Qualified Person Safety Officers

Position Overview

The Qualified Persons Security Personnel (QPSP) are hospital employees and licensed security guards, who are specifically trained to support a safe and secure healthcare environment, particularly emergency departments/urgent care centers, which are specifically staffed to provide mental health care services. A QPSP will receive site provided specific training to enable them to protect vulnerable mental health patients and the care team with skills for event de-escalation, securing and protecting patients. QPSPs can receive custody of individuals awaiting an involuntary medical examination or psychiatric assessment who have been escorted to the facility by police, typically under a Form 3. Once level of supervision and safety criteria is met, police may be released to perform duties in the community.

Training/Designation
QPSPs will receive training to the provincially adopted, and Manitoba Health approved training program for QPSPs. Upon initial demonstrated and ongoing competence, they will be designated by the SDO as a Qualified Person under the Mental Health Act. Ongoing re-training will be provided by the SDO, and with ongoing demonstrated competence they will maintain their designation.

Personnel must:

• Successfully complete the QPSP Training Program and maintain their ability with annual retraining.
  Violence Prevention Program Emergency Mental Health First Aid Use of force and de-escalation Customer service training Indigenous and cultural sensitivity training
• Be designated as an QPSP (under the Mental Health Act).

The training and designation program will be comprised of a testing process, which includes but is not limited to: written test, job performance and security screening.

Experience

• Minimum 1 year (2080 hours) experience as a Security Patrol Officer or equivalent.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Post-Secondary education or experience in a related field required.

SPECIAL TRAINING:

• Successfully complete Qualified Persons training and demonstrate competency in order to be designated as per the Mental Health Act. Must also be able to demonstrate ongoing competency and capacity in order to maintain that designation as per the program requirements.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Possess and maintain a valid Manitoba Security Guard license.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.

Qualifications and Skills

• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Clear Criminal Record, Child Abuse Registry, Vulnerable Sector Checks – maintained regularly throughout the course of employment.
• Self-motivated including the ability to take due care and responsibility while working alone and unsupervised.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with a focus on customer service and public relations.
• Ability to remain professional in elevated situations and make sound decisions under stressful conditions.
• Demonstrated understanding and competencies regarding Use of Force, Use of Force Continuum and all applicable legislation (i.e., Criminal Code of Canada, Trespass Act) as it relates to the ability to restrain uncooperative, hostile or violent persons.
• Working knowledge of issues facing hard to serve populations, including but not limited to: homelessness, vulnerable persons, addictions, crime prevention, and public safety.
• Competence in an Indigenous language and/or knowledge/lived experience in Indigenous customs, traditions, and values is an asset.
• Will be required to complete cultural safety training required by the employer.
• Knowledge of healthcare and community resources in order to support clients.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism and make sound decisions under pressure.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the position. Position requires a considerable amount of walking, standing, and the physical ability to restrain or evict unauthorized individuals.
• Physical ability to carry out duties of the position.