Nurse Practitioner- Safer Opiate Supply (SOS)

Nurse Practitioner – Safer Opiate Supply (SOS)

Full-Time, Contract Position to March 31, 2023  

Salary Range:  $103,851 - $122,178

Includes HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan)

South Riverdale Community Health Centre is a non-profit, multi-service organization that provides primary healthcare, social and community outreach services with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention primarily to people of East Toronto. Our mission is to improve the lives of people that face barriers to physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being. We do so by meaningfully engaging our clients and communities, ensuring equitable access to primary health care and delivering quality care through a range of evidence informed programs, services and approaches. As a leader in community health, our locally and internationally recognized community services include cutting-edge primary health services, health promotion, harm reduction, environmental health, community food centre and population-based community programs for marginalized peoples. We value health equity and inclusion and respect in our work and in the delivery of our services.

In response to the ongoing opioid crisis and as a complement to the Downtown East Collaborative - Safer Opiate Supply Program (DEC-SOS), SRCHC is looking to build a large interdisciplinary mobile team of providers who offer prescriptions for safer opioid supply as well as therapeutic and supportive treatment for people who use substances in the further east part of Toronto.  Team members will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues, partners as well as service users with a focus on addressing the needs of equity-deserving communities in a variety of neighborhoods where overdose risks are high and resources limited.  This role requires the flexibility to work in a variety of settings on a daily basis.

This role will be required to provide prescription and primary care support to those receiving SOS.  The goal of the SOS program is to address the overdose crisis by transitioning people away from toxic and contaminated street opiates to pharmaceutical grade opiates such as Kadian (morphine sulphate) and Dilaudid (hydromorphone) in a harm reduction, trauma informed, client-centered approach. 

This position will be required to work some flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends and will also be involved in shelter outreach work and working with clients who are COVID-19 positive.  Working onsite during the COVID-19 pandemic is required. 

Responsibilities:

• Assesses and manages episodic and chronic conditions commonly seen in primary health care
• Prescribes medication as appropriate and orders laboratory and diagnostic tests within the RN (EC) scope of practice
• Provides supportive counselling which may include preventative counselling, brief supportive counselling or short-term crisis management in collaboration with the team
• Participates in clinical care at off-site locations/partner agencies as well visits to clients who live within the catchment area as necessary
• Makes internal referrals to other SRCHC staff and programs as appropriate
• Makes external referrals to specialists, hospital or community resources as appropriate
• Participates in case conferences with other providers to ensure coordination of services to the client
• Works as a member of an interdisciplinary team and applies an equity lens to interdisciplinary care
• Ensures that standards of client care are maintained according to accepted College of Nurses standards, the Regulated Health Professions Act, and the policies of SRCHC
• Performs rotational on-call duties and back up support as required
• Participates in the development of, and gives support to, policies/strategies which are in the interest of public health and which support the recognition of the determinants of health
• Provides pre and post-natal care, which includes collaboration with CHC physicians, Match Program, "maternity care" physicians, midwives or health care providers chosen by the client, as needed
• Supports and participates in DEC SOS and Community of Practice (CoP) members and activities
• Mentors and educates around Safer Opioid Supply Program and Guidelines
• Actively participates in the successful implementation of the strategic, operational and program plans
• Collaborates with own team and other teams across the organization to identify and provide health education to target groups
• Other duties as required

Qualifications:

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse in the Extended Class with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Baccalaureate or Master’s degree in nursing from a recognized university
• 3 - 5 years nursing experience in a community setting, hospital or public health setting and experience in primary health care
• Completion or enrollment in advanced education in controlled substances and addictions treatment courses (CAMH, OAT, BCCSU etc.) is considered an asset
• BLS and comfort with overdose response
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge and understanding of infection control and preventative practices
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of community-based health care
• Demonstrated respect for diversity, equity and accessibility with the ability to work collaboratively and positively with others
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills
• Proficiency in the use of computer technology and various software applications
• Demonstrated experience working across all genders with racialized populations, indigenous peoples, women who engage in sex work, individuals who are/have been incarcerated, people with mental health challenges, and people who have experienced trauma
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Second language considered an asset
• Police clearance documentation will be required for employment
• Proof of triple COVID-19 vaccination status will be required for employment

The deadline for applicants is Monday, May 16 2022 at 12:00 p.m. (noon)

Please mail in your cover letter and resume in confidence to:

The Hiring Committee – NP SOS

South Riverdale Community Health Centre

955 Queen Street East 

Toronto, ON  M4M 3P3

Or by email to:  humanresources@srchc.com

Please enter “NP SOS” in the subject line of your email.

No faxes, phone calls, or requests to meet please.

This is a bargaining unit position with CUPE Local 5399.

SRCHC welcomes applications from people with disabilities.  Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

SRCHC is an equal opportunity employer.  We would like to thank all those that apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

SRCHC encourages a scent-free environment.  Employees, students, volunteers, and visitors are asked to refrain from wearing fragrances and other scented personal care products (i.e. perfumes, deodorants, lotions, hairspray, etc.) while at the Centre.