Job Specification

Purpose :

To conduct high profile investigations, inspections and audits for health care related incidents identified during investigations led by Correctional Services Oversight & Investigations (CSOI) of the Ministry of the Solicitor General (SOLGEN), Correctional Services.

Key Responsibilities :

Within an arm's length, independent division reporting directly to the Deputy Solicitor General. CSOI is responsible for investigations and inspections related to incidents within a business that operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. As designated by the Solicitor General under authority of the Ministry of Correctional Services Act (MCSA), Articles 22, 23, and 11(1) the position:

1. Investigations / Inspections:
-Conducts high profile administrative investigations of health care related significant incidents, contraventions and violations of ministry policy, legislation, regulations, directives, and standards of conduct to the may involve inmates, offenders under supervision, ministry employees, volunteers and service providers, through Level 1 and 2 response within the ministry's three tiered administrative and investigative response system.

2. Conducts:
- Inspections and investigations for all health care related violations identified and occurring within the ministry and any other place where ministry business is conducted which may be of concern to the Solicitor General and/or has the potential to effect the safety and relations within the community (e.g., including, but not limited to such incidents as related to quality of care, medical treatment, death of an inmate not involving staff, , etc).
- Identifies issues/matters of non-compliance with MCSA, inspects details of the concern, determines any breach of policy/procedure, assesses the scope and determines/undertakes the methodology needed to carry out an efficient inspection; plans and conducts in-depth interviews with civilians,
-Analyzes evidence obtained during investigations and inspections, including credibility of witnesses and prepares comprehensive reports which identifies all concerns raised;
-Upon request, evaluates and reports on issues with respect to the adequacy of ministry controls based on an informed and operational understanding of relevant processes and systems; alerts management to control issues requiring expeditious action.
-Provides assistance to counsel representing management, in the preparation of grievance hearings; as required, obtains additional evidence and provides all relevant investigative information to counsel; provides evidence under oath, subject to cross examination, before a labour relations tribunal, inquest, or courts of law, civil and criminal.
-May be called as a witness in judicial proceedings such as grievance hearings, coroner inquests, litigation, criminal trials etc.

3. Consultation / Communications / Relationship Management:
-Provides guidance and consultation to managers in institutions, offices and other locations where ministry business may be conducted, on optimum methods to promote and ensure compliance with ministry policy as well as on issues including ministry operational policies.
-Acts as a support and analytical resource on investigative techniques to those ministry staff tasked with less serious investigations and upon request, assist ministry staff in determining if there is sufficient evidence to substantiate concerns raised and to complete written investigation/inspection reports which are consistent in form and content with ministry standards.
-Liaises and coordinates with various law enforcement agencies and other correctional agencies in Canada and internationally, to collect and share information on investigations and discuss matters of mutual interest.

4. Special Projects:
Conducts/carries-out special projects or other related duties such as: lecturing at staff training sessions on investigative and inspection subjects, investigation/interview techniques and report writing; attends courses, seminars and training sessions related to the administrative and operational requirements of CSOI; provides back up to colleagues (e.g., Inspectors, Field Intelligence Officers, Use of Force Auditors) during peak periods or as assigned. The Manager has the right to assign additional responsibilities.

Knowledge / Skill :

Knowledge:
The position requires knowledge of / skills in:
-Designation as a Peace Officer with specialized knowledge of correctional operations, investigative techniques and procedures as well as interpretive knowledge of MCSA, and ministry policy, rules and procedures; specialized knowledge of correctional operations and investigative techniques and procedures, to: conduct administrative investigations and inspections, determine investigative/interview approaches, measure credibility of witnesses, and determine underlying emotions/issues.
- Thorough understanding of health care practices and standards with ability to analyze relevant information and documents, including medial records, reports, statements and transcripts.
-Ability to interpret relevant policies, legislation (e.g., Ministry of Correctional Services Act, Adult Institutions Policy and Procedures, Criminal Code of Canada), to conduct inspections, ensure compliance during the investigation process and to perform responsibilities within delegated authority under Section 22 of the Ministry of Correctional Services Act.
-The mandate of CSOI and institutional static and dynamic security, to conduct inspections and investigations within the CSOI mandate.
- Written communication skills, to prepare comprehensive reports/correspondence and other written material, as required.
-Oral communication skills, to conduct in-depth interviews, present reports and evidence in
court/inquiries/tribunals, lecture groups and to liaise with a variety of ministry staff and persons within the judicial and law enforcement fields.
-Computer applications, to extract and analyze information contained in computer programs; computer skills in word-processing, spreadsheet and email applications, to perform own work activities.

Interpersonal / Influencing Skill :

Interpersonal / Influencing Skills:
-Interpersonal and consultative skills as well as discretion and integrity, to provide consultation on optimum methods to promote and ensure compliance with ministry policy as well as on issues including ministry operational policies.
-Relationship management skills, to: work independently, ensure that appropriate contacts are made, act as a support and analytical resource on investigative techniques; liaise and coordinate with various law enforcement agencies and other correctional agencies in Canada.
-Influencing skills, to make recommendations for changes after analyzing impacts/options (e.g., completeness, validity, accuracy and confidentiality of findings, reports and recommendations to senior management 'which are derived from highly sensitive and contentious investigations and inspections).
-Interpersonal and influencing skills, to: deal tactfully and effectively with all levels of ministry management in order for findings to be implemented/provide advice and guidance in various areas which have a direct impact on Correctional staff.
-Presentation skills, to present findings impacting on operations, staff assignments, discipline and security or which may be utilized to identify the need for policy or policy change; provide general guidance on how to avoid or deal with similar situations.

Analyzing / Problem Solving Skill :

Analyzing / Problem Solving Skill:
The conducting of accurate investigations and inspections avoids: significant exposure to civil liability; wrong decisions made by the Solicitor General and Deputy Solicitor General; embarrassment to the ministry; adverse publicity and significant costs; inappropriate change to policy/procedures; the continuation of problems resulting in riots, assaults, deaths, etc.

Analyzing / problem-solving skills, to:
-Read body language, witness reactions; assess population moods and dynamics, cultural and inter-group conflicts; recognize hidden issues and determine appropriate methods to deal with same.
-Plan, coordinate investigative activities, analyze and recommend creative solutions to complex and often contentious investigative and compliance issues.
-Determine type and amount of information to be included in written and verbal reports; identify sub-issues, provide innovative and effective suggestions for the resolution of such issues.
-Make recommendations on change in policies and/or procedures (e.g., based on findings of very complex and contentious investigations involving health care practices). ' Objectively assess, accurately record and develop findings impacting subsequent discipline, legal proceedings, requirements under regulatory action and/or infringements upon public safety.

Decision Making / Responsibility :

Decision Making / Responsibility The position is responsible for:
-Conducting 'in accordance with the provisions and authorities of Section 22 of the Ministry of Correctional Services Act, investigations and inspections that involve significant and high-profile contravention and breach of ministry policy, rules and procedures involving ministry management and employees.
-Identifying potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk; for resolution of problematic issues, and in the future.
-Developing and presenting training/information seminars in order to ensure that appropriate staff (e.g., Security Managers, Assistants to District Administrators) are properly trained.
Position has wide autonomy and scope to exercise considerable judgement throughout the course of an investigation and inspection that involve significant and high-profile contravention and breach of ministry policy, rules and procedures involving ministry management and employees. In doing so, position:

Has latitude to:
-Perform investigations and inspections 'has delegated authority under the Minister and Ministry of Correctional Services Act.
-Interpret and apply legal and policy requirements in: determining sufficient evidence to substantiate a concern that is being investigated and the credibility of witness statements/evidence; analyzing and developing comprehensive confidential reports; developing and conducting training/information seminars.
-Identifying potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk; for the resolution of problematic issues and providing general guidance on how to avoid or deal with similar situations in the future to encourage and promote compliance.
Position works under the general direction of the Manager of Investigations. Work is performed within the broad framework of relevant legislative authorities and the mandate of the CSOI and its role as an arm's length independent division
Decisions are often made on the spot (e.g., how to push and how hard?) which may affect the outcome of the investigation/ inspection.

Contacts / Stakeholder :

Contacts / Stakeholders:
Internal
- Regular contact with senior ministry managers regarding progress of investigations and inspections that are of a sensitive and/or contentious nature 'which issues have a direct impact on Correctional Services management and employees.
- Occasional contact with the Solicitor General and/or Deputy Solicitor General, to provide advice that may affect the Solicitor General's or Deputy Solicitor General's position on issues that are in the public domain.
- Regular contact with staff and union officials regarding roles, responsibilities, obligations, rights, etc., during the investigation and inspection processes.

External
- Regular contact with various government and private agencies, police organizations, court and labour tribunal officials, to: obtain/provide investigative / -related information and assistance.
- Regular contact with members of the public, client/staff family members, advocates and legal representatives, to obtain/provide information and assistance regarding items of concern and/or investigations inspections.
- Occasional contact during the process of investigations/ inspections 'such as members of organized crime, bike gangs.

Guidance / Supervision :

Guidance / Supervision:
- Provides guidance 'through consultation, to managers in institutions, offices and other locations where ministry business may be conducted, on optimum methods to promote and ensure compliance with ministry policy as well as on issues including ministry operational policies. Provides Level 2 investigations/consultation.
- Acts as a support and analytical resource on investigative techniques to those ministry staff tasked with less serious investigations.