Nurse Practitioner Primary Health Care Mental Health

Nurse Practitioner – HART Hub
Permanent Full-time – 4 positions
Position Status: This is a Bargaining Unit position. Hours of Work Schedule: 35 hours per week, evenings and weekends may be required
Director, Hart Hub
Community-based and across various Agency locations within Durham Region

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is a registered, charitable organization that provides integrated, accessible, and equitable community based primary care, wellness services, and health education to Durham community members who face multiple barriers to their health and well-being.

DCHC also provides equity-based programs and services that focus on priority populations such as Indigenous, Black, the 2SLGBTQI Community, Newcomers to Canada, Seniors, and Unattached patients (i.e., DCHC ensures Durham community members receive not only sick care, but preventive care as well.

At DCHC, we are a team-based interprofessional group of staff including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counselors, dietitians, outreach workers, medical secretaries, and other administrative staff. We always place every client at the centre of our approach to care, based on their needs. We address these needs through integrated clinical and wellness care and health education.

Durham Community Health Centre has been selected as the lead agency for the new Homeless Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in the Durham region. This innovative hub will provide life-changing services for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, helping them regain stability and rebuild their futures. The Hart Hub is a 24/7 operation, providing continuous support to the community.

As a member of an interdisciplinary team, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) will deliver comprehensive, client-centered primary care and addiction-focused health services to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or substance use challenges in the community.

The NP will provide primary care assessments, diagnosis, and treatment of clients with complex physical, mental health, and substance use concerns – working collaboratively with internal and external providers to ensure integrated, wraparound supports aimed at improving access, reducing barriers, and addressing social determinants of health. The NP will activate clinical pathways, referring clients to additional DCHC services and connecting them with community- based and specialty services as indicated.

Provide client-centered primary care in a non-judgmental manner, including clients as partners in their care, recognizing the social determinants of health and associated health risks, and taking the stance of a health advocate.
Perform clinical assessments and health information gathering for clients with complex needs
Provide nursing services that address the biopsychosocial needs of clients, including clients with multiple comorbid health conditions, mental health diagnoses and/or concurrent disorders involving substance use/abuse.
Contribute to providing more accessible targeted services to community members within high-priority populations, including the homeless population and individuals recovering from Addictions, through direct service, referrals, and navigation.
Complete timely and accurate medical records of client encounters, documentation and third-party correspondence using DCHC’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
Support client safety through evidence-based practices and adherence to policies and standards including communication and teamwork, infection prevention and control, safe medication practices, safe use of equipment and facilities, and risk reporting.
Contribute to activities related to the development, implementation and evaluation of medical directives, policies and procedures, best-practices, and protocols.
Adhere to and promote evidence-based practices and standards of best-practice in keeping with DCHC clinic operational guidelines.
Participate in chart audits, development, and implementation of Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) and accreditation activities with Canadian Centre for Accreditation (CCA).
Demonstrate active participation in the CNO Quality Assurance (QA) Program to ensure maintenance of continuing competence to practice and with DCHC’s performance management requirements.
Participate in DCHC agency training activities and meetings as requested.
May provide clinical supervision and training for nursing students.
Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN). Completion of a recognized primary care NP program NP-PHC

Current Certificate of Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse in the Extended Class, Primary care.
Member of the Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario (NPAO) or Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) is an asset.
Minimum of three years’ experience working as a primary care NP with clients having complex needs, preferred.
Experience providing care to individuals facing homelessness, substance use, or complex health and social challenges.
Knowledge of relevant services and community supports in Durham Region is strongly preferred.
Prescribing Narcotics and Controlled Substances certificate endorsed by the CNO, is preferred.
Experience working in a CHC setting or other community health nursing practice is an asset.
Experience working with communities and individuals who face barriers accessing traditional health care services.
Demonstrated ability to communicate with clients in a non-judgmental manner that can be effectively understood – practicing active listening skills to understand client needs and coaching of clients as collaborative partners in their health care.
Demonstrated excellent written skills and report writing for a clinical setting.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word) is an asset.
Flexibility to work or drive to meetings at any of Durham 's clinical locations in our service area, including mobile clinic sites, as required.
Ability to work a flexible schedule with at least one evening per week.

Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position (DCHC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human right protected ground).

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and celebrates diversity so that all employees have the opportunity to thrive. DCHC will comply with all applicable standards as set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code, and any other applicable legislation.