Nurse Practitioner, Addictions and Mental Health

ADAPT - Halton Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention and...; Burlington; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the community through comprehensive addiction and mental health services. As a Nurse Practitioner, you will provide essential care and support to individuals facing substance use challenges, working collaboratively with a diverse team of professionals. This role offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills while promoting health and recovery in various community settings. Enjoy a flexible work environment that values your contributions and encourages professional growth, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Supportive Work Environment

Health and Wellness Benefits

Qualifications

• Master's degree in nursing required with NP certification.
• Experience in community health and addiction medicine preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive primary care for individuals with substance use concerns.
• Develop personalized treatment plans and conduct physical exams.
• Collaborate with community agencies for coordinated care.

Skills

Nursing Skills

Assessment Skills

Medication Management

Harm Reduction Strategies

Crisis Management

Interpersonal Skills

Trauma-Informed Care

Communication Skills

Education

Master's Degree in Primary Health Nurse Care Practitioner

Completion of Prescribing Narcotics and Controlled Substances course

Suboxone online education program

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Become part of the ADAPT team; the team that makes a difference, supports its employees in their career development and creates a positive environment to work in.

POSITION: Nurse Practitioner
LOCATION: Halton Region

WHAT'S THERE FOR YOU?

You will work with a fun, cooperative and diverse team. This group will provide you many opportunities to learn from other professions and enhance your skills and abilities when providing services to your clients. It's an interesting role, with excellent work-life balance.

SUMMARY

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides direct and indirect comprehensive patient care services to populations with addictions or concurrent disorders using advanced assessment skills and a sound knowledge of clinical therapeutics. The services to support patient care are provided independently as well as in collaboration with various inter-professional teams across the organization and with community partners.

The NP will deliver nursing care services within their scope of practice as regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario.
The NP is responsible for ensuring that nursing care provided to clients meets all legislative requirements and practice standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will fulfill these duties and responsibilities personally within the parameters outlined in ADAPT’s Operations Manual as well as the established standards of the CNO and the NPAO best practice guidelines. Other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the Program Manager, Program Director or Chief Executive Officer.

General Nurse Practitioner Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive primary care within the NP scope, including assessments, diagnosis, treatment, and referrals for individuals with substance use and mental health concerns.
• Develop and implement personalized treatment plans, including medication management, withdrawal support, and harm reduction strategies.
• Conduct physical exams, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and educate clients and families on treatment and recovery.
• Collaborate with physicians, specialists, and community agencies to coordinate care and support wrap-around services.
• Offer supportive counseling, crisis management, and referrals to internal and external programs.
• Provide services in street-level community settings, through home visits, and occasionally alongside community outreach programming accessing homeless individuals in shelters or encampments, and to support in reducing barriers to care.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with professional and organizational standards.
• Participate in case conferences, professional development, and interdisciplinary team meetings.

Withdrawal management Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enhances community-based harm reduction supports for clients in the community experiencing serious substance use issues that lead to significant withdrawal symptoms.
• Deliver clinical and nursing care in supportive housing and community settings, ensuring access to primary care and withdrawal medications.
• Assess and manage co-occurring conditions, including mental health disorders, blood borne diseases and infections.
• Utilize evidence-based interventions, including medication-assisted treatment and harm reduction strategies.
• Engage clients in strengths-based, trauma-informed care while addressing social determinants of health.
• Educate individuals and families on addiction, recovery, and stigma reduction.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, specialists, and community resources to enhance patient care.
• Provide clinical guidance on addiction-related issues to healthcare professionals and community groups.
• Advocate for individuals facing substance use challenges.
• Prescribe and manage controlled substances, ensuring risk mitigation and compliance with medical cannabis regulations.

Job Specification

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to enter the position.

EDUCATION

• Master's Degree in Primary Health Nurse Care Practitioner program.
• Successful completion of the Prescribing Narcotics and Controlled Substances course required.
• Completion of a Suboxone on-line education program as asset.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse in the Extended Class
• Membership in specialty related organizations e.g. NPAO, RNAO an asset
• Non-violent crisis intervention, First Aid, CPR and ASIST certifications are assets
• Current vulnerable sector check
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three years of community health care and/or primary care experience required
• Experience in addiction medicine and harm reduction

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

General Nurse Practitioner competencies:

• Strong clinical skills with proficiency in health assessments and nursing management.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of harm reduction principles and practices, substance use and overdose response.
• Knowledge of evidence-informed guidelines, legislation, regulation and organizational policies when prescribing controlled drugs/ substances (CDS).
• Understanding of best practices related to the use of CDS and of other pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and accessibility in patient care.
• Familiarity with community health resources and social services.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues with a trauma-informed approach.
• Project planning and evaluation experience is an asset.

Withdrawal Management Competencies:

• In-depth understanding of addiction neurobiology.
• Advanced assessment and intervention skills for addiction treatment.
• Ability to evaluate emotional, cognitive, and behavioral states, crisis levels, and substance withdrawal symptoms.

Additional Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Ontario’s Mental Health Act, PHIPA, and outreach treatment approaches.
• Experience with harm reduction strategies and culturally responsive care.
• Awareness of systemic disparities affecting marginalized communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.
• Familiarity with Halton Region’s key populations and service disparities.
• French language proficiency is an asset.
• Must pass a police record check.

Other Required Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Effective time management, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ethical boundaries, confidentiality, and ability to work under pressure.
• Proficiency in electronic medical records and computer systems.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Community: public places, community partner sites and clients’ homes and/ or ADAPT busy office environment.
• Able to fulfill all duties and work hours from a remote/home location, whenever required.
• Able to work 37.5hrs/week; flexibility is required when meeting clients’ needs in evenings and on occasional weekends.
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Various physical actions of mobility are required (minimal lifting, sitting for periods of time, moderate wrist motions).

ABOUT US

ADAPT (Halton Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services) is one of the largest and most diversified treatment agencies in Ontario. We offer a full spectrum of services to clients experiencing concerns with addictions, mental health or concurrent disorders, as well as to their families and loved ones.

At ADAPT we are committed to building a warm, inclusive, and diverse environment. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset; that they will do their best work when they feel supported and empowered. That is why we offer an attractive compensation and benefits package.

You may be a great candidate even if you don’t have everything listed above. We believe in growth and curiosity. If you have some of these qualities and believe this is the position that will make you excited, then we want to hear from you!

At ADAPT, we strive to be an equitable and inclusive employer. Our commitment to equity is grounded in an institution-wide commitment to achieving a working, environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

ADAPT seeks candidates from First Nations, Métis and Inuit, racialized and LGBTQ2S+ communities, women, and people with disabilities (including people who have experienced mental health and substance use challenges).

We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

All new hires must be fully compliant with our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy as a condition of employment with ADAPT. Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of vaccination or proof of a documented medical exemption as part of the hiring process.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, ADAPT will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs to ensure your equal participation.

All personal information is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

We thank all those who apply but only those individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Company DescriptionADAPT (Halton Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services) is one of the largest and most diversified treatment agencies in Ontario. We offer a full spectrum of services to clients experiencing concerns with addictions, mental health or concurrent disorders, as well as to their families and loved ones.Company DescriptionADAPT (Halton Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services) is one of the largest and most diversified treatment agencies in Ontario. We offer a full spectrum of services to clients experiencing concerns with addictions, mental health or concurrent disorders, as well as to their families and loved ones.