MHAS Nurse RN/RPN - Intake

Vancouver Island Health Authority; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 56,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Vancouver Island Health Authority is seeking a Mental Health and Addictions Nurse - Intake to provide central intake, advanced nursing assessments, intervention, treatment, and referral for clients with mental health and substance use issues.

The role involves liaising with general practitioners, psychiatrists, and community services to ensure continuous care across all care phases. Travel between multiple sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN or RPN.
• Post basic education related to psychiatric nursing and/or mental illness.
• Two years recent related experience.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act and Guardianship Act.
• Valid BC Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Provide central intake, advanced nursing and clinical assessments and referrals.
• Intervene, treat and refer clients with mental health and substance use issues.
• Collaborate with general practitioner, psychiatrist, inpatient and community services.

Skills

Nursing assessment

Interprofessional teamwork

Communication

Organizational skills

Teaching skills

Clinical observation

Education

RN/RPN registration (BC)

Post-basic psychiatric nursing education

Two years related experience

Valid BC Driver's License

Tools

Windows-based software

Job description

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Travel between multiple sites may be required

Shift Start Time/End Time

08:30-16:30

Days Off

Vacancy Type

Temp FT

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$41.42 - $59.52

Paid FTE

1.0

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

75

Planned Start Date

Oct. 1 2026

Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)

Dec. 25 2026

Pending Return of Incumbent

Yes

CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check)

Required for Professional Registration

Job Description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reports to the Clinical Coordinator or designate. Works within the organization's framework and standards, and a rehabilitation/recovery focused model. As a member of an inter-professional care team, the Mental Health and Addictions Nurse - Intake provides, central intake, advanced nursing and clinical assessments, intervention, treatment, and referral for clients experiencing mental health and alcohol & drug addiction problems and their caregivers/families. Liaises with general practitioner, psychiatrist, in-patient unit, community mental health services, other healthcare providers and agencies to provide services that are continuous in all phases of mental health, alcohol and drug addiction, and concurrent disorders care and support. Travel may be a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Vancouver Island Health Authority in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training And Experience

Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant or a practicing RPN registrant. Recognized post basic education related to psychiatric nursing and/or mental illness; Two (2) years recent related experience; A significant understanding of mental health and/or alcohol and drug use issues; Knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act; Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community to persons with mental illnesses; Knowledge of mental health and/or alcohol and drug use assessments, treatment methodologies, intervention strategies, the change process, and community dynamics; or An equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid BC Driver's License.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to apply nursing process as required and described in BC College of Nurses and Midwives Standards of Nursing Practice.
• Demonstrate competence congruent within the organization's framework and standards, and a rehabilitation/recovery focused model, as a member of an inter-professional care team, the care and treatment of concurrent disorders.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated organizational, problem solving and teaching skills.
• Demonstrated judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy.
• Work collaboratively as part of a inter-professional team.
• Promote positive change and independence.
• Prioritize and organize workload.
• Ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Operate a personal computer with a variety of windows based software.

A first in Canada: minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs) are here in BC! Island Health, alongside BC's other health authorities, is implementingmNPRsas a transformative staffing initiative that aims to improve the working environment of nurses in order to provide better quality care to our patients.