Job description
Status: Regular, Full-Time
Number of Positions: 1
Work Location: Hybrid (a combination of in-office and remote work)
What you’ll be doing
Reporting to the Executive Director/Deputy Registrar, Inquiry, Discipline and Monitoring (IDM) and working closely with Legal Counsel, the Paralegal drafts and organizes records and documents to facilitate the work of the Inquiry Committee, coordinates Inquiry Committee scheduling, and prepares material responsive to IDM-specific Freedom of Information requests. In addition, the Paralegal drafts and organizes material for discipline hearings, pre-hearing applications, section 35 (Health Profession Act) proceedings, and matters related to allegations of unauthorized use of title and unauthorized practise of nursing and midwifery.
The Paralegal also conducts legal research and interviews and coordinates the BC College of Nurses and Midwives’ (BCCNM) response to matters before external bodies such as the Health Professions Review Board (HPRB), Office of the Ombudsperson, Office of Information and Privacy Commissioner, and the Human Rights Tribunal.
Key responsibilities include:
- Under the direction of Legal Counsel, and in response to requests for information, the Paralegal collates and reviews all documentation to determine what information can be released to third parties, in compliance with FIPPA and the HPA. This may include assessing documentation for privilege and confidentiality, escalating to Legal Counsel when required, and drafting correspondence accordingly.
- Under the direction of Legal Counsel and in consultation with Committee members, legal counsel and inspectors, supports the Inquiry Committee’s statutory decision-making function by assisting with the drafting of decisions, and acting as the scheduling liaison for the Committee ensuring weekly meetings are appropriately organized in terms of subject matter and designation, and cataloguing decisions.
- Under the direction of Legal Counsel, the Executive Director/Deputy Registrar or the Directors, IDM, conducts legal research into case law, legal developments and precedents including verdict, penalty, costs, discreet questions that arise on investigation and discipline files, and drafting research memoranda and papers for review.
- Under the supervision of Legal Counsel, the Paralegal will provide additional support to IDM’s other paralegal who prepares materials for disciplinary hearings, section 35 proceedings and/or court proceedings.
- Under the direction of Legal Counsel, the Paralegal may be required to conduct interviews with registrants, witnesses and other parties in relation to complaints and/or hearings to clarify facts and obtain additional information.
- In consultation with and under the supervision of Legal Counsel, and in support of IDM’s other paralegal, coordinates BCCNM’s response to the HPRB applications for review, including preparation of the record for submission to the HPRB and organizes preliminary submissions to the HPRB. Ensures accurate redactions prior to disclosure.
- Maintains the record tracking system for interim risk management during investigation and prepares reports as needed. Ensures other program data is accurate and up to date.
- Assists where necessary in drafting decision documents, affidavits, pre-hearing applications, books of authority, minute and other correspondence to applicants, registrants, complainants, and third-party organizations.
Your education & skills
- Graduate of a Paralegal program or a relevant undergraduate degree plus experience supporting legal counsel; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, which can include paralegal training and experience and/or experience working in complaints, dispute resolution or discipline environments.
- Three to five years’ experience in a regulatory organization in support of boards, statutory committees, or other communal decision-making processes, or equivalent experience in government or other non-profit organizations.
- Excellent legal drafting skills required.
- Working knowledge and understanding of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is preferred.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Health Professions Act, Health Professions Review Board Rules and Guidelines, and the Administrative Tribunals Act (ATA) is preferred.
- Committed to practice that is culturally safe, aware and humble with a desire to participate in collective learning.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong research skills, good attention to detail and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to exercise good judgment in recognizing scope of authority and protecting confidential information.
- Demonstrated experience dealing with individuals at all levels in a professional environment.
- Proven organizational skills as well as ability to manage an independent workload while contributing effectively to the team.
- Ability to work to time constraints and meet tight deadlines.
- Effective interviewing and transcribing skills is an asset.
- Advanced skills with MS Office required. Experience with MS CRM Dynamics and MS SharePoint is an asset.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please apply online by 11:59pm on May 29, 2023. This opportunity will remain posted until filled; however, priority consideration will be given to those who apply by the deadline. To see a full list of our current opportunities or to learn more about working at the BC College of Nurses & Midwives, please visit our website at Careers at BCCNM.
Please note: BCCNM is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all College staff. Any employee hired must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must have a BCCNM approved exemption before beginning work for the College.
About the BC College of Nurses & Midwives
The British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (“BCCNM”) is the college empowered under the Health Professions Act to regulate the practice of all licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, registered midwives, registered nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses in British Columbia. Regulation helps to protect the public by ensuring that professional care or service received by the public is competent, ethical, and meets the standards that society views as acceptable.
As western Canada’s largest health profession regulator, we believe a diverse and inclusive team enriches our efforts to protect the public. We welcome applications from all who reflect of the communities we serve, and especially encourage Indigenous Peoples and members of equity-seeking groups to apply. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences bring both innovation and better outcomes to the work we do and the decisions we make.
About British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives
Revenue: Unknown / Non-Applicable
Size: 51 to 200 Employees
Type: Non-profit Organisation
Website: www.bccnm.ca