Forensic Services Officer, Maximum and Multi-Level Security, Forensic Psychiatric Services

Forensic Psychiatric Services Officer Role

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Forensic Psychiatric Services Officer to join our team. As a Forensic Psychiatric Services Officer, you will be responsible for providing safe and secure escort services for court remanded and maximum security persons to other facilities, including secure facilities, hospitals, and specialists outside of the hospital.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide safe and secure escort services for court remanded and maximum security persons to other facilities.
• Assume custody and transport persons in custody from outside agencies to the hospital.
• Transport and escort persons to video court, as required.
• Search all persons in custody prior to escort to ensure they are not carrying any dangerous items or illegal substances.
• Consult with clinical staff and other resources to determine the security risk and classification of in-custody patients.
• Apply restraining devices, such as handcuffs, belts, leg irons, and belly chains, as required.
• 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 breach or patient escape.
• 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 persons in custody in aggressive and/or volatile situations to diffuse the situation and reduce the escalation of aggression.
• Provide direction to and maintain custody of patients 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 areas and other areas.
• Search visitors for the same and confiscate contraband, cataloging, destroying, and/or retaining it in a secured area for evidentiary purposes.

Requirements:

• 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.
• 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 behavior 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 restraining uncooperative, hostile, or violent persons.
• Commitment to develop knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in 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.
• 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).
• 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.

What We Offer:

• Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families.
• 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.

About Us:

(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:

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 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-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.