Nurse Practitioner

Somerset West Community Health Centre•Ottawa, ON

12d•CA$119,083 - CA$137,774•Hybrid

About The Position

Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) is a non-profit, community-governed organization serving over 18,000 clients annually. Established in 1978, SWCHC offers a wide range of health care services including primary health care, health promotion, community development, mental health, and harm reduction. SWCHC is committed to removing barriers to accessing services for vulnerable populations and strives to ensure its team reflects the communities it serves, operating within an anti-racist, anti-oppressive framework. The Nurse Practitioner (NP) functions as part of an interdisciplinary team, providing healthcare and treatment to clients in supportive housing units and supporting medical stabilization beds. The NP collaborates with various team members, including Basic Needs Coordinators, RNs, Peer Coaches, System Navigators, Housing Case Managers, and Counselling services. The role involves providing primary health care services in accordance with the Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses in the Extended Class and the Expanded Nursing Services for Patients Act. This includes health promotion, counselling, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and referrals. The NP contributes to program development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation for clients facing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges. The position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a culturally sensitive manner, comfortable in complex and evolving care environments where clinical presentations, housing instability, substance use, mental health, and psychosocial factors intersect. Strong clinical judgment, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to balance risk, harm reduction, and client-centered care are essential. The NP will also collaborate with Registered Nurses on medical directives to ensure safe, responsive, and flexible care delivery.

Requirements

MScN RN(EC) or equivalent.
Current Extended Class certificate (NP-PHC) and unrestricted registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
Previous knowledge of bloodborne illnesses and treatment pathways.
Minimum two years’ experience as a nurse practitioner in a community or primary care setting.
Strong clinical skills and diagnostic abilities.
Previous experience working with culturally diverse and marginalized populations.
Strong ability to work independently, manage time effectively, delegate tasks to the nursing team, and approve medical directives.
Proven experience in emergency response situations.
Passion for working with high-risk populations and people who use drugs.
Commitment to working from a health equity and anti-oppressive lens.
Knowledge of nursing best practices for individuals with substance use, and suicide assessment.
Knowledge of street drug substances, psychoactive properties & possible drug interactions.
Knowledge and ability to screen and assess for risk of overdose & withdrawal.
Knowledge of primary care and the social determinants of health.
Knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, behaviour change and health teaching.
Strong clinical assessment skills.
Demonstrated ability and clinical expertise working with clients in crisis.
Expertise in non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation.
Knowledge of concurrent mental health distress presentations including psychosis, trauma and emotional dysregulation.
Knowledge of harm reduction approach and service delivery.
Effective organizational, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to delegate.
Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to work with people with concurrent disorders.
Ability to work under stress with multiple demands.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Knowledge of legislation, acts and regulations that govern nursing practice.
Valid CPR and First Aid.
Successful completion of police record check for vulnerable populations.
English language capability.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ODSP application process is an asset.
Experience with using Practice Solutions EMR is an asset.
Familiarity with Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) Best Practice Guidelines an asset.
Experience in an outreach, drop-in or shelter setting is an asset.
Proficiency in French is an asset.
Proficiency in other languages considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Provide a wide range of services including comprehensive triage, physical assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Provide counselling, health promotion, and preventative care to clients with varied health, social, cultural, and economic needs.
Work to full scope of practice within the Walk in Clinic.
Function independently and as a member of an interprofessional team in a culturally sensitive manner.
Provide services until 8pm and/or weekends as required.
Maintain a progressive roster of clients for whom they are the most responsible provider.
Participate in the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs and services.
Collaborate with Registered Nurses in the development, implementation, oversight, and continuous evaluation of medical directives.
Potentially expand outreach with community partners, including onsite visits, delegation of responsibilities, or implementing medical directives.