Forensic Services Officer, Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, BC Mental Health & 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

As sworn Special Provincial Constables under the BC Police Act, FSOs provide overall security of the facility through the administration of a variety of safety and security systems such as TRAKA key management, personal protective alarm duress system, Lenel access control, 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 Forensic Psychiatric Hospital.

Conduct regular security patrols around the facility buildings and perimeter and conduct the initial investigation into security-related occurrences, including potential threats of targeted violence.

Ensure that only authorized vehicles enter and leave the facility.

Monitor the movement and activities of persons in custody and visitors in outside areas, including supervised grounds, to ensure compliance with hospital policies;

perform and maintain lock-down of all hospital corridors, Sally Port, and other areas as required.

• In support of the clinical risk assessment of in-custody patients, consult with and support clinical staff and others to ensure appropriate security precautions are implemented safely, such as those outlined in patient-specific intervention plans.
• Screen visitors and record personal information of the visitor to ensure visitors are approved to enter the approved visiting areas;

disallow items and / or visitors from entering the visiting area, as required. Escort the public to and from the visiting area and, as required, remove visitors from the designated area, as appropriate.

Utilize technology such as the Narcotics Identification System (NIK) and X-ray scanners to confirm the presence of illegal substances / materials or items.

Scan mail and search visitors, patients for the same; confiscate contraband and catalog, 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 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.

Skills and 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.
• 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.