclusive community amongst newcomers, and over more than half of our team identify as survivors themselves, and their voices are represented at all levels of our organization. We do not believe in working alone, and our mission supports a range of advocacy and capacity-building activities to strengthen BC’s mental health sector for newcomers, and encourage understanding of our work amongst government institutions. In so doing, we relieve demand on the BC healthcare sector, especially in dense urban and more isolated rural areas of BC. VAST is more than a healthcare provider and is known throughout BC as a convener of voices with lived experience of torture and trauma, and an influential advisor to multiple levels of policy makers and practitioners.
Salary: To be determined, commensurate with experience, local certifications, and billable hours
Status: Part-time Temporary Contractor
As a psychiatrist at VAST you would participate in the VAST clinical and community mental health team in collaboration with other members across disciplines, in a trauma-sensitive and client-informed environment. Responsible as needed to provide psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for individuals who have fled their home countries due to persecution, violence, or other traumatic experiences.
Assessment:
Conduct psychiatric assessments to understand the mental health needs of refugee patients, considering their cultural background, trauma and torture history, and current symptoms.
Diagnosis:
If relevant, utilize diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to accurately diagnose mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, and others.
Treatment Planning:
Develop individualized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each refugee patient, which may include medication management, psychotherapy, or referrals to other specialists or community resources.
Medication Management:
Prescribe and monitor psychotropic medications to alleviate symptoms and improve overall mental well-being, ensuring culturally sensitive approaches and considering potential barriers to medication adherence.
Psychotherapy:
Provide evidence-based psychotherapy interventions, or culturally adapted interventions, to address trauma-related symptoms and promote resilience.
Collaboration:
Collaborate with other members of the multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, clinical counselors, expressive arts therapists, social workers, case managers, and interpreters, to ensure holistic and coordinated care.
Cultural Competence:
Demonstrate cultural humility and sensitivity in working with refugee populations, recognizing the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that may influence mental health treatment outcomes.
Community Outreach:
Engage in community outreach efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues among refugee populations, promote access to care, and advocate for culturally responsive services.
Documentation and Record-Keeping:
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of clinical assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
Continuing Education:
Stay updated on current research, best practices, and guidelines in the field of refugee mental health through participation in professional development activities, conferences, and continuing education courses.
