Paralegal

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Summary of Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director/Deputy Registrar, Inquiry, Discipline and Monitoring (IDM) and under the guidance of internal Legal Counsel, and/or IDM Directors, the Paralegal obtains, drafts, prepares, and organizes information, documents, and records to facilitate the work of the Registrar and Inquiry Committee. This includes investigations, legal research, Freedom of Information requests, pre-hearing applications, section 35 (Health Profession Act) proceedings, discipline hearings, and matters related to allegations of unauthorized use of title and unauthorized practise of nursing and midwifery.

The Paralegal also coordinates the BC College of Nurses and Midwives’ (BCCNM) response to matters before external bodies such as the Health Professions Review Board (HPRB), the Ombudsperson, and the Human Rights Tribunal.

Scope and Complexity

The Paralegal applies the Health Professions Act (HPA), the Health Professions Occupations Act, the Health Professional Review Board Rules and Guidelines, the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FOIPPA), the Administrative Tribunals Act (ATA), and related legislation in carrying out responsibilities.

Internally, the Paralegal works closely with Legal Counsel, IDM staff, and members of the Inquiry Committees on complaints investigations, Freedom of Information requests, section 35 proceedings, discipline hearings, and HPRB requests for review. The Paralegal’s work is supervised by IDM Directors and Legal Counsel.

Externally, the Paralegal liaises with a wide range of external parties, including the HPRB, employers, applicants, registrants, external counsel, registrant/applicant counsel, complainants, public safety and health agencies, witnesses, and members of the public.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Executive Director/Deputy Registrar, Inquiry, Discipline and Monitoring. This position does not have any direct reports.

Duties & Accountabilities

1. Supports investigation of the unauthorized use of title and practise of nursing and midwifery by interviewing and gathering information via verbal and written communication, organizing and analyzing materials, providing written summaries, sending outcome letters, and assisting with processes related to injunctions, using a trauma-informed, culturally safe, culturally humble and anti-racist approach.
2. Supports the exchange and analysis of inter-jurisdictional information, including gathering information via verbal and written communication, in preparation for hearing under section 39.1 of the Health Professions Act and related legislation.
3. Supports the information-gathering, analysis, redaction, and response to information requests internal to BCCNM, and external to BCCNM pursuant to court processes or the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and related legislation.
4. Obtains, reviews, analyses, and summarizes transcripts or other relevant documents, police records and court material relevant to IDM matters.
5. Under the supervision of internal Legal Counsel, prepares materials (e.g., citations, book of documents, book of authorities, all evidentiary material, draft affidavits, and pleadings) for disciplinary hearings, section 35 proceedings, court proceedings. As required, participates in legal proceedings and hearings by transcribing details of direct and cross examinations for immediate access.
6. Responds to requests for information in compliance with FOIPPA and the HPA/HPOA. Reviews and collates documentation to determine what information can be released to third parties, assessing for privilege and confidentiality. Drafts correspondence and escalates to Legal Counsel as required.
7. Under the direction of internal Legal Counsel, the Executive Director/Deputy Registrar or IDM Directors, 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 for legal counsel review.
8. 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 clean set of records that are accurate redactions and appropriately provided to the correct parties prior to disclosure.
9. 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.
10. Creates and maintains a filing system for key documents such as legal counsel advice, legal precedents and opinions, documentation and materials related to HPRB reviews and hearings.
11. Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning related to Indigenous cultural safety and humility and supporting organizational actions towards addressing Indigenous-specific racism in BC’s health care system.
12. Fosters and maintains an organizational culture that promotes mutual respect, teamwork and service excellence.

Effort

The approach to various aspects of the work may vary depending on what is required. Responsible and accountable for own work. Collaborative working under the guidance of internal Legal Counsel, Directors and the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a Paralegal program or a relevant undergraduate (BA) degree, plus experience supporting legal counsel; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, including paralegal training.
• Three to five years’ experience in an in-house legal setting, law firm, or regulatory body with significant drafting experience supporting board, committee, or other communal decision-making processes.
• Demonstrated experience conducting investigations and applying trauma-informed principals and practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Strong organizational 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.
• Ability to work to time constraints and meet tight deadlines.
• 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.
• Advanced skills with MS Office required. Experience with MS CRM Dynamics and MS SharePoint.
• Interviewing and transcribing skills are a strong asset.
• Experience with and knowledge about discipline hearings an asset.
• Experience in a regulatory environment is an asset.
• Knowledge of the Health Professions Act, the Health Professions Occupations Act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, Health Professions Review Board Rules and Guidelines is an asset.
• Knowledge of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous people in social and health contexts, including social, economic, political, and historical realities impacting Indigenous communities and knowledge of Indigenous-specific anti-racism and accompanying reports (e.g. The Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), the In Plain Sight Report (2020), and Reclaiming Power and Place’s Calls for Justice (2019)) is an asset. 
• Demonstrated understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural humility as they apply to health care is an asset.