Public Health Nurse - Downtown Community Outreach Response & Engagement Program

Job ID: 64583
Job Category: Health Services
Division & Section: Public Health, Strategy & Clinical Services
Work Location: 33 Bay Street, Eaton Centre Offices
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Temporary, approximately 14 months
Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $48.15 - $52.66
Shift Information: Evenings & weekends will be required. (Various shifts including: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm (rotating shifts))
Affiliation: L79 Full-time
Number of Positions Open: 1
Posting Period: 11-June-2026 to 25-June-2026

Reporting to the Manager, Mental Health, the Public Health Nurse will support the Downtown Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Program. Jointly led by Toronto Public Health and the Toronto Police Service (TPS), this program pairs public health nurses (PHNS), with police constables to deliver targeted, low barrier, mobile outreach and case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use challenges.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides public health nursing service for individuals, families, groups or the community according to the program specific policies and procedures and program and operational plans of TPH, the Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice and the standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Provides independent outreach, engagement and service provision within clinics, childcare programs/daycares, shelters, schools, community agencies, workplaces, homes, TPH offices or in various community locations as required.
• Conducts relevant screening and health/ service assessment at the individual/ family/ school/ community level and develops appropriate plans to meet those needs, using a consultative approach. Assesses and makes referrals to other TPH Services, health professionals/ agencies and directs clients to community resources. Liaises with program areas and area office staff to ensure communication of relevant information and issues as per the Ontario Public Health Standards. 
• Completes independent home visits, work within the community and/or clinical services. Assesses health status and assists in developing and achieving health goals.
• Use digital health technologies for appropriate documentation in accordance with professional standards, relevant legislation and divisional policies and procedures.
• Uses clinical judgement to assess outputs from artificial intelligence and decision-support tools, according to professional standards, relevant legislation, and TPH policies & procedures.
• Integrates electronic client data and information (accessing, collecting, retrieving and analyzing) into clinical decision making and nursing practice.
• Counsels, consults, collaborates and advocates for clients. Provides appropriate public health services and liaises with and refers to other health professionals and agencies as needed.
• Delivers interventions to individuals and families in hi-risk situations and acts as the service coordinator for these families where applicable. Advises/reports to appropriate authorities (e.g., Children's Aid Society) as required and within the bounds of related legislation.
• Maintains electronic health information system documentation and records (i.e. individual/family/group/client/school/organization) in accordance with divisional policies/procedures and College of Nurses (CNO) standards related to documentation, confidentiality and professional practice and the Personal Health Information Protection Act.
•  Collaborates and consults with community groups, coalitions and agencies such as schools, community centers, or workplaces and early years centers to assess health needs, and in partnership with the community group or agency plan/deliver and assist in evaluation of TPH program and services.
• Facilitates community partnerships, and liaises with community agencies, groups or organizations to address community health issues and access to TPH programs and services.
• Provides consultation on policy development and implementation and the on the use of electronic health information systems (i.e. related to program workflows, privacy, security, data quality) based on appropriate legislation, professional standards and best practices.
• Represents TPH on assigned community networks and committees.
• Mentors, and provides orientation, training and guidance to existing and new staff, community professionals, school staff/parents or students/peers.
• Collaborates and liaises with other professionals, community agency staff and City of Toronto staff to identify health needs and participate in the development of community partnerships and action plans to meet those needs.
• Prepares, submits and presents activity reports, data and other reports, e.g., such as documentation, time and activity data collection, funding applications, professional reports (journal articles, conference abstracts), and requests for proposals for managerial approval. Participates in the generation of Ministry of Health reports, Requests for Proposals, contracts, sole source letters, and quotes for managerial approval. Contributes to reports needed for external funding sources (e.g. Heart Health) for managerial approval. Participates in tracking and processing budget, honoraria, cash advances, and petty cash.
• Appears and gives evidence in court and inquests when subpoenaed in consultation with management and legal services.
• Presents and participates in professional conferences and workshops. Make presentations to other health professionals/colleagues.
• Participates in the development and implementation of policies, procedures and protocols and updates resources relevant to the program area.
• Participates in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation/research of public health and health promotion programs and initiatives, which include advocacy for healthy public policy, social marketing campaigns, community mobilization, health education and skill building.
• Participates in the divisional planning process including the development of work plans based on operational program plans.
• Reviews program specific community grant applications using specific program-based criteria and assists with selection process.
• Participates in the co-ordination of projects as determined by program specific operational plans.
• Provides direct care to clients in clinical, home and community settings. Provides clinical services under medical directives in certain situations (e.g., immunizations, Tuberculosis skin testing, physical examinations including but not limited to pelvic examination, Pap smear, and sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, sputum collection, treatment based on positive lab result for specific infections/diseases, manages anaphylaxis and provides immediate care/action in emergency situations. Performs venipuncture, orders laboratory tests, provides prescription for and/or dispenses medications as per policies and procedures e.g. STD medications, emergency contraceptive pill, oral contraceptives, TB medications). Reviews laboratory results and follows up as per policies and procedures.
• Reviews incoming lab slips reporting communicable diseases, provide assessment, counselling, education and referral to people diagnosed with a communicable disease/completes partner notification.
• Collects specimens for infectious disease testing as required and orders laboratory tests under medical directive.
• Identifies tests and provides follow-up of individuals exposed to an infectious disease (i.e. contacts) in all l appropriate settings including high-risk settings.(i.e. shelters, schools, workplaces etc.)
• Works under medical directives to perform wound care, immunization, providing diagnosis and associated counseling.
• Supports TPH response to emergencies requiring Public Health assistance.

Key Qualifications: 

1. A Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a recognized university and a valid license from the College of Nurses of Ontario.
2. Experience in nursing, specializing in communicable disease control, chronic disease prevention or health promotion, specifically harm reduction, drug treatment/addiction counselling, methadone, social, health, housing, and HIV/AIDS related services.
3. Experience in delivering safe, compassionate, and ethical nursing care, utilizing critical thinking for assessment, planning, and evaluation of individuals, families, groups and communities in diverse settings including in an outreach capacity.
4. Experience providing empathetic/ relational care to diverse clients and populations including those living with substance use, mental health, and housing challenges
5. Experience mentoring and training new staff, students, and volunteers

You must also have

• Ability to work flexible hours which may include overtime, shift work, evenings, and weekends depending on the operational requirement or the nature of the public health emergency. 
• Ability to travel to and between multiple locations across Toronto within reasonable timeframes, including the secure transport of work-related materials (e.g., vaccines, medical supplies). Access to a vehicle and G-class license are an asset.
• Ability to speak another language will be considered an asset. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain good public relations.
• Ability to work independently in a self-directed manner.
• Knowledge of relevant municipal, provincial, and federal legislation (e.g., infection control, communicable disease reporting, MFIPPA).
  
  

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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

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Accommodation

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