Community Nurse

Full-time

Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Salary: $31.11 - $45.02

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Clinical Director Behavioural Services, the Community Nurse Specialist (RN) will work as part of the Central West Specialized Developmental Services – Dual Diagnosis Service Team, serving people from the Halton, Peel, Waterloo, Wellington and Dufferin Regions in the delivery of professional nursing care to persons diagnosed with an intellectual disability, challenging behaviours and/or mental health issues. To use nursing procedures, with a biopsychosocial approach, as part of the inter-disciplinary team in providing outreach, treatment rehabilitation, preventative health care, support and consultation to assist persons in the community in maintaining optimal levels of health and functioning. To work with families and community stakeholders to develop and maintain appropriate health support for persons in the communities in which they reside, within the Central West Region.

Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Serving as the Registered Nurse for people with complex and multiple needs and managing a caseload within the Central West Region in accordance with professional practice guidelines.
Collaboration with the DDS Psychiatrist and DDS inter-disciplinary team and with community health care providers in the assessment of physical health; making appropriate referrals to community physicians for further assessment and treatment; coordinating medical treatments with psychiatric treatment.
In conjunction with the DDS inter-disciplinary team, the person, the family, and community stakeholders, establish the short and long-term goals/service plans, to include preventative health care. Establishing with other team members the main focus/responsibilities that the nurse will pursue at both, an individual and service level to achieve and maintain the optimal health of persons.
Educate and increase the capacity within developmental services, health and mental health systems with respect to the health needs of persons with a developmental disability who have complex and multiple needs. This includes implementing resources and tools such as the revised Canadian Consensus Guidelines for the Primary Care of Adults with Developmental Disabilities.
Create professional linkages to support and ensure health care best practices are in place for individuals with developmental disabilities who have complex and multiple needs.
Provide support to families and developmental service agencies so they feel equipped to better address the health care requirements of people with complex and multiple needs.
Identify gaps in accessing primary health care, mental health services and long-term care and develop strategies to navigate and/or fill these gaps.
Participate in multi-disciplinary care conferences to assist in service planning, and the coordination of specific health care needs and supports, including implementation.
Participate on internal or external committees related to health care to include RNAO/BPSO.
Provide an advocacy role as required, ensuring the rights of the individual are upheld.

· Supports the Vision, Purpose and Vales of CWSDS and the CNSC.

Complies with CWSDS policies and procedures.
Completes statistical information and other required data entry in a timely manner
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, with registration as a Nurse (R.N.) in Ontario, plus significant, post-graduation exposure to navigating primary health care services across and between sectors.
Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in identifying and addressing the unique health care needs of persons diagnosed with an intellectual and developmental disability, as well as complex and multiple needs. Knowledge of the revised Canadian Consensus Guidelines for Primary Care of Adults with Developmental Disabilities is an asset.
Demonstrated ability to work independently in a community position without daily supervision and colleague support.
Good initiative and judgement to carry out the assigned responsibilities of the DDS Community Nurse Specialist role in a time-effective manner.
Strong organizational, assessment, planning, priority setting and problem solving skills to carry out a demanding workload in an independent manner.
Position requires a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
Demonstrated skills in community relationship management and in partnering with other community organizations.
Knowledge of organizational and community resources across multiple sectors, to be able to provide consultation to persons and/or their care providers, families, community service and health providers, on options for obtaining medical support and services for persons with complex and multiple needs.
Strong oral and written communication, interpersonal, and listening skills to consult effectively with persons and their families, community agencies and various other community-based organizations and professionals, with a strong focus on primary care professionals.
Ability to develop, deliver and/or facilitate formal and informal education sessions to service providers across sectors.
Demonstrated knowledge of computer software programs and ability to use effectively (i.e.: Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point).
Ability to work flexible hours in order to meet with persons and their families as well as service providers in the community.
An appreciation for the Region’s ethno-cultural diverse community is required.
A valid Ontario driver’s license and a vehicle.
Providing proof of vaccination for COVID-19 and maintaining vaccination status as necessary from time to time during employment.