Forensic Services Officer

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
PHSA has a responsibility to deliver care to individuals in the provincial correctional system, and a responsibility to ensure that programs and services are free of Indigenous-specific racism. BCMHSUS is committed to the eradication of Indigenous-specific racism, embedding Indigenous Cultural safety and humility, and improving Indigenous health and wellness for those we serve.
The Forensic Services Officer (FSO) provides security for the facility, staff, and patients through the administration of security systems and practices. Supports clinical staff in the implementation of clinical risk plans. The FSO provides safe and secure escorts to all temporary absence clients who have been certified under the Mental Health Act (MHA) with an active form 4.1 and form 4.2. Assumes custody of patients and ensures the safety of the public and employees of outside facilities during on-site and off-site escorts; transports patients by vehicle to off-site locations; maintains the security of hospital personnel and responds to high-risk situations. The FSO performs other related security and protection duties/functions and liaises with outside agencies regarding security issues including the transport of persons to court and to other external agencies, as required.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. 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; ensures access control remains current for approved individuals; monitors and ensures the integrity of the physical and legal boundaries of the Surrey Pre-trial Services Centre.
2. Monitors the movement and activities of persons in custody that have been certified under the (MHA) with an active form 4.1 and form 4.2.
3. 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.
4. Searches, patients for the same; and confiscates contraband and catalogues, destroys and/or retains contraband in a secured area for evidentiary purposes.
5. Interacts with persons in custody and those on escort in aggressive and/or volatile situations to diffuse the situation and reduce the escalation of aggression; secures 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.
6. Responds 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.
7. Provides safe and secure escort of persons to video court and other facilities, including secure facilities, hospitals and specialists outside of the hospital; assumes custody and transports persons in custody from outside agencies to the hospital; coordinates the movement of persons in custody from secure units to and from sheriffs, law enforcement and/or other transporting agencies; applies restraining devices such as handcuffs, belts, leg irons and belly chains and/or other restraint devices or techniques as required; supports the planning and implementation of security plans with other agencies for all high profile cases.
8. Provides direction to, and maintains custody of, unrestrained patients while in court; exchanges information with outside agencies such as Police, Fire Departments, Coroner’s Office, Sheriff Detachments, correction facilities and other security agencies.
9. Assumes responsibility for all searches of patients to ensure the safety and protection to the public and employees of Correctional Health Services (CHS) and other agencies; performs ward sweeps and searches.
10. Assumes responsibility for securing valuables/personal effects of persons in custody and required documentation is completed.
11. Provides staff orientation and training in the use of alarm systems, access devices, searches and selected restraint equipment.
12. Ensures the safety and security of all contractors, professional and non-professional visitors on the MHU.
13. Coordinates and performs regular Panic Alarm System and other security system tests and prepares deficiency reports as required; may support other safety related activities such as fire drills.
14. Completes daily shift reports including all security, patient and staff safety incidents utilizing evidence notebooks and electronic reporting tools.
15. Trouble-shoots, prioritizes and initiates the necessary response for identified facility repairs.
16. Exchanges information with outside agencies such as Police, Fire Departments, Coroner’s Office, Sheriffs Detachments and Correctional Facilities.
17. Attends FPH team meetings for training and education, and more.
18. Responsible for the care and maintenance of FSO fleet vehicle(s). Maintains all vehicle logs, checks AEDs, First Aid and safety equipment.
19. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• 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 Abilities
• 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.
• Knowledge of the criminal court system including the application of court and other legal orders.
• Working knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of team.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Knowledge of Security Surveillance and control systems.
• A 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.