Mental Health and Addictions Nurse

Northwest Employment Works; Angling Lake; Remote; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused employment agency seeks a Mental Health Nurse to provide trauma-informed care in remote First Nations communities in Ontario. Responsibilities include conducting mental health assessments, developing individualized care plans, and delivering community mental wellness education. Candidates should have relevant nursing qualifications and experience, with a strong understanding of Indigenous mental health. Flexibility and the ability to work independently in challenging conditions are essential.

Benefits

Shared accommodations

Travel allowances

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in mental health or addictions nursing.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous mental health and intergenerational trauma.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and develop care plans.
• Provide therapeutic interventions and supportive counselling.
• Deliver mental wellness education sessions in community settings.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Effective communication

Cultural humility

Crisis response

Mental health nursing

Education

Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)

Certification in Mental Health Nursing

Current CPR & First Aid certification

Job description

Job Title

Mental Health Nurse – Remote First Nations Community (Northern Ontario)

Location

Remote, Wapekeka, Wunnumin, Kingfisher Lake

Employment Type

Full-Time

Reports To

Mental Wellness Clinical Lead / Nursing Programs Manager

Collaborates With

Community Health Nurses, Public Health Nurses, Mental Health Workers, Visiting Physicians

Position Summary

The Mental Health Nurse will provide culturally safe, trauma‑informed, and community‑centered mental health care to individuals and families in a remote First Nations community. Working within a multidisciplinary team that includes community and public health nurses, mental health workers, and visiting doctors, the Mental Health Nurse plays a critical role in assessing, supporting, and coordinating care for community members experiencing mental health and substance use concerns. This position addresses the unique needs of a remote community without local hospital or psychiatry services and aims to strengthen mental wellness through prevention, early intervention, crisis response, and health promotion.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Mental Health Support

• Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and develop individualized care plans
• Provide therapeutic interventions, psychoeducation, and supportive counselling to clients across the lifespan
• Monitor and support clients with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, grief, substance use, and other mental health conditions
• Participate in crisis response planning and provide mental health support during community crises or emergencies
• Liaise with visiting physicians and psychiatrists (via telehealth) for medication support and specialized consultation

Collaboration & Coordination

• Collaborate with existing community health nurses, public health nurses, and mental health workers to ensure coordinated care
• Work with external service providers (e.g., telepsychiatry, withdrawal management, social services) to facilitate referrals
• Assist with discharge planning and follow‑up for clients returning from hospital or treatment centers

Health Promotion & Community Engagement

• Deliver mental wellness education sessions in schools, community gatherings, or with specific groups (e.g., youth, Elders)
• Promote culturally relevant healing practices and support land‑based, traditional, and community‑led initiatives
• Participate in community events and outreach to build trust and reduce stigma around mental health

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in accordance with nursing standards and confidentiality policies
• Support the health team with program planning and reporting, including identifying gaps in services or emerging community needs

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) with a focus or training in mental health
• Current registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
• Certification in Mental Health Nursing (e.g., CPMHN(C)) or relevant continuing education is an asset
• Current CPR & First Aid certification
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License

Experience & Skills

• Minimum 2 years of experience in mental health or addictions nursing, preferably in Indigenous, rural, or remote settings
• Strong understanding of trauma‑informed care, Indigenous mental health, and intergenerational trauma
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment with limited access to emergency and specialist services
• Effective communication, empathy, and cultural humility
• Experience with crisis response, suicide prevention, and harm reduction is highly valued

Working Conditions

• Fly‑in/Fly‑out depending on location
• On‑call or flexible hours may be required
• Shared accommodations and travel allowances may be provided
• Must be comfortable working in a setting with limited infrastructure and support services

Preferred Attributes

• Indigenous ancestry and/or experience working in First Nations communities
• Knowledge of local language, cultural practices, and community dynamics
• Ability to adapt nursing practice to reflect community values and traditional healing

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Rachel Gessie, Health Director, at [e-mail]