Primary Care Registered Psychologist - Mental Health Referrals

Status: Full-time, Permanent

Vacancies: One

FTE: 1.0

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: Calgary Zone  

The Calgary West Central Primary Care Network (CWC PCN) is a non-profit organization committed to a healthier future. We work alongside more than 475 family doctors to provide support for continuous health care.

We are seeking a Primary Care Registered Psychologist to provide mental health assessments and referrals for patients within the CWC PCN. In this assessment- and consultation-focused role, you will be a member of an interprofessional healthcare team utilizing collaboration, innovation and teamwork in the provision of primary care services.

This full-time permanent position offers a great work-life balance with all work being completed within business hours. It is also primarily a work-from-home position with occasional in-person responsibilities; therefore, the successful candidate must be located within the Calgary Zone or the surrounding area (e.g., Cochrane, Canmore, Airdrie, etc.).

Registration and membership with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) in good standing is required for this role. The successful candidate must be fully registered by the start date; however, the interview process can commence while the candidate is provisional. 

Responsibilities

Patient assessments and referrals

• Provide intake of physician referrals for needs assessment and screening of patients.
• Provide patient assessment and triage through 30–50-minute consultations.
• Provide care through digital health technologies (e.g., telephone, video).
• Demonstrate the expertise and skills to direct patients to the appropriate services, including the knowledge and expertise to support patients presenting with:
• Depression, anxiety, and stress
• Stress-somatization responses
• Sleep disturbances
• Chronic pain
• Self-management of chronic diseases and other health conditions
• Occupational problems
• Relationship difficulties including marital and child and family issues
• Bereavement, loss, and grief
• Substance abuse
• The needs of the elderly and their caregivers
• Screen patients for risk to self and others.
• Provide crisis management, intervention, and planning to support individual patient need.

Physician collaboration

• Engage with physician members providing consultative support for patient care. This may include direct physician consultation or as part of a patient’s care appointment.
• Ensure that patient care is communicated through same-day clinical notes within the patients’ electronic medical record. (e.g., efax)

Quality improvement

• Participate in the identification of new service requirements and address deficiencies in current services for the benefit of patients.
• Participate in program evaluation initiatives and submit data as required; provide timely and accurate information for team meetings, and prepare periodic reports, as requested, on program goal accomplishment.
• Participate in CWC PCN educational programs and interdisciplinary and staff meetings.

Education: A master’s level degree in counselling psychology or a related psychology degree is required. Additional certifications in mental health and chronic disease management are an asset. Professional education related to quality improvement (QI) in the workplace and on teams is an asset.

Experience: One – two years’ experience with providing care through digital health technologies (e.g., telephone, video) is required. One – two years’ experience independently assessing patients with mental health conditions to determine the best options for care and treatment is required.

Clinical experience in a primary care setting is an asset. Previous experience in patient teaching and with successful QI initiatives in the workplace and on teams is an asset.

Registration: Registration and membership with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) in good standing is required. The successful candidate must be fully registered by the start date; however, the interview process can commence while the candidate is provisional. 

Technical: Proficiency in computers, Microsoft Office Suite and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems is required. Experience in and/or willingness to learn platforms such as Pomelo and digital health is required.

Background check: A clear Criminal Background check with Vulnerable Sector check is required to start. If you have resided outside Calgary in the past 12 months, you will need to contact the local police or RCMP detachment in your previous residential municipality to be able to obtain a full report.

BLS: A current Health Care Provider CPR certificate (BLS Provider from the Heart & Stroke Foundation) is required.

Why work for us?

We have been recognized as an Alberta Top 80 Employer for 2024. Employees of the CWC PCN enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package that includes employer-paid premiums for health and dental benefits, health spending/wellness account, eligibility to contribute to our group RRSP plan and receive an employer match, flexible working options, generous vacation and personal time off allowances, education days, as well as professional development opportunities. 

The CWC PCN is a leader in the provision of primary care through collaboration, innovation, and teamwork, creating healthy patients and satisfied providers.

The CWC PCN is committed to providing a physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe environment for all workers, patients, and visitors. We are also committed to promoting policies internally that ensure team members across the organization feel they belong and can perform to their best capacity in a supportive and respectful work environment.

How to apply

To apply to this position, please submit your application to the posting on the CWC PCN website. When you apply, please include the following:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those who apply through the CWC PCN website will be moved forward in the recruitment process. This is a necessary step as we require important information from our application form.

Our hiring practices ensure that all qualified candidates are considered and decisions are merit-based. We invite applicants of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, ancestry, religious beliefs, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, age, family/marital status, and physical and mental disabilities.

The CWC PCN welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities or those needing an accommodation based on any other protected ground. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. To request an accommodation, please email careers@cwcpcn.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Posting will remain open until the role is filled.