As the regulatory body for social workers in British Columbia, BCCSW acts within its statutory authority to develop and administer policies, procedures and practices that reflect the mandate of the College, which is to serve and protect the public by superintending the practice of social work in British Columbia. Founded in 2008, BCCSW is governed by a 12-member Board comprised of four public members and eight elected members from over 6,700 province-wide registered social workers.
General Overview:
Working under the direction of the Registrar and the Inquiry Counsel, the Inquiry Program Coordinator (the “Coordinator”) is a full-time permanent position, based out of the BCCSW’s offices located at Vancouver. The Coordinator oversees the intake and initial investigation of complaints concerning Registered Social Workers in accordance with the BC Social Workers Act, Social Workers Regulation, BCCSW bylaws and other applicable legislation. The Coordinator is responsible for a broad range of support including managing the preliminary intake of complaint files in accordance with BCCSW processes, assessing the information gathered and drafting intake reports for review by the Registrar. The Coordinator also provides a first point of contact for queries about potential complaints from the general public and registrants. Like all BCCSW employees, the Inquiry Legal Assistant will be expected to support BCCSW’s strategic priorities, duties & objects to serve and protect the public by implementing, maintaining, and enhancing the processes of regulating professional social workers in BC.
Key Responsibilities:
Under the leadership of the Registrar and Inquiry Counsel, and as per established performance standards, the Coordinator is responsible for the following key responsibilities:
- Provide primary administrative support to and coordinate the complaints and investigations program of the College, liaising with Inquiry staff and other departments as required.
- Collaborate with Inquiry Counsel to review the status of complaints, assign files to investigators, and provide ongoing support to the Inquiry team.
- Manage the Complaints email inbox and phone lines, and respond to general inquiries from the public and registrants about potential complaints and complaint procedures and direct them as needed to the appropriate department or staff member.
- Conduct thorough preliminary inquiries for complaints received in accordance with BCCSW policy and procedures, analyse and collate gathered information into intake reports for the review of the Registrar and Inquiry Counsel.
- Prepare accurate and professional correspondence to complainants, registrants and other stakeholders as needed from templates or on the direction of the Registrar or Inquiry Counsel.
- Collaborate and work with the Registrar, inquiry Counsel and other staff to ensure that complaint files progress through the different stages in the process in a timely manner and that complaint and communication timelines are managed and maintained.
- Collaborate, as appropriate, with the office of external legal counsel to prepare for legal hearings of the Inquiry Committee and Discipline Committee, and other matters.
- Manage, record and process requests under freedom of information in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, preparing releases for review by Inquiry Counsel and the Registrar.
- Maintain accurate and confidential files and database systems for the Inquiry department and College archives.
- Monitor post investigation agreements including posting and managing publications of complaint and discipline outcomes on the website and the online registry of the College.
- Accurately track and report on the metrics for complaints and investigations, create and maintain spreadsheets of up-to-date statistics
- Set agendas for committee meetings, assist in the preparation and uploading of committee and Board documents in a timely and professional manner
- Attend meetings of the Inquiry Committee, take minutes, and draft correspondence of committee decisions
- Provide administrative support to the chair of the Inquiry Committee as needed
- Schedule and coordinate the annual calendar for Inquiry Committee meetings, ensuring that invitations are provided to committee members and staff
- Coordinate the preparation and publication of information and articles relating to the Inquiry department and complaints, in the College newsletter, the annual report and the website.
- Ensure timely, effective, and efficient implementation of BCCSW bylaws, regulations, policies & procedures as they relate to complaints and discipline.
- Contribute to collaborative efforts to identify and implement process improvements that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the complaints administration functions of the College.
- Assist with special projects including but not limited to, gathering information, conducting environmental scans, and preparing reports or policies.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
BCCSW Indigenous Relations Behavioural Competencies:
BCCSW staff are supported to learn and demonstrate the following Indigenous Relations Behavioural Competencies commensurate with their experience and role at the College.
- Understanding one's thoughts, feelings, values and background through self-discovery and awareness including how one’s thoughts, feelings, values and background impact the success of their interactions and relationships with Indigenous peoples.
- Increasing one’s ability to build and maintain respectful and effective relationships with Indigenous peoples through sustained learning and development including direct exposure to cultural and community ways and being willing to learn how diverse ways of thinking and acting can ensure the success of the College.
- The ability to work respectfully, knowledgeably, and effectively with Indigenous peoples through cultural agility including creating a sense of safety and by transforming feelings of nervousness or anxiety into curiosity and appreciation.
- Championing the achievement of intended, real change that meets the enduring vision of Indigenous self-determination in British Columbia through change leadership including learning from elders and leaders, routinely energizing the change process, and removing barriers to change.
Educational, Work Experience and Competency requirements:
- Post secondary education in a relevant discipline. Completed Legal Administrative Assistant certificate or paralegal certificate (preferred).
- Minimum three years of administrative experience in a professional setting requiring exceptional customer service, experience in social work or with a regulatory body is preferred. Experience as a law clerk or paralegal is also considered an asset.
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to clearly and effectively convey complex regulatory information, utilizing applicable legislation, regulations, bylaws, and policies, including strong English language spelling, grammar and punctuation, and superior attention to detail.
- Legal writing experience within the regulatory sector or a government organization would be an asset.
- Technically savvy with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, CRM database systems and Adobe products.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Social Workers Act and related regulations, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and principles of administrative law, is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to multitask and prioritize work based on organizational needs
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and independently and effectively manage time and competing priorities based on organizational needs.
- Experience working within a cloud database environment is considered an asset
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, fostering a positive work environment
- Experience interacting and working with boards, committees, and taskforces is an asset.
- Analytical thinker with the ability to assess information quickly and make valid, reliable, evidence-informed decisions
- Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, demonstrating cultural sensitivity, awareness and respect in interactions particularly in working with Indigenous peoples and other diverse communities.
What We Offer:
The salary range for this position is $45,220 – $59,800. In addition to the base salary, the College also provides pension contributions to the Municipal Pension Plan, competitive annual vacation and family responsibility leaves, membership in a generous extended health and dental benefits plan, and support for ongoing professional development.
How to apply:
Please email your cover letter and resume in a Word or PDF file to [email protected] and we kindly ask that applications be sent by email only—no fax or mail applications, please.
We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in BCCSW and will be contacting applicants selected for an interview.
BCCSW is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender (including gender expression and gender identity), sexual orientation, age, weight, religion, creed, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Qualified applicants from equity seeking groups who would contribute to the diversification and shared vision of the organization are strongly encouraged to apply and self-identify within their application.