Nurse Practitioner (NP), Youth Wellness Hub

Durham Community Health Centre•Ajax, ON

4d•CA$60,560 - CA$62,958•Hybrid

About The Position

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is a registered, charitable organization that provides integrated, accessible, and equitable community-based primary care, wellness services, and health education to Durham community members who face multiple barriers to their health and well-being. DCHC also provides equity-based programs and services that focus on priority populations such as Indigenous, Black, the 2SLGBTQI Community, Newcomers to Canada, Seniors, and Unattached patients (i.e., those without a family doctor), to name a few. DCHC ensures Durham community members receive not only sick care, but preventive care as well. At DCHC, we are a team-based interprofessional group of staff including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counselors, dietitians, outreach workers, medical secretaries, and other administrative staff. We always place every client at the centre of our approach to care, based on their needs. We address these needs through integrated clinical and wellness care and health education. It's an exciting time to be joining DCHC, while we are embarking on an energizing path with a focus on making our biggest impact yet on local health care by diversifying, expanding, and leveraging our Strategic Plan, Theory of Change, Brand, Client Stories and Resources. As a member of an inter-professional Youth Wellness Hub team, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides comprehensive, youth-centered primary care and wellness supports, addressing mental health, substance use, sexual health, sleep, nutrition, and other physical health needs. Services are delivered virtually, on-site, and in the community, following the YWHO model, emphasizing trauma-responsive, culturally safer, and developmentally appropriate care. The NP collaborates with internal Hub staff, including CYWs/Facilitators, Peer Support Workers, Intake Coordinators/Care Navigators, and Youth Addictions Counsellors, as well as external service providers, to ensure integrated care, continuity of care, and effective navigation of health and social services for youth. The NP demonstrates advocacy and leadership in promoting the Hub’s mission, the principles of the YWHO model, and youth engagement in care decisions.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) with completion of a recognized Primary Care NP program (NP-PHC).
Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a Nurse Practitioner in the extended class, Primary Care.
Minimum 3 years of experience providing primary care to clients with complex health, mental health, and/or substance use needs.
Lived/living experience and knowledge of barriers and challenges faced by youth, is required.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with ability to work in an inter-professional team.
Ability to work trauma-responsive, youth-centered care, including active listening and client advocacy.
Strong clinical documentation and report-writing skills; proficiency with EMRs and Microsoft Office.
Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle for community-based care.
Flexibility to work evenings or at multiple Hub/community locations.
Basic CPR certification required; vulnerable sector police check required upon hiring.
Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position (DCHC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human right protected ground).

Nice To Haves

Experience providing care to youth and marginalized populations preferred.
Prescribing Narcotics and Controlled Substances certificate endorsed by CNO is an asset.
Knowledge of community health services and resources in Durham Region preferred.
Experience working in community health or integrated care settings is an asset.
Lived/Living experience with mental health or substance use challenges, or experience as part of a marginalized population, is an asset.

Responsibilities

Deliver youth-centered primary care and wellness services, including assessments, diagnosis, treatment, and health education in a trauma-responsive and developmentally appropriate manner.
Prescribe and manage pharmacotherapy, including medications for mental health and other medical needs, within NP scope of practice.
Provide care addressing biopsychosocial needs, including concurrent mental health and substance use concerns.
Offer guidance and support on sexual health, sleep, nutrition, and general wellness.
Facilitate virtual, on-site, and community-based care to reduce barriers and enhance accessibility.
Conduct intake assessments for new clients, explaining and supporting measurement-based care tools.
Support warm handoffs and care coordination, linking youth to internal Hub services and external community partners.
Collaborate with inter-professional Hub team members and external providers to ensure holistic, integrated care plans.
Contribute to program evaluation, clinical audits, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of clinical policies, procedures, and best practices.
Participate in case conferences, interdisciplinary team meetings, and collaborative planning.
Create a safe, welcoming, non-judgmental environment for youth.
Include youth as partners in their care, empowering them to make informed decisions about health and wellness.
Promote equity, inclusivity, and culturally responsive care within all aspects of service delivery.