Services

Investigation Services

At Koster Consulting & Associates, we pride ourselves on being your go-to source for professional, trauma-informed investigative services. Led by our experienced investigator, Denise Koster, we offer a wide range of services to assist employers and stakeholders in addressing complex workplace misconduct issues.

Workplace Misconduct Investigations:

• Discrimination: When allegations of discrimination arise, it's crucial to have an impartial third-party investigator like Denise Koster to ensure a fair and thorough examination of the situation.
• General Non-Code Harassment: Our team specializes in investigating general non-code harassment to help organizations maintain a healthy and inclusive work environment.
• Code Harassment and Sexual Harassment: We are equipped to handle complaints related to code harassment and sexual harassment, delivering prompt and confidential services to protect the well-being of all involved parties.
• Bullying and Retaliation: Addressing bullying and retaliation is a top priority for us. Our neutral and thorough investigations are essential in resolving these sensitive issues.

Resident and Client Abuse Investigations:

• Retirement Houses: We offer comprehensive investigative services to retirement homes, ensuring compliance with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care regulations. We help protect the safety and well-being of residents.
• Nursing Homes: Our expertise extends to nursing homes, where we conduct thorough investigations to meet legal requirements, promoting the highest standard of care for residents.
• Development Disabilities Group Homes: We specialize in serving development disabilities group homes, delivering the investigations necessary to maintain a safe and supportive environment, as mandated by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

Why Choose Koster Consulting & Associates Investigations?

1. Trauma-Informed Approach: Our team is trained to handle sensitive situations with empathy and understanding, providing a safe space for all parties involved.
2. Prompt and Thorough Services: We understand the urgency of resolving workplace misconduct and abuse cases. Our swift response and thorough investigations ensure issues are addressed promptly.
3. Confidentiality: We prioritize confidentiality in all our investigations to protect the privacy and well-being of those involved.
4. Compliance Assurance: With a deep understanding of relevant regulations, we ensure that your organization remains compliant with governmental requirements.
5. Neutrality: As a third-party investigator, we offer a neutral perspective, enabling fair and unbiased investigations.

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Threat Assessment and Management Services

At Psychological Risk Assessments & Threat Management Solutions, we are your trusted partner in safeguarding your workplace and minimizing the potential for psychological risks and occupational health and safety hazards. We specialize in identifying and addressing issues that, if left unattended, can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, complaints, and stress-related tensions that may result in work-related stress claims and legal actions.

Our Services

Certified Threat Manager Services: 

Denise, our Certified Threat Manager, employs Structured Professional Judgement (SPJ) assessment instruments for comprehensive threat assessments. These assessment methods are computer-assisted and designed by experts in psychology, law enforcement, victims' advocacy, and threat assessment. By leveraging this cutting-edge approach, we deliver thorough evaluations that help identify and manage potential threats effectively.

Threat Assessment Management Plans:

In addition to our assessment services, we work closely with our clients to develop customized management plans designed to reduce the risk of violence in the workplace. These plans are not only effective but also sustainable, ensuring that your organization is well-prepared to respond to any potential threats or safety concerns.

Workplace Psychological Risk Assessment: 

Our team conducts thorough assessments of workplaces to pinpoint psychological risks and other occupational health and safety hazards. By doing so, we help organizations proactively mitigate potential issues, ensuring a healthier and more harmonious work environment.

Advice and Training:

We provide expert advice and training to address identified issues, empowering your organization with the tools and knowledge to effectively manage and mitigate psychological risks. Our goal is to minimize the likelihood of conflicts and complaints, leading to a more productive and stress-free work environment.

Why Choose Us?

1. Expertise: Our team consists of seasoned professionals with a deep understanding of psychological risks and threat assessment, providing you with reliable and effective solutions.
2. Comprehensive Approach: We take a holistic approach to workplace safety, considering all aspects of your organization to provide a comprehensive solution.
3. Error-Avoidance Methods: We utilize error-avoidance methods in our assessments, reducing the chances of misjudgment and ensuring reliable results.
4. Customized Solutions: We tailor our services to meet your unique needs, creating a personalized approach that fits your organization's requirements.
5. Legal Compliance: We help you stay compliant with legal requirements and proactively manage potential issues, reducing the risk of legal actions.

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Conflict Resolution

Our mediation services provide a confidential, private platform for disputing parties to collaboratively address and resolve their issues. Under the expert guidance of Denise, our skilled mediator, we ensure that each party has an equal opportunity to contribute their concerns and ideas to the discussion. Our commitment to maintaining a level and balanced playing field is at the heart of our mediation process.

Key Features:

1. Confidential Mediation: We prioritize the confidentiality of every mediation session. Your sensitive information and discussions are held in the strictest confidence, enabling open and candid communication.
2. Experienced Mediator: Denise, our seasoned mediator, plays a crucial role in the process. With a wealth of experience in conflict resolution, she ensures fairness, impartiality, and effective mediation.
3. Equal Participation: At Koster Consulting & Associates, we believe in fair and balanced mediation. Both parties are empowered to express their concerns, viewpoints, and ideas without any form of bias.
4. Customized Solutions: We understand that every dispute is unique. Our mediation process is designed to help parties craft personalized solutions that address their specific concerns, rather than imposing predefined resolutions.
5. Cost-Efficiency: Mediation is often a more cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to lengthy legal proceedings, allowing you to save both money and emotional stress.

How It Works:

1. Mediation Facilitation: Denise, our experienced mediator, will facilitate the conversation, ensuring that both parties follow a structured process aimed at identifying common ground and potential solutions.
2. Solution-Oriented: Our mediation process is centered on finding mutually acceptable solutions. Denise will guide you through the process of working through your issues to reach an agreement that works for everyone involved.
3. Agreement Formalization: If necessary, Koster Consulting & Associates can assist in formalizing the terms and conditions of the agreed-upon resolution.

Benefits:

• Confidentiality: Your privacy and sensitive information are rigorously protected during the mediation process.
• Effective Conflict Resolution: Mediation encourages open communication, increasing the likelihood of finding a solution that satisfies both parties.
• Cost Savings: Mediation is often a more budget-friendly and time-saving alternative to traditional legal processes.
• Relationship Preservation: We prioritize maintaining relationships, which is crucial in family, business, and community disputes.
• Tailored Solutions: Our focus is on creating solutions that are tailored to the specific needs and concerns of the parties involved.

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Organizational / Department Climate Assessments

At Koster Consulting & Associates, we understand that addressing issues within organizations or departments often begins with understanding the concerns and perceptions of staff before they escalate into formal complaints. To effectively tackle these issues, we offer an external Climate Assessment service. This assessment is designed to uncover the root causes of organizational challenges and conflicts. Under the guidance of our expert, Denise, we aim to foster improved workplace relationships, create a healthier working environment, and enhance the quality of service.

Key Features:

1. Perception Evaluation: Our Climate Assessment service focuses on gathering individual staff members' perceptions of their relationships within the organization or department. This invaluable insight helps identify areas of concern and potential conflicts.
2. Issue Identification: We aim to unearth any underlying conflicts and issues that may be affecting the organization or department. This proactive approach helps address problems before they escalate.
3. Collaborative Problem Solving: The assessment is not just about identifying issues but also about finding innovative and collaborative solutions to improve working conditions.
4. Team Building: Our ultimate goal is to bring the team closer together to work harmoniously for the benefit of the organization and the enhancement of service quality.

How It Works:

1. Initiating the Assessment: To get started, contact us to initiate the Climate Assessment process. We will guide you through the scheduling and initial information gathering.
2. Confidential Individual Interviews: Denise, our experienced consultant, conducts confidential one-on-one interviews with staff members. This process allows employees to express their concerns and perspectives without fear of retribution.
3. Feedback Summarization: Following the interviews, Denise compiles and summarizes the feedback provided by staff. The findings are then analyzed to identify patterns and trends.
4. Recommendations and Report: Denise creates a comprehensive report reflective of her findings, including recommendations for improvements. This report serves as a working document to address workplace relationship issues and systemic concerns that may contribute to an unhealthy or toxic workplace.

Benefits:

• Early Issue Detection: The Climate Assessment helps identify and address issues before they escalate into formal complaints, potentially saving the organization time, resources, and reputation.
• Improved Workplace Environment: By understanding and addressing underlying concerns, organizations can create a healthier and more positive workplace, boosting employee morale and productivity.
• Enhanced Team Collaboration: Collaborative problem-solving and team-building efforts contribute to a more united and effective workforce.
• Quality Service: A harmonious working environment translates into higher quality service and better outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

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Workplace Physical and Psychological Violence Surveying

At Koster Consulting & Associates, we understand the importance of maintaining a safe and harmonious workplace environment. Our Workplace Violence Staff Survey is designed to empower organizations to proactively address and mitigate potential risks, fostering a culture of safety and well-being.

How Our Survey Benefits Your Organization:

1. Assessing Exposure to Violent Acts: 

Our survey allows organizations to gauge the extent to which their employees are exposed to physical and psychological violent acts. By quantifying these exposures, you can prioritize and tailor your efforts to create a safer workplace.

2. Evaluating Knowledge and Awareness:

We help you determine the level of knowledge and awareness your employees possess regarding existing organizational policies related to violence prevention and safety. This knowledge assessment ensures that your policies are effectively communicated and understood throughout the organization.

3. Identifying Sources of Violence:

Our survey assists in the identification of all potential sources of physical and psychological violence within your workplace. Once these sources are identified, we collaborate with you to implement preventative measures and practice changes aimed at promoting safety and reducing risk.

Confidential Reporting:

Our survey results are compiled into a confidential report that reveals both micro and macro-level risks that may be contributing to an unhealthy or toxic work environment. This comprehensive insight equips labor and management to work collaboratively and proactively to address the identified issues. Our goal is to create a workplace where employees feel safe, valued, and respected.

Why Choose Koster Consulting & Associates?

1. Expertise: Our team of professionals specializes in workplace violence assessment and prevention, offering you the benefit of our in-depth knowledge and experience.
2. Confidentiality: We prioritize confidentiality, ensuring that sensitive information is handled with the utmost care and privacy.
3. Custom Solutions: We tailor our survey and recommendations to meet your organization's specific needs, addressing the unique challenges you may face.
4. Proactive Approach: Our survey empowers organizations to take a proactive stance in creating a safe and healthy work environment, reducing the potential for conflicts and safety incidents.
5. Collaborative Solutions: We believe in fostering collaboration between labor and management to ensure a unified approach to workplace safety and well-being.

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Customized Training and Education Packages

At Koster Consulting & Associates, we specialize in delivering top-notch customized training and education packages to meet the unique needs of your organization. Our comprehensive training programs cater to various stakeholders, including labor, management, health and safety committees, and other individuals invested in fostering a safe and inclusive work environment.

Our Training Programs Cover a Wide Range of Topics, Including:

1. Investigation Best Practices: Learn how to conduct thorough and impartial investigations, essential for maintaining workplace integrity and resolving issues effectively.
2. Conflict Resolution: Equip your team with conflict resolution techniques to mitigate disputes and promote a harmonious work environment.
3. Taking and Assessing Complaints: We offer training on how to handle and assess complaints effectively, fostering transparency and trust within your organization.
4. Discrimination: We provide insightful training to help your team recognize and combat discrimination in all its forms, fostering a more inclusive workplace.
5. Code and Non-Code Harassment: Equip your workforce with the knowledge and tools to identify and address both code and non-code harassment situations effectively.
6. Sexual Harassment: We offer training programs that empower your employees to create a workplace free from sexual harassment, ensuring a respectful and safe environment for all.
7. Workplace Bullying: Our training helps participants understand and combat workplace bullying, promoting a culture of respect and collaboration.
8. Domestic Violence and the Workplace: We provide guidance on addressing the complex issue of domestic violence and its impact on the workplace, ensuring the safety and support of affected individuals.
9. Elder/Resident/Client/Patient Abuse: Our programs address the critical topic of abuse within healthcare and caregiving settings, promoting best practices for safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Customized Training Programs: Tailored to Your Needs

Koster Consulting & Associates understands that every organization is unique, with distinct challenges and goals. That's why we offer customized training programs that can be tailored to your specific requirements. Our tailored programs encompass the following areas:

1. Communication and Listening Skills: Enhance your team's communication and listening skills, facilitating better collaboration and understanding within your organization.
2. Dealing with Difficult Situations and People: Equip your employees with the tools to navigate challenging situations and manage difficult personalities with professionalism and confidence.
3. Team Building: Our team-building training promotes cohesion, trust, and effective collaboration, essential for achieving organizational goals and fostering a positive work environment.

**References available upon request**