Services

Investigation Services

As a trained and trauma informed Investigator, Denise Koster offers neutral third-party investigation when employers or other stakeholders are faced with complaints of complex workplace misconduct: discrimination; general non-code harassment; code harassment sexual harassment; bullying; or retaliation. Koster offers prompt, knowledgeable, and confidential investigative services that are neutral and thorough. 

In addition, Denise specializes in the area of resident and client abuse and provides retirement house, nursing homes and development disabilities group homes with thorough investigation services to meet the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and Ministry of Community and Social Services legislative requirements.

Threat Assessment and Management Services

Our services assess workplaces to identify psychological risks and other occupational health and safety hazards and provide advice and training to address such issues, minimizing the likelihood of misunderstanding, conflict, complaints or stress leading to tension, unhealthy outcomes, claims for work related stress, and legal action.

As a Certified Threat Manager, Denise provides a thorough and comprehensive Threat Assessment using Structured Professional Judgement (SPJ) assessment instruments for evaluation. These computer-assisted, error avoidance methods are designed by teams of experts in psychology, law enforcement, victims’ advocacy, and threat assessment.  In addition, she works with her client to create a management plan to reduce the risk of violence by creating an effective sustainable response plan.

Conflict Resolution

Mediation is a process that allows disputing parties to meet in a private setting and confidentially work out a solution to their mutual problem. Denise guides the session by facilitating the conversation to ensure that each party brings their issues and ideas to the table. The playing field is level and balanced; both parties have an equal say in the discussion and the outcome.

Organizational / Department Climate Assessments

Often issues informally presented themselves in organizations or a department prior to a formal complaint being filed. In order to deal effectively with these issues, an external Climate Assessment is conducted to get at the root cause of issues. 

The Climate Assessment purpose is: 

• To get individual staff perceptions of organization/department relationships
• To find out about any conflicts and issues of concerns within the organization/ department
• To problem solve, and find new ways to work together
• To bring the team closer together to work for the benefit and quality of service

In order to gather staff feedback, Denise conducts a series of confidential individual interviews with the staff. Following the interview process, Denise will summarize the staff feedback and create a report reflective of her findings including recommendations for improvements. The report is a working document to improve workplace relationships and deal with systemic issues that may be creating an unhealthy or toxic workplace.

Workplace Physical and Psychological Violence Surveying

The Workplace Violence Staff Survey will assist organizations to identify and prioritize needs by:

• Determining the degree of exposure to physical and psychological violent acts experienced by employees
• Identifying the degree of knowledge and awareness employees have regarding existing organizational policies
• Ensuring all possible sources of physical and psychological violence are identified and addressed by implementing preventative measures and making practice changes that promote safety.

The confidential report will reveal micro and macro level risks that may be creating an unhealthy or toxic work place allowing labour and management to work proactively work together to deal with issue identified.

Customized Training and Education Package

Training is available for Labour, Management, Health and Safety Committees, and other Stakeholders in a variety of programs including:

• Discrimination
• Code and Non-Code Harassment
• Sexual Harassment
• Workplace Bullying
• Domestic Violence and the Workplace
• Elder/Resident/Client/Patient Abuse
• Investigation Best Practices
• Conflict Resolution
• Taking and Assessing Complaints

Customized training programs are also available based on your organization’s specific needs. These tailored programs can include training in the following areas:

• Communication and Listening Skills
• Dealing with difficult situations and people
• Team building

**References available upon request**