Retired Police Officer Program (RPOP) - Mental Health Unit Constable

POLICE CONSTABLE – MENTAL HEALTH UNIT (EXTERNAL)

COMPETITION: 26HRV-053

SECTION:                                        Youth Services Section, Mental Health Unit

STATUS:                                           Retired Police Officer Program (RPOP) Contract / Full – Time

HOURS OF WORK:                        Shift work, including evenings, weekends, & statutory holidays

COMPETITION END DATE:          Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Responsible for working collaboratively with health services to provide outreach, crisis assessments, and stabilization through partnership programs with the goal of transitioning clients to community services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides support to healthcare partners through community-based outreach, client information sharing, investigations, and follow-up involving clients engaged in partnership programs.
• Supports patrol and other VPD sections on mental health-related matters.
• Makes referrals to mental health supports within partnership programs and other agencies.
• Assists in the management of client files related to partnership programs.
• Prepares documentation, evidence, and reports to support investigative and court processes, including search warrants and follow-up investigations.
• Provides guidance on mental health-related matters to police members, government agencies, and the community, including participation in meetings and presentations.
• Conducts risk assessments and, if necessary, apprehends and/or arrests individuals according to provisions in the Mental Health Act and Criminal Code.
• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to interact and develop positive relationships with individuals displaying or experiencing mental illness.
• Knowledge and application of the Mental Health Act and applicable federal, provincial, and municipal legislation.
• Knowledge of community agencies and services, and the ability to act as a liaison and resource.
• Understanding of the use of force continuum and applicable provisions of the Criminal Code.
• Ability to contribute effectively to team activities through the sharing of ideas, information, and expertise.
• Ability to maintain composure and performance while interacting with individuals of different backgrounds, personalities, attitude, opinions, and values.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, compassion, and sincerity when working with persons living with mental illness and their families.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

A retired officer applicant must satisfy the basic requirements to apply for a temporary experienced contract police officer position:

• Eligible to retire, recently retired, or a serving Canadian police officer within the last three years.
• Police recruit training provided by any of the following Canadian police training academies:
  • RCMP Training Academy (Depot); Ontario Police College
  • Chief Crowfoot Learning Centre (Calgary Police Service)
  • Edmonton Police Service, Basic Recruit Training
  • Lethbridge College
  • Winnipeg Police Service, Police Recruit Training Academy
  • Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
  • Saskatchewan Police College
  • École Nationale de Police du Québec
  • Atlantic Police Academy
  • Canadian Forces Military Police Academy or Justice Institute of British Columbia.
• Must not be the subject of any current Police Act allegations, Professional Standards investigations, Independent Investigations Office complaints or equivalent disciplinary processes in other provinces.
• Deployable to work patrol.
• Pass a medical exam to confirm fit for duty.
• Possess a valid Class 5 driver’s licence.
• Able to pass all elements of the on-boarding process, which includes, but not limited to, VPD use-of-force qualifications.

TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Crisis Intervention and De-escalation.

Preferred:

• Eight to ten years patrol experience.
• Previous experience working in a collaborative police and community-based mental health program.
• Post-secondary education related to psychology.
• Threat assessment training.
• Second language skills.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Maintain all required certifications, training, and qualifications: annual use of force
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with external healthcare professionals and partner agencies.
• Must participate in an annual High Stress Debrief session with a medical professional, paid for by the Department.