Nurse Practitioner (NP)

at  Somerset West Community Health Centre

Position Title: Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Classification: Nurse Practitioner
Department: Supportive Housing and Substance Use Health
Pay Band: $107,908 - $124,615 (Currently under review)
Reporting to: Manager, Supportive Housing and Substance Use Health
Job Type: Multiple contracts available, ranging from 0.5 FTE to 1.0 FTE
Shift: Day, evening, and weekend shift work will be required (8 HR Shifts).
Application Deadline: February 14, 2025.

ABOUT US:

We are Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC), a non-profit, community-governed organization that serves over 18,000 clients annually. Established in 1978, SWCHC provides a wide range of health care services such as primary health care, health promotion, community development, mental health, and harm reduction. We are deeply connected to the communities we serve and committed to removing barriers to accessing services for people who experience vulnerabilities because of their age, income, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity, and language or culture.
SWCHC strives to ensure that our team reflects the communities we serve. We work within an anti-racist, anti-oppressive framework that acknowledges the existence and impacts of systemic racism and seeks to ensure that systems are fair and equitable for everyone.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager, Supportive Housing and Substance Use Health, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) works as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide health care & treatment to clients who reside in supportive housing units and support with medical stabilization beds. The NP will collaborate closely with members of the Supportive Housing and Substance Use Health team such as Basic Needs Coordinators, RNs, Peer Coaches, System Navigators, Housing Case Managers, and Counselling services.
The Nurse Practitioner (“NP”) is responsible for the provision of primary health care services in compliance with the Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses in the Extended Class and the Expanded Nursing Services for Patients Act. This includes but is not limited to health promotion, counselling, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and referral to specialists and/or diagnostic testing. The NP provides primary care functions and participates in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs and services to clients facing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges. The NP works in a collaborative fashion to meet program goals and objectives. The NP must have the ability to function independently and as a member of an interprofessional team in a culturally sensitive manner.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

• MScN RN(EC) or equivalent
• Current Extended Class certificate (NP-PHC) and unrestricted registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Previous knowledge bloodborne illnesses and treatment pathways
• Knowledge of ODSP application process is an asset
• Experience with using Practice Solutions EMR is an asset

Professional Experience

• Minimum two years’ experience as a nurse practitioner in a community or primary care setting
• Strong clinical skills and diagnostic abilities
• Previous experience working with culturally diverse and marginalized populations
• Strong ability to work independently, manage time effectively, delegate tasks to the nursing team, and approve medical directives is essential
• Experience in an outreach, drop-in or shelter setting is an asset
• Proven experience in emergency response situations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Passion for working with high-risk populations and people who use drugs
• Commitment to working from a health equity and anti-oppressive lens
• Knowledge of nursing best practices for individuals with substance use, and suicide assessment. Familiarity with Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) Best Practice Guidelines an asset.
• Knowledge of street drug substances, psychoactive properties & possible drug interactions
• Knowledge and ability to screen and assess for risk of overdose & withdrawal
• Knowledge of primary care and the social determinants of health
• Knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, behaviour change and health teaching
• Strong clinical assessment skills
• Demonstrated ability and clinical expertise working with clients in crisis
• Expertise in non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation
• Knowledge of concurrent mental health distress presentations including psychosis, trauma and emotional dysregulation
• Knowledge of harm reduction approach and service delivery
• Effective organizational, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to delegate
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to work with people with concurrent disorders
• Ability to work under stress with multiple demands
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of legislation, acts and regulations that govern nursing practice
• Valid CPR and First Aid
• Successful completion of police record check for vulnerable populations

Language Capability

• English
• French
• Proficiency in other languages considered and asset.

Somerset West Community Health Centre is an equal opportunity employer who values the diversity of individuals in our programs and services.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of Indigenous, Black and racialized communities, Two-Spirit, nonbinary, LGBTQ+ people; people with disabilities; and members of other equity deserving communities. Applicants are encouraged to share accessibility needs in the application process, and every attempt will be made to accommodate them.
Due to the high volume of applicants, we can neither confirm receipt of nor respond to inquiries regarding your application. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted

The Nurse Practitioner provides a wide range of services including comprehensive triage, physical assessment, diagnosis and treatment as well as counselling, health promotion, and preventative care to clients with varied health, social, cultural and economic needs. The successful candidate will work to full scope of practice within the Walk in Clinic, with the ability to function independently and as a member of an interprofessional team in a culturally sensitive manner. The successful applicant may also be required to provide services until 8pm and/or weekends.
The NP will also be responsible for maintaining a progressive roster of clients for whom they are the most responsible provider.
As Supportive Housing and Substance Use Health services expand, there may be opportunities for increased outreach with community partners. This could involve onsite visits, delegation of responsibilities, or implementing medical directives in collaboration with the nursing team.