Psychiatric Nurse

Adams Lake Indian Band is seeking one fulltime highly motivated and culturally sensitive Psychiatric Nurse to work with indigenous populations in Salmon Arm and Chase, BC, and will be reporting to the Senior Health Officer. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in providing accessible and culturally competent psychiatric support and harm reduction services, i.e. Opioid Replacement therapy, to individuals who face unique mental health challenges due to colonial trauma and compounded social and economic barriers. You will be part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team of professionals and community partners to deliver holistic and person-centred care.

The Psych Nurse is responsible for supporting the individuals safety and well-being of service users who are experiencing challenges with Mental Wellness and/or Substance Use challenges and/or comorbidities. Services cross the spectrum of mental wellness and substance use and are inclusive of but may not be limited to, mental wellness outreach; outreach detox; outreach medication management (i.e. suboxone); medication administration; wellness assessments; crisis intervention, referrals to community-based services; case management. counselling intervention; Socioeconomic supports (i.e. housing or Social Work referrals); harm reduction services; opioid replacement support; and Community-based MWSU workshops/education. The Psych Nurse will work as part of a collaborative team to advocate and support the client across the MWSU continuum of care. For example, the Psych Nurse would work in conjunction with a psychiatrist, GP or NP and other members of the individuals wellness team. The Psych Nurse is required to work a flexible schedule and be responsive to emergent MWSU crisis as appropriate and maintain and manage an active caseload of vulnerable clients. The position will work a regular schedule with a willingness for creative flexibility as required. Some evening, evening, or after-hours work will be required.

Overview: Hold in care vulnerable adults; preservation of dignity and respect; advocacy for health; enhancement of family, relationships, culture with integrity, honesty and creativity through the oversight of programs. As the steward of highly confidential personal information to mitigate risk by ensuring legal and client-related documents are held in confidential trust and participate in sensitive and personal situations, the complexity of this position includes gaining trust, credibility and integrity.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Assessment and Diagnosis:
  • Conduct thorough psychiatric assessments to evaluate the mental health needs of individuals within the target populations.
  • Develop differential diagnoses and treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique circumstances and cultural background.
  • Identifying and assessing acuity of situations, emergencies, or ongoing chaos rooted in trauma and the most impactful way to support individual empowerment
  • Co-creating solutions with individuals to meet their wellness goals.
  • Adapting and creating unique services and supports that meet individuals needs.
  • Leadership is provided by giving people information so they can make empowered choices.
• Treatment and Intervention:
  • Provide evidence-based psychiatric treatment and intervention, including medication management and psychotherapy.
  • Assist clients in crisis management and de-escalation of acute psychiatric symptoms.
  • Implement trauma-informed care practices to support individuals who may have experienced trauma.
• Cultural Competency:
  • Respect and acknowledge cultural diversity and incorporate cultural competence into all aspects of care.
  • Collaborate with community elders, leaders, and traditional healers to ensure culturally relevant treatment and support.
  • Practice from a trauma-informed approach
• Community Outreach:
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with local health authority, community organizations, First Nation communities, and social services agencies to facilitate access to mental health services.
  • Participate in outreach and education efforts to reduce stigma surrounding mental health in the community.
  • Champion Harm Reduction and Safer Use approaches, practices, and iniaitives.
• Collaborative Care:
  • Collaborate with other healthcare providers, social workers, and case managers to ensure a comprehensive approach to care.
  • Coordinate and lead case management and attend team meetings and case conferences to share insights and collaborate on client care plans.
  • Liaising and creating protocols with other professionals including RCMP, Ambulance, community corrections, etc.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic health records, documenting client progress and interventions.
  • Understanding of limits of confidentiality and professional documentation standards of practice.
• Crisis Management:
  • Respond to psychiatric emergencies as needed, providing immediate support and appropriate referrals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILILITIES:

• Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)
• Practicing member of the BCCNM
• Previous experience working with indigenous and marginalized populations is highly desirable.
• Cultural competence and a deep understanding of indigenous and marginalized communities' unique needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel within the community and work flexible hours.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills (relevant to the community) are a plus.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS (REQUIRED DOCUMENTS):

• Current Criminal Record Check
• Valid BC Drivers license
• Must be fully vaccinated

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Full time permanent position
• Wage to be based on education and experience varying from $50 to $55 per hour.
• Upon completion of probation ALIB offers comprehensive Benefits and a Pension Plan.
• Hours per week: 75 hours biweekly (max 37.5 hrs./week), with flexibility in hours/days of work.
• Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is available.
• All interested candidates are asked to submit a detailed cover letter and resume with references to: Human-Resources@alib.ca
• Preference may be given to ALIB band members and individuals who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit, or Indigenous ancestry. All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. If you have any questions about the position, difficulties applying, or require an accommodation during the selection process, which is available upon request, please contact us either via telephone at: 250-679-2214 or email: human-resources@alib.ca
• Although we acknowledge all those interested in the position, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $50.00-$55.00 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits: Company pension, Dental care, Employee assistance program, Extended health care
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate: Chase, BC V0E 1M1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education: