Mental Wellness and Substance Use Outreach Nurse

The Position

Under the direction of the Social Development Manager, the Mental Wellness & Substance Use (MWSU) Outreach Nurse will provide critical healthcare services focused on mental health and substance use, primarily through a harm reduction approach. For some clients, this will involve advocating for seamless access to prescription medications provided by external agencies (e.g., Vancouver Coastal Health), and, when appropriate and authorized, prescribing medications consistent with new scopes of practice for nurses in response to opioid use disorder. This approach is part of an effort to prevent overdoses and death.

The Candidate:

• Provide clinical guidance for, and actively participate in, the development and implementation of new and improved mental wellness and substance use programming. Examples include OAT, Managed Alcohol Programs, support for home detox and contributing to the establishment of a full suite of pre- and post-treatment support programs for members in recovery.
• Provide outreach health services in the homes of community members, shelters, and camps, including wound care and basic health assessments.
• Educate and provide consultation to community members and staff, based on identified needs concerning high-risk factors, recovery, and community practices related to mental illness and addictions.
• Arrange and/or provide client care by utilizing the skills of observation, assessment, nursing diagnosis, counselling, and health teaching; report any unusual circumstances to the immediate Supervisor.
• Provide care in the following areas: adult care; prenatal/postnatal patient care for mothers in active substance use; treat minor acute illnesses and injuries; administration and dispensing of medications based on doctors’ direction; consultation with physicians and other nurses.
• Advocates on behalf of vulnerable individuals and populations participate in assessing and evaluating health care services to ensure that people are informed of available programs and services and are assisted in utilizing those services.
• Perform all other tasks within the scope of the position.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Registered Nursing with a Mental Health component.
• Two (2) years' recent, related experience in Mental Health and Substance Use nursing.
• Certified Practice Opioid Use Disorder (CP-OUD) Certification preferred; training may be provided.
• Current practicing registration with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Valid Class V BC driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for work-related purposes.
• CPR certification within four (4) months of employment.
• Valid driver’s license, a current vehicle insurance certificate, and access to reliable transportation.
• The ability to communicate effectively with individuals who may be experiencing mental, emotional, and physical stress. De-escalation skills and non-violent intervention strategies are required.
• Experience working with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) or Case Management software is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective and efficient working relationships with clients, their families, management, staff and external stakeholders.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to write clear and accurate reports.
• Must have excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and expeditiously under tight timeframes, deadlines and competing priorities.
• Demonstrate tact, diplomacy and sound judgement.
• Strict confidentiality requirements must be respectful of clients' needs and privacy, and maintain confidentiality.