Forensic Services Officer - Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services– Coquitlam, BC

Forensic Services Officer, Maximum and Multi-Level Security Units

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Coquitlam, BC

What you’ll do

• 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.

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 and 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.
• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports
• 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 impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future.

That’s why we’re focused on your care too offering health, wellness, development programs to support you at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

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 () 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 :

PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation.

True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination.

Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.