Investigator, Investigations

Full-time, contract (12 months)

Position summary

Reporting to the manager, investigations, the investigator has direct responsibility for investigation and case management of complex files involving serious matters with a particular focus on the College’s complaints and discipline processes pursuant to the Health Professions Act (HPA). In addition, the investigator conducts investigations into allegations of unlawful practice of medicine and unauthorized use of reserved titles. The investigator also conducts off-site visits along with the manager to monitor compliance with limits and conditions placed on physicians.

This position calls for the ability to act with a high degree of independence, accurate decision-making, and the ability to demonstrate initiative and sound judgment as to what is escalated to senior management and when.

Duties and responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• investigate and manage serious complaint and investigation files including a detailed review, planning, analysis, and initiation of appropriate investigative steps
• investigate allegations of unlawful practice of medicine and work with counsel on files involving injunction and search-and-seizure applications
• conduct office visits and interviews to ensure physicians are in compliance with practice limits and conditions and investigate alleged breaches of conditions
• implement an organized approach to active investigations and file management by establishing criteria to be met at each stage of the review
• prepare for and conduct investigative interviews with complainants, witnesses, and other relevant parties
• draft and present investigative reports to the senior management team and the Inquiry Committee
• draft correspondence, submissions, legal memorandums and other documents in accordance with College procedures and standard investigative procedures
• research and analyze case facts and properly cite legal authority, when required
• be involved in the preparation, processing and exchanging of information on highly sensitive, privileged and confidential matters, and interaction with law enforcement authorities, health authorities and other third parties
• assist with the development and implementation of policies, procedures and work standards to achieve and enhance consistency/efficiency
• interact with senior management team and the College Board and committees in relation to complaint, discipline, and other investigation matters
• attend and participate in monthly legal meetings and other internal meetings
• perform such other duties, functions, and responsibilities as assigned by the manager, investigations and the deputy registrar, chief legal counsel

Skills and qualifications

Required skills and qualifications include:

• paralegal certificate or diploma preferred
• five years of work experience in an investigative capacity within a legal environment, preferably in a self-regulatory or an administrative law environment
• experience with decision writing and familiarity with legal and medical terminology
• working knowledge of administrative law principles and procedural fairness
• proven ability in conducting in-depth interviews together with experience in evidence gathering
• excellent communication skills
• excellent writing ability including legal drafting and editing
• proficient at internet search and legal research software databases such as Westlaw®, LexisNexis®, and Quicklaw®
• advanced technology skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access
• ability to work with discretion in preparing and handling privileged and confidential information, with strong attention to detail
• critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving abilities
• ability to take direction, and work both independently and as a team member
• ability to multitask and prioritize a large workload effectively in a fast-paced environment and simultaneously balance competing priorities
• professional demeanour while communicating with internal and external parties
• demonstrated high level of initiative
• ability to demonstrate strong work ethic and initiative in a team environment
• ability to exercise good judgment in recognizing scope of authority and protecting confidential information a must

The compensation range for this position is $66,847 to $83,559 per year.

The College is committed to our ongoing journey to be a diverse, equitable and inclusive place to work. All interested applicants, regardless of age, family or marital status, physical or mental disability, race, colour, religion, place of origin, and ancestry, Indigenous identity, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation political belief, socio-economic background, criminal conviction or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, are strongly encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in the recruitment and selection process.

The College values the strength diversity brings to our workplace, so if you’re excited about a career at the College but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with the current job postings or you are not ready to apply yet, we encourage you to create an employee profile in the careers portal and our HR team will be able to see your skills and proactively match you with other roles more closely aligned to your experience and skillset.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interview will be contacted. 

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC is located on the unceded and traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking peoples―the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-ulh Sníchim speaking peoples―the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.

We acknowledge the rights and title of BC First Nations whose territories span across the province. These territories recognize that laws, governance, and health systems tied to lands and waters have existed here since time immemorial.