Mental Health & Substance Use Outreach Nurse

minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs)

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is proud to be part of the provincial implementation of minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs), an initiative aimed at enhancing nursing practice and strengthening quality of care across the health system. mNPRs set the minimum number of nurses providing care to patients on a given unit. In British Columbia, mNPRs are developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) and health organizations. Guided by our values: We Care for Everyone, We Are Always Learning and We Strive for Better Results, we remain committed to fostering quality practice and learning environments where nurses can grow and thrive.

Description

This is an exciting position with the Intensive Health Outreach Team! You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide outreach services for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in shelters, on the streets, and in encampments. You will provide episodic primary care, mental health and substance use supports to clients in the form of immediate assessment, intervention, treatment and bridging. This is a new and evolving specialized short-term case management team that promotes housing stability and optimal health. Apply today to join our team!

 

JOB SUMMARY:Position works as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide triage and outreach services that are inclusionary and flexible for individuals with mental illness, substance use and/or chronic medical conditions. Conducts mental and physical status assessments and assesses the client’s physiological, psychological, sociocultural and spiritual needs to determine priority of care requirements based on client needs, availability of resources and best practices. Provides counseling and assists client with reducing repeated contact with and use of acute and community healthcare services/programs/resources. Assesses high risk situations and provides crisis intervention. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to develop, implement and adjust the client’s care plan to meet the client’s need for integrated services and continuity of care across the continuum. Facilitates the movement of clients between acute care, community agency support site and designated health centre. Participates in case conferences/meetings with members of the interdisciplinary team. Assists clients with attendance to needed services such as medical appointments.Practices in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards (professional & practice) and code of ethics for registered nurses or registered psychiatric nurses. Practices within the scope of practice as set by the organization, as per VCH policies and guidelines/clinical practice documents and within own competence. This practice is aligned with the vision, mission, goals and values of the organization as well as with the concept of the resident/client and family centred care model.QUALIFICATIONS:Education and ExperienceCurrent practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Two (2) years’ recent related experience working with individuals with mental health and substance use issues, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid BC Drivers License and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes, as required.Knowledge and Abilities:Knowledge of the principles and practices of a client and family centered recovery model in mental illness and substance use.Broad knowledge of crisis intervention and counseling skills.Broad knowledge of mental health illness and substance use treatment.Broad knowledge of psychopharmacology (indication and side effects).Broad knowledge of substance abuse and substance use treatment.Broad knowledge of other facilities and community resources.Demonstrated ability to conduct psychiatric assessments.Demonstrated ability to provide treatment planning, counseling, crisis intervention, and case coordination.Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients and their families, colleagues, physicians and other health care staff, both one-on-one and in groups.Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills that promotes communication and lead to a cooperative approach to problem solving within a interdisciplinary setting.Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities.Demonstrated ability to adjust schedule to deal with unexpected situations.Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.Demonstrated ability to provide consultation and leadership.Demonstrated ability to problem solve.Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with conflict situations.Ability to operate related equipment.Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, Internet and email software.Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes.

Details

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.Unless otherwise noted on the posting, internal job postings close at 8:00 AM Pacific Time on the listed Closing Date. Please submit your digital application via the Internal Career Portal prior to the Closing Date & Time.Nursing & LPN successful applicants will be notified by email.We regret that only short listed candidates will be acknowledged.This is an internal job posting for Vancouver Coastal Health employees only.