Legal Counsel, Legal Services

Job No: CPSBC144
Location: Vancouver, BC

POSITION SUMMARY

As a key member of the College’s legal services, the role of legal counsel encompasses a broad range of responsibilities including advising the College on a variety of legal matters related to relevant legislation, College operations, and policies. Reporting to the chief legal counsel, the individual will oversee all legal matters in accordance with the Health Professions Act (HPA), College Bylaws, policies and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

  • advise and assist various departments within the College on legal matters
  • analyze policies and assist in drafting and refinement of the College’s professional standards and guidelines
  • advocate and represent the College in injunction applications and other litigation matters before the Supreme Court
  • perform such other duties, functions, and responsibilities as assigned by the College’s chief legal counsel
  • liaise with Health Professions Review Board (HPRB) executive director on general policy and procedural matters relating to the College and maintain effective working relationship between the agencies
  • liaise with BC health regulatory organizations and participate in working groups to facilitate development of inquiry discipline and registration procedures that are transparent, objective, impartial and fair

Complaints and practice investigations department support

  • engage in process analysis and systems enhancements with view to ensuring efficient resource management and compliance with legislation and HPRB guidelines
  • advise and respond to requests for legal opinions relating to complaint intake and triage, requisite authorizations for release of confidential information, alternative dispute resolutions opportunities and public notification of outcomes post disposition of complaint matter

Registration department and Registration Committee

  • provide ongoing advice and support to the registration department with respect to a variety of matters, including but not limited to, legislative interpretation, applications for registration, the imposition of limits and conditions on licensure, matters before the HPRB, and registration department policies/procedures
  • attend meetings with applicants/registrants and prepare committee members for registrant/applicant interviews before the committee

Inquiry Committee

  • attend Inquiry Committee meetings and provide legal advice and support regarding legislative interpretation, relevant legal precedents, charging standard and statutory options available for disposition of complaints
  • investigate and synthesize facts and legal issues for written and oral presentation to Inquiry Committee regarding range of complaint files
  • review minutes and resolutions arising from the meeting and draft post meeting correspondence setting out reasons and directions for the Inquiry Committee
  • where remedial or disciplinary action is directed, draft undertakings, reprimands, citations, orders, consent agreements, and press releases
  • advocate and represent College at Discipline Committee hearings, working with external legal counsel where appropriate

Bylaw amendments

  • assist College departments with Bylaw interpretation and amendments
  • draft amendments to the College Bylaws
  • collaborate with the College’s registrar and the Ministry of Health regarding proposed Bylaw amendments
  • ensure compliance with statutory notice periods regarding the proposed amendments
  • collaborate with the communications and public affairs department regarding the posting and notification of the Bylaw amendments to registrants and other regulatory authorities

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required skills and qualifications include:

  • LLB and member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia
  • minimum of five years’ recent practice experience and previous work experience in administrative law, preferably in the area of professional regulation
  • ability to handle a heavy, complex, diverse caseload in a fast-paced legal environment with multiple in-house clients and competing demands
  • capability 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 research skills and excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
  • excellent leadership and communication skills
  • ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and collegially and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia has been recognized as one of BC’s top employers since 2011 and one of Canada’s top 100 employers since 2014. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees. We offer an excellent working environment, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package.

All applications for this position must be submitted online at https://www.cpsbc.ca/about-us/careers    

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

Click here to download the job description. 

How To Apply

All applications for this position must be submitted online 

Please read through all of the questions; you may wish to prepare your responses in a Word document before you start filling out the fields below. 

To begin the application process, complete the questions below. You will have the opportunity to attach your resume and other documents on the next page. Note: You must submit your resume online. Ensure you have your resume ready to attach. 

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

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College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia