Conduct Counsel

The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) is a regulatory college under the Health Professions Act (HPA). Our vision is excellence in nursing regulation for the health of all Albertans. Our objective is people-first, and we are committed to attracting the best people, engaging, and developing a workforce that embodies our values of integrity, respect, accountability and professionalism. The CRNA is committed to meeting and exceeding its legislative responsibilities by using a Right-touch relational regulatory approach.

Conduct Counsel

At the CRNA, we are dedicated to regulatory excellence and safeguarding the public interest. As part of this commitment, we are seeking a Conduct Counsel to support our Professional Conduct team by providing expert legal guidance and overseeing professional conduct cases.

Representing both the public interest and the CRNA, this temporary full-time position will offer legal advice on the Health Professions Act (HPA) to the Complaints Director and provide expertise in disciplinary hearings and complaint resolution agreements.

What You Will Do

• Represent the Complaints Director at registrant conduct hearings, ensuring due process and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate allegations and evidence related to unprofessional conduct.
• Prepare for hearings by conducting legal research, drafting documents, preparing witnesses and managing the disclosure of information to the investigated registrant and their representatives or counsel.
• Negotiate and draft consent agreements, including recommended sanctions, for matters proceeding to the Hearing Tribunal or Professional Conduct department.
• Facilitate informal resolution agreements between registrants and complainants on behalf of the Complaints Director.
• Provide strategic legal guidance to the Complaints Director on conduct matters, including the evaluation of evidence in investigation reports, drafting allegations and determining appropriate sanctions.
• Advise on regulatory compliance, assisting with the development and review of conduct documents, policies and processes to ensure alignment with the HPA, other relevant legislation and administrative law principles.
• Respond to inquiries regarding complaints and provide guidance on the appropriate resolution pathways.

What You Possess

Education

• A bachelor of laws or a juris doctor
• Active membership with the Law Society of Alberta.

Experience

• 10-14 years of professional experience practising as a barrister and solicitor, preferably in professional regulation or administrative law, including experience appearing before an administrative law tribunal or court.

Skills & Competencies

• Regulatory & Legal Expertise: In-depth understanding of administrative law, professional discipline and regulatory compliance.
• Litigation & Case Management: Experience in prosecuting cases, presenting legal arguments and managing professional discipline matters.
• Conflict Resolution & Negotiation: Strong ability to mediate, negotiate settlements and draft consent agreements.
• Strategic Thinking & Risk Management: Ability to assess legal risks, interpret legislation and develop regulatory policies.
• Engagement & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating with internal teams, legal counsel and regulatory partners.
• Time Management & Adaptability: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, tight deadlines and complex legal cases.

Nice to have

• Experience working with the HPA.
• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an undergraduate degree in a health-related profession.
• Certificate in tribunal administrative justice from the Foundation of Administrative Justice (FOAJ).

What We Offer

• A temporary full-time employment opportunity starting April 2025 through to March 2026 (with the possibility of extension).
• Competitive salary with a comprehensive health and dental benefits package, including resources to support mental health and financial wellness.
• Annual Health Spending Account (HSA) and Wellness Spending Account (WSA) to support ongoing learning, health, wellness and family services.
• Flexible, hybrid work environment with a 7.25-hour workday, Monday through Friday.
• 12 general holidays, plus an annual holiday break in December.
• Earned vacation days, starting at a rate equivalent to 20 days per year.