RAD LPN / RN / RPN- Casual pool

AVI HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organization providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of 5 locations across Vancouver Island. AVI provides services to people living with HIV and hepatitis C and harm reduction clients. We take evidence-based action to prevent infection, provide support, and reduce stigma. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework to ensure equity and access to services for all.  At the core of what we do is our ability, and commitment to, creating meaningful connections. Every day, we strive to create meaningful connections between clients and staff, between peers, between staff members, between organizations, between communities, and between funders and impactful programs. For more info see www.avi.org

REGULATED ACCESS TO DRUGS PROGRAM (RAD) : This position will work in our RAD program, a flexible, community based, harm reduction program that provides safer, pharmaceutical alternatives to the currently toxic drug supply in Campbell River, BC and / or in Courtenay, BC. This program operates in conjunction with AVI's existing programs and services, including the Positive Wellness Program for people living with or at risk of HIV / hepatitis C, health promotion education, youth advocacy and outreach, and drop-in harm reduction services. Our services are delivered on the lands of the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum people.

JOB SUMMARY

The LPN / RN will work in partnership with an interdisciplinary team to provide person centered healthcare including assessment, screening, and education to support clients who are accessing the program. The RAD Nurse will use a harm reduction, trauma informed approach and clinical skills to independently assess individuals with complex primary care health needs and active poly-substance use. This position requires a professional who is experienced with harm reduction and requires commitment to collaboration with multiple stakeholders including, first and foremost, people with lived / living experience of criminalized drug use.

The successful candidate will embody a philosophy and practice of collaboration, while working from a relational perspective that upholds values of harm reduction, empathy, social justice, cultural humility, and trauma informed care. The RAD Nurse will report to the Clinical Nurse Lead.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide care and support for individuals with high levels of poly-substance use and a variety and complexity of acute and chronic conditions, related but not exclusive to conditions of poverty and criminalization.
• Work both independently and collaboratively with team to support people contemplating or accessing pharmaceutical alternatives to illegal / toxic substances in a variety of settings, such as parks, drop-in centers, shelters, supported housing units, OPS / SCS, etc.
• Provide care, assessment, screening, education, referrals, and advocacy regarding substance use, acute and chronic health concerns, mental health, sexual health, wound management, and general wellness, including primary and specialist care, substance use services, diagnostic and laboratory services, and medication management.
• Provide harm reduction support through collaborative risk reduction strategy, education, distribution of harm reduction supplies, and overdose prevention education including Naloxone training and distribution.
• Collaborate with participants and the team to develop and maintain individualized care plans, providing ongoing monitoring and support with participants in accordance with their specific care plans.
• Provide education, information and appropriate referrals that are responsive to the self-identified needs of participants to manage their health, enhance understanding of their health status, and navigate through the various services and community supports related to their care.
• Provide screening and assessment and administer medications as ordered by program physicians.
• Work with community partners to ensure seamless support of program participants.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, educational forums, and engagement in community building and networking.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

POSITION DETAILS :

TO APPLY :

Please click on 'To apply' your resume and cover letter(optional) This position is open until filled.

AVI is committed to equity and diversity and we strongly encourage applications from, but not limited to, folks who identify as Indigenous Persons, persons of colour, racialized, persons living with a disability, persons who use / d drugs, persons with experience of sex work, persons who live with HIV and / or hepatitis C, and persons representing diverse genders and sexualities.

It is beneficial to identify in the cover letter if you are Indigenous and / or have lived / living expertise relevant to the position.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We would like to thank all those that apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.