Hybrid Legal Counsel, Investigations, Discipline, Monitoring

at College of Health and Care Professionals of BC

• Job title: Legal Counsel, Investigations, Discipline, Monitoring
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: CA$125,000 - CA$165,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Professional Certificate
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Canada

About the role

• Legal Counsel overseeing investigations and discipline at the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Support the fair processing of complaints and statutory reports within the IDM Department.

Responsibilities

• Advise and respond to requests for legal advice and opinions relating to intake and triage regarding jurisdiction, sufficiency of complaints/reports, acceptance of anonymous complaints/reports, concurrent proceedings, combining and separating matters, adjournments and delays
• Represent and advise the College in extraordinary action hearings under s. 35 of the HPA before a Panel
• Advise and respond to requests for legal advice and opinions relating to issues that arise in processing and investigating complaints and statutory reports
• Assist College staff with legal interpretation of Bylaws, Standards and Code of Ethics related to IDM matters and provide feedback on any proposed amendments to same
• Attend, as needed, Inquiry Committee Panel meetings to serve as “Staff Lead” or provide legal advice and support regarding legislative, bylaw, standards and codes of ethics identification and interpretation, legal precedents and procedural fairness
• Act as, assist or provide instructions to College counsel on matters forwarded to the Director of Discipline (HPOA)
• Assist in reviewing and drafting undertakings, reprimands, citations, orders, consent agreements, and public notices
• Represent and advise the College in matters before the Health Professions Review Board and the Supreme Court related to panel decisions
• Assist in creating new policies, processes and procedures under HPOA
• Advise on matters concerning the unauthorized use of protected titles and the unauthorized practice of restricted activities and identify those requiring legal action
• Promote teamwork and sharing appropriate information with staff in a timely manner
• Perform such other duties, functions, and responsibilities as assigned by the Director, IDM, Chief Regulatory Officer or Registrar (or the Registrar’s delegate)
• Identify and implement systemic changes needed to fulfil the College’s commitment to cultural safety and humility as well as social justice initiatives

Requirements

• LLB and member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia or eligibility for membership in same
• Minimum five-year call with direct experience in health profession regulation
• Knowledge of administrative law, procedural fairness and familiarity with medicolegal issues
• Ability to handle a heavy, complex, diverse caseload in a fast-paced legal environment
• Ability to work respectfully with staff at all levels and with committee members
• Ability to distill and analyze applicable law and to apply it to facts as presented
• Ability to review large quantities of evidence and procedures to advise on outcomes
• Ability to negotiate regulatory outcomes with defense counsel and unrepresented parities to achieve conclusion that will withstand HPRB scrutiny
• Ability to deliver timely legal advice to staff and committee members that is thorough, accurate, and comprehensible
• Ability to comprehend, retain and apply a body of law to advise on issues arising
• Superior interpersonal skills, able to work with colleagues to author and achieve policies and procedures that will withstand legal challenge
• Ability to multi-task within own area of responsibility and in support of other departments as required
• Ability to quickly identify legal issues and provide practical advice
• Ability to use initiative and take appropriate action when unforeseen circumstances arise
• Superior drafting and legal research skills and excellent writing skills
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and collegially and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Strong commitment to public safety and upholding the standards of professional practice.
• Awareness of the Health Professions Act and the Health Professions and Occupations Act and their application to the work of CHCPBC.
• Awareness of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019) and Action Plan (2022-2027) and their application to the work of CHCPBC, including awareness of a distinctions-based approach related to Indigenous Peoples.
• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), the In Plain Sight Report’s 24 recommendations specific to healthcare in BC (2020), and the 231 Calls for Justice in Reclaiming Power and Place: National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Final Report (2019) and how they intersect across the health care system.
• Commitment to ongoing learning related to Indigenous cultural safety and humility.

Benefits

• competitive compensation and an attractive benefit package
• flexible work environment that includes a hybrid/remote work model with an assigned schedule
• opportunities for personal and professional growth
• strive for work-life balance
• excellent and dynamic work environment where innovation, teamwork and creativity are highly valued