Institutional Safety Officer

Position Overview

The Healthcare Institutional Safety Officers (ISO) are hospital employees and licensed security guards specifically trained to respond, protect and enforce requirements to achieve safe patient care and healthcare work environments, especially in facilities with high frequency of response to behaviors in acute and forensic mental health units. The ISO enforces bylaws and additional statutes under the Institutional Safety Officer program, working cooperatively with healthcare professionals, law enforcement and other stakeholders to provide a collaborative enforcement and patient care model.

Responsibilities include enforcement, prevention, intervention, and education of applicable legislation within the healthcare facility. ISOs daily encounter and respond to high‑risk situations in sites with documented violent behaviors. ISOs are also trained to have the Qualified Persons designation under the Mental Health Act and can maintain safe custody of intoxicated persons under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act.

Healthcare ISOs will receive training approved by Manitoba Justice. Upon demonstrated competence, they will be designated by the SDO as an ISO under the Police Services Act and as a Qualified Person under the Mental Health Act. Ongoing re‑training will be provided by the SDO to maintain their designations.

• Successfully complete the ISO Training Program and maintain annual retraining.
• Be designated as an ISO (Peace Officer status as per Manitoba Police Services Act – Amendment).
• Successfully complete intermediate weapons training and ongoing certification authorized by Manitoba Justice.
• Successfully pass the Physical Abilities test.

• Prior security, law enforcement, military or related experience required.
• Minimum 1 year (2080 hours) experience as a Security Patrol Officer, Qualified Person or equivalent.

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Successfully complete the Healthcare Institutional Safety Officer training and demonstrate competency for designation under the Police Services Act.

• Successfully complete Qualified Persons training and demonstrate competency for designation under the Mental Health Act.

• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.

• Self‑motivated with the ability to take due care and responsibility while working alone and unsupervised.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a focus on customer service and public relations.
• Ability to remain professional in elevated situations and make sound decisions under stressful conditions.
• Demonstrated understanding and competencies regarding Use of Force, Use of Force Continuum and all applicable legislation (e.g., Criminal Code of Canada, Trespass Act).
• Working knowledge of issues facing hard‑to‑serve populations (homelessness, vulnerable persons, addictions, crime prevention, public safety).
• Competence in an Indigenous language and/or knowledge/lived experience in Indigenous customs, traditions, and values is an asset.
• Will be required to complete cultural safety training required by the employer.
• Knowledge of healthcare and community resources to support clients.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Clear Criminal Record, Child Abuse Registry, Vulnerable Sector Checks – maintained regularly during employment.

• Minimum physical requirements aligned with national standards for safe response to resistance and training.

This position requires a current satisfactory Criminal Records Check (including Vulnerable Sector Search), Child Abuse Registry Check, and Adult Abuse Registry Check as conditions of employment. The successful candidate will be responsible for any service charges incurred. A security check is considered current if it was obtained no more than six (6) months prior to the start of employment.