PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

• Job ID: 52915
• Job Category: Health Services
• Division & Section: Public Health, Mental Health, Substance Use, Harm Reduction & Treatment Services - Strategy & Clinical Services
• Work Location: 277 Victoria Street (In-person only)
• Job Type & Duration: Full-time (7 months)
• Hourly Rate: $43.58 - $47.75
• Shift Information: Evenings & weekends will be required. Various shifts including 0800h to 1600h and 1500h to 2300h
• Affiliation: L79 Full-time
• Number of Positions Open: 2
• Posting Period: 15-Jan-2025 to 29-Jan-2025
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Reporting to the Manager, Mental Health this Public Health Nurse (PHN) will be part of the CORE Team. The PHN will be responsible for coordinating care for individuals by performing intake functions, conducting substance use and mental health assessments, developing, implementing, maintaining, and adjusting comprehensive care plans based on complex needs identified. The PHN will provide direct care and support to individuals, including de-escalating individual who may be undergoing drug induced psychosis. The PHN will be working alongside a Nurse Practitioner.

More information on the Downtown CORE Team.

Major Responsibilities:

• Works under medical directives to perform venipuncture, vaccinations, interpreting and counselling re: laboratory test results, dispensing OTC medications
• Assists in the development of policies and procedures and medical directives as it applies to nursing practice
• Maintains individual/client records and necessary documentation according to policies and procedures of TPH as well as the Standards of Practice set out by the College of Nurses Provides presentations and training to health professionals and community partners Educates clients regarding harm reduction, overdose prevention, recognition and response, naloxone administration, safer drug use, STIs, Hep C, HIV/AIDS prevention, health, sexual abuse/assault, life skills, sexuality, birth control, abortion, pregnancy
• Performs needle exchange, distributes safer drug use kits and provides education on use of safe sex materials, safer drug use from office location, van, clinics, on the street, in community centres and/or shelters
• Monitors clients, provide overdose response as needed, refer clients to needed services, identify the need for wound care, aid clients regarding how to use drugs more safely, assist clients with drug checking, ensure that all policies and procedures are being followed
• Assesses mental and physical health status of clients and takes appropriate action Performs testing, provides pre-post test counselling for HIV, Hep A,B,C and syphilis, assesses abscesses, cleans and medicates wounds and applies dressings Administers vaccinations for Hep B and influenza (others as directed)
• Composes and signs correspondence in relation to clients' needs and advocates on clients' behalf when liaising with doctors, pharmacists, prison authorities, laboratories, etc. Attends court with clients to act on their behalf
• Provides immediate care in crisis situations and performs first aid treatment as necessary
• Assesses needs of clients, makes referrals for primary care and social services and assists clients in accessing community resources
• Provides counselling and medical care to methadone patients
• Works with clients to develop and promote improved health, coping and social skill
• Accompanies clients requiring emergency medical and/or psychiatric assessment to medical and detox centers
• Attends meetings as required
• Collects and maintains statistical information for program monitoring and evaluation purposes
• Participates in professional conferences and workshops
• Develops, implements and facilitates specialized groups, workshops and in-services on a variety of health-related topic
• Participates in community outreach and marketing health promotion strategies Participates in the divisional planning process including development of work plans/operational program plans
• Participates in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of public health programs and initiatives which may include community mobilization, advocacy for healthy public policy, health education and skills building
• Collaborates and liaises with members of the team and community agencies to identify health needs and participates in the development of plans to meet those needs
• Delivers interventions to individuals and families in hi-risk situations and acts as the service coordinator for these families. Advises/reports to appropriate authorities as required and within the bounds of related legislation
• Participates in surveillance to determine possible causes of outbreaks at the area level and liaises with institutions to ensure proper outbreak management practices
• Inspects licensed premises, other facilities and premises for compliance with relevant Municipal, Provincial and Federal legislation

Key Qualifications:
Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

1. A Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a recognized university and a valid licence from the College of Nurses of Ontario.
2. Experience in the provision of harm reduction, drug treatment/addiction counselling, methadone, social, health, housing, and HIV/AIDS related services.
3. Experience working in an outreach capacity with people who use drugs, people experiencing mental health issues and/or people who are homeless or underhoused.
4. Experience as a Registered Nurse in providing empathetic/relational care for vulnerable clients and those living with substance use, mental health, and housing challenges.
5. Experience within a community mental health program, hospital setting, or the approved equivalent professional development in mental health, counselling, or mental health promotion.
6. Must possess a valid Ontario Driver's License Class "G" with the ability to qualify for a City Equipment Operator's License, and able and willing to drive within the Greater Toronto area.

You must also have:

• Thorough knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis prevention and treatment issues.
• Thorough knowledge of harm reduction practice, drug use including safer drug use practices, safer supply, opioid substitution.
• Ability to conduct work in a non-judgmental way, using a harm reduction approach. Excellent assessment skills.
• Knowledge of drug treatment, social, housing, health, HIV/AIDS related programs and services.
• Awareness of issues relating to sex works, addictions, mental health and homelessness. Thorough knowledge of Hepatitis including transmission, prevention, and treatment options.
• Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

NOTE TO INTERNAL FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME CITY OF TORONTO EMPLOYEES:

City of Toronto employees must apply to full-time or part-time employment opportunities posted on the City's Internal Job Posting Portal.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.