Program: VAHS Primary Care Clinic
Job Status: Casual
Union Status: BCGEU Collective Agreement
Location: 449 East Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6A 1P5

Starting Wage: $37.67 – $49.38/hour
* subject to increase, pending new BCGEU Collective Agreement

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a not-for-profit organization located in the Downtown Eastside community for over 30 years. VAHS programs are designed by and for urban Aboriginal people to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Our services include a Primary Care Clinic, a Dental Clinic, a cultural team of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous Early Years programs.


ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Registered Nurse (RN) practices within the context of an integrated, team-based primary care and population health model, based the scope of the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) and the vision/values of VAHS. The RN acts as a resource to the Primary Care team by providing information and support based on nursing theory and best practices related to patients with complex health needs. They work collaboratively to coordinate and develop care plans within an interdisciplinary Primary Care team and community partners. 

The RN cares for individuals and families who are experiencing complex health challenges such as, but not limited to: chronic diseases, mental health and substance use-related needs, and the effects of the social determinants of health. By strengthening therapeutic relationships with patients that are based on respect and trust, the RN uses relevant health interventions and/or self-management principles to conduct health assessments, identify problems and needs, and address issues or variances from patient care plans. The RN provides services within the Primary Care Clinic, or on outreach/home-based visits, by assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and documenting patient care


QUALIFICATIONS

  • Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse within the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
  • One year of recent, related experience, or completion of a full, final clinical placement in a community health setting — or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • A valid BC Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Comprehensive knowledge of health care disciplines and their role in patient care
  • Comprehensive knowledge of community nursing theory and practice within a client- and family-centered model of care
  • Able in deal with a variety of situations requiring initiative, creativity, and professional judgment
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of a client- and family-centered recovery model for mental health and substance use-related challenges
  • Able to assess patients at risk, with knowledge of appropriate Acts and legal responsibilities, relating to the rights and obligations of patients and care providers
  • Knowledge and experience in trauma-informed practices, harm reduction principles, cultural safety, and recovery-oriented care
  • Broad knowledge of crisis intervention, and able to offer supportive counseling 
  • Broad knowledge of mental health and substance use-related challenges, potential treatments, and psychopharmacology
  • Broad knowledge of local health care settings and community resources
  • Able to conduct mental status and suicide risk assessments
  • Able to develop and coordinate care plans
  • Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with patients and their families, colleagues, and community partners, both one-on-one and in groups
  • Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills that promote healthy communication and lead to a cooperative, multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving
  • Able to establish workload priorities and adjust to unexpected situations
  • Able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team-based model of care
  • Demonstrated problem solving, consultation, leadership, and critical thinking skills
  • Able to operate related equipment, including applicable software applications
  • Physically able to perform the duties of the position

VAHS encourages all people with relevant professional, grassroots, education, and/or lived experience to apply, even if they do not meet all of the points listed. We look for people who are committed to ongoing learning and development, and we will train the successful candidate.


We strongly encourage people from under-represented communities to apply, including but not limited to: Indigenous, Black, and people of colour; disabled people; and 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all genders. In alignment with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) applicants are preferred. In your cover letter, please self-identify at your comfort level.


HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application or questions about this posting to: [email protected]
ATTN: Jennifer Anderson, Clinic Operations Supervisor
Email Subject Line: Casual RN Application

Closing Date: Open until filled

All VAHS job applications require a resume and a cover letter; please submit both in PDF format. Successful candidates will be required to complete a vulnerable sector Criminal Record Check.

VAHS thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The information in this job posting is subject to change, consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the BCGEU Collective Agreement and applicable statutes.