Workplace Violence Prevention Specialist

Reporting to the Director, Occupational Health and Wellness, the incumbent is responsible for developing and implementing programs to prevent and respond to workplace violence, including assessing risk, investigating incidents, developing and delivering de-escalation training using a variety of teaching methods and technologies.

This position will collaborate closely with the Learning & Organizational Development team and Unit/Department leads across the organization in planning for the engagement of staff, managers and senior leadership in the development of a positive safety culture in their area of responsibility. The role will also focus on creating and adapting learning materials and programs to meet the needs of adult learners including overseeing CPI/GPA/Crisis Intervention training for the organization.

They will consult and educate front line staff and managers on addressing patients with responsive and/or aggressive behaviours including huddling on topics such as restrains application and de-escalation skills. They will also assist with monitoring performance, safety incident reports and achievement of indicators and development of action plans to address areas of concern.

Contribute to safe, quality care by

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations regarding workplace violence prevention.
• D evelop, implement and maintain workplace violence prevention programs, policies, and procedures, including delivering training programs for employees on recognizing, preventing, and responding to workplace violence.
• Conduct workplace violence risk assessments to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities.
• Investigating incidents and conducting debrief with multidisciplinary team.
• Advise management on workplace violence prevention strategies.
• Support front line staff and managers on addressing patients with responsive and/or aggressive behaviours including huddling on topics such as restrains application and de-escalation skills.
• Maintain accurate records of workplace violence incidents, investigations, and training activities.
• Prepare reports and recommendations on workplace violence prevention efforts.
• Monitor performance, achievement of indicators and development of action plans to address areas of concern.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of workplace violence prevention and training programs.

What must you have?

• Graduation from a recognized degree or diploma program in Occupational Health & Safety, Nursing, Behavioural Sciences, Social Work, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience managing de-escalation programs or workplace violence initiatives, directly handling, investigating, or debriefing incidents involving responsive or aggressive behaviours.
• Certified instructor status in a recognized crisis management/de-escalation program, such as CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute), GPA (Gentle Persuasive Approaches), or MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behaviour) or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Project management certification or demonstrated experience leading organization-wide initiatives and driving culture change within a complex, unionized workplace.

What else do you bring?

• Working knowledge of workplace violence prevention principles and best practices in healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and training programs (CPI/GPA/MOAB/Crisis Intervention).
• Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and advancing workplace violence prevention initiatives in a complex, unionized healthcare environment.
• Strong healthcare project management capabilities, ability to work autonomously and drive results in a fast paced environment
• Ability to manage implementation challenges and change resistance in complex environments.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills, including in depth knowledge of de-escalation technics.
• Ability to conduct thorough investigations and gather information objectively.
• Strong knowledge of adult education principles.
• Experience in developing and implementing training programs.
• Proven experience in delivering and facilitating training sessions in person and online.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven attendance record.
• Demonstrates understanding and complies with patient and staff safety policies and procedures that foster a safe and inclusive environment for all.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the job.
• Effectively uses empathy in interactions with others.
• Demonstrates behaviours consistent with Mackenzie Health’s Commitment to Caring.
• Models behaviour that is aligned with the values of Mackenzie Health – Excellence, Leadership and Empathy.
• Commitment to providing an exceptional experience for staff and clients within a challenging and exciting health care environment.
• Demonstrates understanding and complies with patient and staff safety policies and procedures that foster a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Preferably, Your Profile Also Includes

• Diploma or certificate in adult education preferred.
• You may be required to work at any site of Mackenzie Health

Mackenzie Health is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer committed to providing accommodations for applicants upon request at any stage of the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Our hiring process does not involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants.

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

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