Forensic Services Officer, Maximum and Multi-level

Forensic Services Officer, Maximum and Multi-Level Security

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.
• 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 & 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.
• Commitment to develop knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments 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 - and how they intersect across the health care system.
• 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).

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, s