RAD LPN/RN/RPN- Casual pool

AVI Health & Community Services Society; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community health organization in British Columbia seeks a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse for the Regulated Access to Drugs Program. The role involves providing person-centered care using a harm reduction approach, addressing the needs of clients with complex health issues including poly-substance use. Candidates should have experience in nursing and a commitment to collaboration and social justice principles. The position offers flexible hours and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Union environment with benefits

13% in lieu of vacation and stat holidays

Additional pension contributions

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years of nursing experience working with people with poly-substance use.
• Experience in supervised consumption/overdose prevention services.
• Strong knowledge of substance use disorder and opiate agonist treatment.

Responsibilities

• Provide care for individuals with complex health conditions.
• Work independently and collaboratively to support clients.
• Educate participants on health management and substance use.

Skills

Poly-substance use expertise

Communication skills

Crisis management

Advocacy skills

Education

Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse

Job description

AVI Health & Community Services (AVI)

AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organization providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of 5 locations across Vancouver Island. AVI provides services to people living with HIV and hepatitis C and harm reduction clients. We take evidence-based action to prevent infection, provide support, and reduce stigma. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework to ensure equity and access to services for all. At the core of what we do is our ability, and commitment to, creating meaningful connections between clients and staff, peers, staff members, organizations, communities, and funders through impactful programs. For more information see www.avi.org.

Regulated Access to Drugs Program (RAD)

This position will work in our RAD program, a flexible, community-based harm reduction program that provides safer, pharmaceutical alternatives to the currently toxic drug supply in Campbell River, BC and/or Courtenay, BC. The program operates in conjunction with AVI’s existing programs and services, including the Positive Wellness Program for people living with or at risk of HIV/hepatitis C, health promotion education, youth advocacy and outreach, and drop-in harm reduction services. Our services are delivered on the lands of the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum peoples.

Job Summary

The LPN/RN will work in partnership with an interdisciplinary team to provide person-centered healthcare including assessment, screening, and education to support clients who are accessing the program. The RAD Nurse will use a harm reduction, trauma-informed approach and clinical skills to independently assess individuals with complex primary care health needs and active poly-substance use. This position requires a professional who is experienced with harm reduction and requires commitment to collaboration with multiple stakeholders including, first and foremost, people with lived/living experience of criminalized drug use. The successful candidate will embody a philosophy and practice of collaboration, while working from a relational perspective that upholds values of harm reduction, empathy, social justice, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care. The RAD Nurse will report to the Clinical Nurse Lead.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide care and support for individuals with high levels of poly-substance use and a variety and complexity of acute and chronic conditions, related but not exclusive to conditions of poverty and criminalization.
• Work both independently and collaboratively with the team to support people contemplating or accessing pharmaceutical alternatives to illegal/toxic substances in settings such as parks, drop-in centers, shelters, supported housing units, OPS/SCS, etc.
• Provide care, assessment, screening, education, referrals, and advocacy regarding substance use, acute and chronic health concerns, mental health, sexual health, wound management, and general wellness, including primary and specialist care, substance use services, diagnostic and laboratory services, and medication management.
• Provide harm reduction support through collaborative risk reduction strategy, education, distribution of harm reduction supplies, and overdose prevention education including Naloxone training and distribution.
• Collaborate with participants and the team to develop and maintain individualized care plans, providing ongoing monitoring and support with participants in accordance with their specific care plans.
• Provide education, information and appropriate referrals that are responsive to the self-identified needs of participants to manage their health, enhance understanding of their health status, and navigate services and community supports related to their care.
• Provide screening and assessment and administer medications as ordered by program physicians.
• Work with community partners to ensure seamless support of program participants.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, educational forums, and engagement in community building and networking.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current full registration as Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse
• Minimum 2-3 years of nursing experience working with people with high levels of poly-substance use and mental health challenges.
• Previous experience working in supervised consumption/overdose prevention services or safer supply programs, including experience responding to medical emergencies such as overdose (Naloxone administration, airway management, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of substance use disorder and opiate agonist treatment options.
• Demonstrated practice of social justice, anti-racism, decolonization and trauma-informed care.
• Demonstrated understanding of public health and equity-oriented models of social support and health care.
• Commitment to harm reduction principles and practice, with experience working alongside coworkers and program participants who experience intersecting systemic oppression.
• Commitment to honoring Indigenous communities and ways of knowing, while approaching learning about the ongoing impacts of colonial violence with humility.
• Understanding of how systemic barriers associated with poverty, mental health, substance use, trauma, racism, colonialism, heterosexism, and gender discrimination impact health and service delivery.
• Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in primary care, substance use, harm reduction, HIV, HCV, sexual health, mental health and health promotion.
• Demonstrated commitment to person-centered healthcare service provision.
• Works well under pressure in a dynamic environment.
• Capable, independent practitioner and committed team member.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution and crisis management skills.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and use of own vehicle for work purposes.

Skills and Abilities

• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position and operate related equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain respectful rapport with participants.
• Ability to observe and recognize subtle changes in participants.
• Strong advocacy and networking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Ability to use related equipment, including computer to complete documentation, data, and reports using Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
• Practiced conflict resolution and non-violent crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work outdoors during all types of weather in all seasons.

Position Details

• Pay: per BCNU pay grid, RN/RPN Level 3 (ranging between $41.42 - $55.91) and LPN Level 1 (ranging between $32.84- $41.35) and all applicable premiums apply.
• Schedule: Shifts Monday to Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm based on rotational shifts.
• Position Type: Casual
• Union: AVI is a union environment under the Collective Agreement: HEABC & Nurses’ Bargaining Association 2022-2025 and this role is an Included Position.
• Location & Departments: This position will be working out of both the Campbell River and Courtenay RAD Clinics and in community.
• Pension: If you are already a member of the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP), you can continue with them at AVI immediately. AVI contributes an additional 9.31% towards your pension account.
• Other Perks: This position gets paid an extra 13% in lieu of vacation and stat holidays. After 180 hours of work, you may be eligible for self-pay Blue Cross extended health benefits.
• Hours of Work, Days Off and Work Area may be subject to change.

To Apply

Please click on 'To apply' to submit your resume and (optional) cover letter. This position is open until filled.

AVI is committed to equity and diversity and we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, persons of colour, racialized individuals, persons living with a disability, persons who use/d drugs, persons with experience of sex work, persons who live with HIV and/or hepatitis C, and persons representing diverse genders and sexualities. It is beneficial to indicate in the cover letter if you are Indigenous and/or have lived/living expertise relevant to the position. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. We would like to thank all those who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.