Public Health Nurse

Northwest Employment Works; Ontario; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health organization is seeking a Public Health Nurse to support school-age children and promote community wellness in Ontario. This role involves immunizations, disease control, and health education, engaging with First Nations communities to address health inequities. The ideal candidate will be a registered nurse with experience in community health and strong assessment and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English required; knowledge of a NAN dialect (Ojibway, Cree, Oji-Cree) is an asset.
• Must possess a valid Ontario driver’s license and be willing to travel to northern communities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver culturally safe public health programming.
• Promote and provide immunization services.
• Monitor communicable diseases and provide education.
• Support chronic disease prevention through screenings.
• Engage families in health promotion activities.

Skills

Community health experience

Teaching skills

Communication skills

Assessment skills

Trauma-informed practice

Education

Registered Nurse (RN) or equivalent

Current CPR Level C

Job description

SHIBOGAMA HEALTH JOB DESCRIPTION

Overview

JOB TITLE: Public Health Nurse—School Health and Community Wellbeing
RESPONSIBLE TO: Dual reporting structure: Shibogama First Nations Council Nursing Programs Manager and Community Health Director

—

ROLE SUMMARY:

The Public Health Nurse (PHN) will support school-age children and youth while promoting broader community wellness through immunizations, communicable disease control, and health promotion initiatives. The PHN will address both acute and long-term public health concerns including respiratory illness, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), mental health, substance use, and chronic disease prevention and management. Using a holistic, trauma- and violence-informed approach, the PHN will work in collaboration with First Nations communities to strengthen resiliency by addressing health inequities and the social determinants of health. Culturally safe care, community engagement, and intersectoral collaboration are core components of this role.

—

Responsibilities

• Deliver culturally safe school- and community-based public health programming rooted in First Nations values and community priorities.
• Promote and provide immunization services including routine childhood vaccines, school-based programs, adult catch-up, and outbreak-specific responses.
• Monitor, respond to, and provide education on communicable diseases such as influenza, RSV, measles, tuberculosis, and STBBIs (including syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B/C).
• Provide sexual health education and support access to confidential STBBI testing, treatment, and contact tracing in collaboration with local health partners.
• Educate and support youth on sexual health, consent, harm reduction, and healthy relationships.
• Work with community partners to support chronic disease prevention and management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, heart disease) through screenings, lifestyle interventions, and coordinated care plans.
• Lead and support infection prevention and control (IPAC) strategies in schools and other community settings.
• Conduct trauma- and violence-informed school and community health assessments to guide program planning and address risk factors.
• Promote mental wellness and substance use education, provide early intervention and referrals to culturally appropriate services.
• Offer opioid overdose prevention education and administer/facilitate Naloxone training.
• Engage students and families in culturally relevant, land-based, and strength-based health promotion activities.
• Support health surveillance efforts by collecting, analyzing, and sharing community health data as needed.
• Contribute to community resilience through emergency preparedness and response, including climate-related and water safety concerns.
• Build community capacity and leadership in public health programming through mentorship and co-development of health initiatives.

Organizational and Safety Responsibilities

• Reflect the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN) values and the mission of Shibogama First Nations Council in daily practice.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with supervisors and local leadership regarding emerging issues, risks, and successes.
• Foster collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders, including health directors, educators, youth workers, and Elders.
• Ensure all health information and documentation complies with privacy legislation and organizational policies.
• Uphold culturally safe, professional, and respectful communication in all interactions.
• Act in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and public health best practices.
• Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow current IPAC guidelines from Public Health Ontario.
• Maintain current WHMIS and other relevant health and safety certifications.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), or RN (Extended Class) with current registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Experience in community health, school health, or public health nursing, preferably within First Nations or remote settings.
• Knowledge of:
• o STBBI prevention, testing, treatment, and partner notification
• o Chronic disease prevention and management strategies
• o Harm reduction and trauma-informed practice
• o Immunization standards and communicable disease protocols
• o Mental health and substance use supports for children and youth
• Strong assessment, documentation, communication, and teaching skills.
• Fluency in English required; fluency in a NAN dialect (Ojibway, Cree, Oji-Cree) is an asset.
• Must possess a valid Ontario driver’s license and be willing to travel or reside in northern First Nations communities for extended periods.
• Current CPR Level C, WHMIS, and Naloxone training required or willingness to obtain.