Forensic Services Officer, Surrey Mental Health Unit, Surrey BC – Correctional Health Services

Job ID 2434898_pl355 Date posted 07/04/2025

Forensic Services Officer

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Surrey, BC

Eleven (11) Regular Full-Time Positions Available.

What is the Surrey Mental Health Unit?

The focus of care in this space will be mental health stabilization of the clients with serious mental illness and certified under the MHA at Correctional Health Services (CHS) with a valid form and form Care planning will consider the following components: intervention, ongoing evaluation and monitoring of psychiatric presentation, and initiation of substance use treatments including withdrawal management if required. We believe there is no health without mental health and this unit supports this by delivery care to clients that is person and family centered, seamless and integrated, and recovery oriented.

Watch this video to learn about working with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services! ”

What you’ll do

• As sworn Special Provincial Constables under the BC Police Act, FSOs provide overall security of the MHU through the administration of a variety of safety and security systems such as personal protective alarm duress system, and video surveillance, sign in registry and the fire monitoring system; ensure access control remains current for approved individuals; monitor and ensure the integrity of the physical and legal boundaries of the Surrey Pre-trial Services Centre.
• Monitor the movement and activities of persons in custody that have been certified under the (MHA) with an active form and form style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In support of the clinical risk assessment of in-custody patients, consults with and supports clinical staff and others to ensure appropriate security precautions are implemented safely, such as those outlined in patient specific intervention plans.
• Search, patients for the same; and confiscate contraband and catalogues, destroys and/or retain contraband in a secured area for evidentiary purposes.
• Interact with persons in custody and those on escort in aggressive and/or volatile situations to diffuse the situation and reduce the escalation of aggression; secure patients who become agitated utilizing PHSA approved de-escalation and safe non harmful control techniques in order to maintain custody and ensure the safety of staff/public and patient(s) both within the hospital and in the community.
• Respond to medical emergencies as designated OFA personnel by bringing emergency equipment such as medical emergency bag and defibrillator to the scene; provides first aid and/or CPR as needed.
• Provide safe and secure escort of persons to video court and other facilities, including secure facilities, hospitals and specialists outside of the hospital; assume custody and transport persons in custody from outside agencies to the hospital; coordinate the movement of persons in custody from secure units to and from sheriffs, law enforcement and/or other transporting agencies; apply restraining devices such as handcuffs, belts, leg irons and belly chains and/or other restraint devices or techniques as required; support the planning and implementation of security plans with other agencies for all high profile cases.

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 a course 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 V Driver's license.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services contexts 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, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
• 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.).

Skills & Knowledge

• Working knowledge of applicable legislation and statutes such as the Criminal Code of Canada and Mental Health Act.
• Ability to exercise effective interpersonal skills including the ability to control and direct hostile/aggressive behaviour of persons in custody while maintaining self-control.
• Ability to exercise good judgement, make quick decisions and give instructions or directions in emergencies.
• 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.
• Ability to exercise and display compassion and understanding for patients.
• Knowledge of the principles of the criminal justice system.
• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the 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, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

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.

What we do

(BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.

BCMHSUS program is part of 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.

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.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs:

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and 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 excluded groups identified under the Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at .

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the 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.

Attention current employees of PHSA:

You must apply via your internal profile at .

The internal job posting expires on July 11, 2025 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at .