Forensic Services Officer, Maximum and Multi-Level Security - BC Mental Hea

at  PHSA

WHAT YOU BRING

Qualifications

• Grade 12, plus two (2) years recent related experience in a secure correctional or mental health facility, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Completion of a recognized defensive tactics course including training in the use of force, metal detection, search, and seizure. Occupational First Aid Level 2.
• Eligible for appointment as a Special Provincial Constable. Current CPR certificate and valid BC Class IV Driver’s license.

Skills & Knowledge

• Working knowledge of applicable legislation and statutes such as the Criminal Code of Canada.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and effective interpersonal skills including the ability to control and direct hostile/aggressive behaviour of persons in custody.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Solid understanding of the use of force and applicable legislation as it relates to the able to retrain uncooperative, hostile or violent persons.
• Commitment to develop knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents – including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study – and how they intersect across the health care system.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

WHAT WE DO

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.
BCMHSUS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently marginalized groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’kula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.
Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities. PHSA must uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents such as including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

• Provide safe and secure escort for court remanded and maximum security persons to other facilities, including secure facilities, hospitals and specialists outside of the hospital; assume custody and transport person in custody from outside agencies to the hospital; transport and escort person to video court, as required; search all person in custody prior to escort to ensure the person is not carrying any dangerous items and/or illegal substances to ensure the safety and protection to the public and employees of the other agencies.
• In support of the clinical risk assessment of in-custody patients, consult with clinical staff and other resources to determine the security risk and classification of in custody escorts including determining appropriate security precautions; apply restraining devices such as handcuffs, belts, leg irons and belly chains and/or other restraint devices or techniques as required when providing patient escort and security services; ensure required documentation is available for the escort of persons in custody.
• Respond to and investigate all instances of escape including the search and custody of persons who have escaped the hospital; work with local police in the event of an emergency security breaches and/or patient escapes; maintain building and ground security by incorporating regular patrols, maintaining and monitoring alarm systems, communication systems, safety and emergency equipment; provide staffing training in the use of alarm systems, procedures and selected restraint equipment; ensure only authorized vehicles enter and leave the facility.
• Interact with person in custody in aggressive and/or volatile situations to diffuse the situation and reduce the escalation of aggression by utilizing appropriate de-escalation and safe non harmful control techniques consistent with existing policies and procedures to secure patients on escort who may become agitated in order to maintain custody and ensure the safety of the public.
• Provide direction to, and maintain custody of patient while in court; exchange information with outside agencies such as Police, Fire Departments, Coroners Office, Sheriff Detachments and Corrections as appropriate; provide security services for BC Review Board members and other visitors such as court reporters, lawyers and other hospital staff; support the multi-disciplinary planning and coordination of security plans for the transport of patients with other agencies for all high profile cases.
• Perform and maintain lock-down of all hospital corridors by securing and monitoring movement of all maximum security and high risk individuals; screen for illicit materials and/or substances in the hospital, holding area and other locations; perform ward sweeps and searches utilizing technology as appropriate to confirm the presence of illegal substances/materials or items in holding area and other areas; search visitors for the same; confiscate contraband and catalogues, destroy and/or retain contraband in a secured area for evidentiary purposes.