Job Title: Legal Counsel
Department: Legal, Policy and Records Management
Status: Part-time; Permanent
Location: Vancouver, BC; Hybrid
Who We Are
The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC, or the College) is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The College regulates over 12,000 health professionals, including chiropractors, massage therapists, naturopathic physicians, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and acupuncturists across British Columbia.
Formed on June 28, 2024, through the amalgamation of four provincial health profession regulators, the College was established as part of the Ministry of Health’s initiative to modernize the health profession regulatory framework in B.C. Its primary role is to protect public health and safety by licensing and regulating health professionals and the settings in which they practice. This includes ensuring that every health professional within its purview is fully qualified to provide safe and ethical care.
About This Employment Opportunity
The College is seeking a solutions-focused legal professional with exceptional judgment and a commitment to public protection to serve as Legal Counsel. This senior, part-time role (22.5 hours per week) requires a high level of legal expertise, analytical skills, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environment.
This position serves as the senior legal advisor on corporate governance, organizational policy, and legal issues impacting College operations. The Legal Counsel manages the provision of external legal services and ensures that all legal strategies and advice are integrated with organizational priorities and risk management frameworks.
The Legal Counsel provides legal advice on a broad spectrum of matters, including the Health Professions Act (HPA), Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), associated regulations and bylaws, Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), technology use and modernization, and other relevant legislation.
The role requires exceptional judgment, a high degree of political acuity, and the ability to advise in a dynamic regulatory environment.
It is essential for all College staff to contribute to a team approach with a public protection focus, delivering efficient services that align with and allow the College to meet its regulatory, strategic, and operational goals.
Supervisory and Reporting Responsibilities / Relationships
Reports to:
- Executive Director
Direct Supervision:
- Paralegal
Duties and Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)
- Supports the Executive Director and Registrar/CEO to ensure appropriate due diligence that informs the Board on legal matters.
- Provides advice and recommendations to various College departments with respect to the Health Professions Act (HPA), Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), College Bylaws, Health Professions Review Board (HPRB), Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), administrative law, and related processes.
- Advises on anti-discrimination policies and ensures alignment with British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as well as relevant legislation and bylaw compliance.
- Provides interpretation of the Bylaws to the Executive Director and Registrar/CEO and senior leadership team for the development and amendment of the Bylaws.
- Prepares policy analysis to support the development and amendment of College policies.
- Supports the review and drafting of agreements; and provides advice in relation to the agreements.
- Develops and advises on contractual terms with providers and agreements.
- Advises on Request for Proposal (RFP) processes including selection of providers.
- Supports staff in activities associated with college records and the College information and records management programs.
- Ensures compliance with statutory requirements relate to information access and privacy protection.
- Oversees access requests under FOIPPA and reviews disclosure packages and advises the Registrar/CEO on any outstanding or sensitive issues.
- Provides legal advice and support on employment-related inquiries, including but not limited to, human resources policies, workplace investigations, and employment contracts.
- Provides advice on general legal matters and responds to miscellaneous legal inquiries.
- Liaises and collaborates with government and other regulatory bodies on issues of legislation and regulation.
- Participates on various internal and external committees.
- Supports the Executive and Management teams in the implementation of short and long-term organizational strategies.
- Supports the Executive and Management teams to implement the operational plan for the execution of the College’s legal strategy.
- Provides advice and support to the College committees and regulatory programs regarding legislative interpretation, relevant legal decisions, obligations and authorities of the committees and preparing legal opinions for consideration by the committee.
- Provides ongoing legal advice and support on a broad range of matters, including but not limited to applications; the imposition of limits and conditions on registration or licensure; matters before the Health Professions Review Board (HPRB); complaints and investigations; and inquiries, discipline, or illegal practice matters, including those involving external legal counsel or the Office of the Ombudsperson.
- Provides support to other legal counsel or coverage as needed by assisting with the drafting of undertakings, reprimands, citations, orders, consent agreements, and/or press releases when remedial or disciplinary action is directed, in collaboration with relevant staff.
- Prepares legal opinions and drafts legal correspondence, resolutions and other documents as required.
- Works alongside external legal counsel in preparation for hearing and any interim proceedings in the event that a hearing is scheduled.
- Performs other duties, functions, and responsibilities as assigned by the Registrar/CEO.
Qualifications and Skills
- Practicing lawyer in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia or eligible for membership within a specified period.
- A minimum of Seven (7) years of administrative law experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working in a professional regulatory or government organization or a closely related field is an asset.
- Experience with handling a complex and diverse caseload.
- Thorough knowledge of existing common law and legislation including the Health Professions Act and related provincial legislation, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and many other statues that impact the organization’s operations.
- Ability to provide legal opinions and advice in a pragmatic, risk-based manner.
- Practiced executive presence where complex legal matters can be clearly and concisely communicated in an effective manner to non-legal minded leaders.
- Effective communicator both orally and written.
- Computer proficiency with a variety of relevant software applications.
An individual who meets either the established formal qualification or the accepted equivalency can be considered equally for this role.
Job-Specified Abilities
- Exceptional partner engagement abilities with a commitment to building an effective and dynamic organizational culture.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with all partners.
- Demonstrates tact and respect when working with diverse groups to foster collaboration and maintain a positive team dynamic.
- High level of situational awareness.
- High level of emotional intelligence with an ability to be understanding and manage own emotions.
- Ability to be approachable and actively listen.
- Ability to be objective, act fairly and decisively, and is comfortable making difficult decisions.
- High level of integrity, diplomacy and discretion when working with confidential and/or sensitive information.
- Ability to use a commonsense approach and demonstrate sound judgement.
- Ability to deliver results.
- Strong detail orientation and drive for accuracy.
- Commitment to continual learning and a drive for intellectual curiosity to innovate and improve.
Compensation and Perks
The salary for this part-time position (3 days at 7.5 hours per day) ranges from $78,660 to $94,740 annually. The starting salary will be determined by factors such as the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, experience, the salaries of peers within the same range, market conditions, and other relevant considerations.
CCHPBC offers a competitive compensation package, including health, dental and vision benefits, employee assistance program, Municipal Pension Plan, and paid time-off package. Other perks include flexible hybrid work arrangement, professional development opportunities, and office closures for the 11 statutory holidays in B.C., as well as Easter Monday and Boxing Day.
Application Process
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your resume and cover letter on our careers portal on our website, www.cchpbc.ca/about/#careers. This position will remain open until filled. References, education and credential verifications, and a criminal record check may be required for final candidates. Internal applicants will need to submit an application with the HR team via email by July 29, 2025.
Preference will be given to candidates residing in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia. Please note that this position is open only to individuals who are legally authorized to work in Canada. Relocation assistance is not available for this role.
The College provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the selection process. If you require accommodation, please inform us when contacted for an interview or assessment. All accommodation information will be kept confidential.
We appreciate all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
