Mental Wellness and Substance Use Outreach Nurse

The Position

Our client is looking for a Mental Wellness and Substance Use Outreach Nurse who will provide critical healthcare services focused on mental health and substance use, primarily through a harm reduction approach. For some clients, this will mean advocating for seamless access to prescription medications provided by external agencies (i.e., Vancouver Coastal Health), and when appropriate and as 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. This is a 1-year position.

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 community member homes, 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 :