Registered Practical Nurse - Addictions Withdrawal Management

ADDICTION SERVICES CENTRAL ONTARIO – EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

JOB POSTING 2020.30.C

REGISTERED PRACTICAL NURSE - ADDICTIONS WITHDRAWAL MANAGEMENT

Addiction Services Central Ontario (ASCO) is a charitable, community-based addiction services organization with its main office located in Aurora, Ontario and provides programs and services in York Region, South Simcoe and some parts of Toronto. To better reflect the people and communities we serve, our name has changed from Addiction Services for York Region to Addiction Services Central Ontario. Be sure to visit our new website: https://helpwithaddictions.ca.

ASCO unites to offer hope and promote recovery through outstanding service and innovation. Addiction Services Central Ontario takes pride in its passion for client service. Each day presents new opportunities to demonstrate leadership and expertise in addictions to the community. ASCO embraces a holistic, biological, psychological, social and spiritual approach to addiction. A holistic approach places the person at the centre. The agency uses a harm reduction approach in addiction treatment and equally respects individuals who choose abstinence or harm reduction. ASCO’s four strategic priorities are: Organizational Excellence, Building Awareness, Service Expansion and Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Addictions Withdrawal Management provides assistance with voluntary withdrawal from alcohol and/or other substances for clients who are under the influence of these substances and/or in withdrawal or otherwise in crisis directly related to these substances. Clients may be simultaneously accessing residential support services, or they may be residing in their home, the home of a significant other or in another community setting, supervised or unsupervised. Care may be provided with or without the aid of drug therapy and/or other medical interventions. Additional support such as discharge planning and early recovery education is provided. Addictions Withdrawal Management provides comprehensive, inter-professional, holistic outpatient addictions care for clients and their families affected by substance use, generally alcohol and opioid use disorders. The Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) will co-ordinate nursing services that individuals require for substance use disorders. The RPN will work as part of the multi-disciplinary team which includes medical (physicians/nurse practitioners, nurses) and non-medical staff (Addictions Counsellors/Case Managers/Peer Support Workers, Information/ Referral/Intake, Admin), and will work in a harm reduction context. Addictions Withdrawal Management services are provided throughout the Central Local Health Integration Network (Central LHIN) boundaries. The RPN will conduct client assessments and implement treatment plans according to the needs and preferences of each client.                                                                             

ASCO also offers Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics. The RAAM Model allows for walk-in and planned appointments, thus promoting low access barriers for service. Services provide an addictions treatment pathway between emergency departments and the primary care sector. The clinics will provide clinical oversight, pharmacotherapy prescribing, case management and outreach to increase access to additional community-based services, peer support and counselling. The program can accept client self-referrals as well as referrals from a clinician or primary care provider. An initial consultation is followed by treatment planning, medication, peer support, case management and/or counselling as well as follow-up and on-going support to the client’s primary care provider. 

Addiction Services Central Ontario is seeking a highly motivated and energetic individual for the position of Registered Practical Nurse - Addictions Withdrawal Management, in its Aurora office location, as well as other satellite office locations and clinics, reporting to the assigned Supervisor. This position will focus on RAAM and provide support to Community Clinics. This is a full-time maternity leave contract with benefits for 35 hours per week with a minimum of two evenings per week. Weekend work is also expected (some Saturdays). The hourly wage rate is $26.38.

ASCO is required to follow all public health and provincial directives as well as of those of our Ontario Health Team partners as related to the pandemic and other health issues that may come forward, including but not limited to vaccination requirements. 

Why work at ASCO? 

• 3 weeks’ Vacation to start; 4 weeks after one (1) year of continuous service 
• 3 Flex Days to be taken throughout the year 
• 15 days’ Paid Personal time 
• Education Allowance provided up to $300 per fiscal year
• 5 Education Days per fiscal year provided for personal and professional development
• RRSP Contribution after two (2) years of continuous service
• Comprehensive Benefits package
• Employee Assistance Plan 
• Various employer-paid training programs
• Free parking
• Mileage reimbursement when required

Responsibilities:

• Assessment, evaluation, planning and revision of client care.  Ensures all client paperwork is completed as per policy standards of the clinic and agency
• Perform delegated independent nursing functions using established procedures, policies, guidelines and standards
• Perform selected tasks related to client care and the client’s environment in a safe manner
• Record client status and treatments using the appropriate format
• Understand all legal and policy implications of recording information accurately, and adhere to all privacy legislation, regulations and agency policies, protocols, guidelines and procedures 
• Identify and report irregularities in client care to the appropriate supervisor for next steps
• Ensure client care is provided with an Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism (AOAR) framework and through an AOAR lens 
• Serve as a client advocate, assess and assure that quality care is given
• Submit and update records of all client information correctly and in a timely fashion
• Perform direct client care of all clients requiring skilled assessment and intervention
• Assure that equipment used is well maintained, used appropriately, tracked and returned
• Follow proper reporting procedures for actual or potential accidents and/or incidents to ensure follow-up and prevention
• Monitor all client care and its effectiveness and make recommendations for improved care through treatment planning 
• Understand and adhere to all client confidentiality legislation and regulations
• Attend scheduled meetings and staff development training

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing required, RPN License required
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required
• Knowledgeable regarding the nursing process and its application, including the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care
• Ability to work in a harm reduction context; solid understanding of addictions including alcohol and opioid use disorders
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills
• High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability
• High level of critical and logical thinking, analysis, and/or reasoning to identify underlying principles, reasons or facts
• Strong ethics, along with a commitment to staff privacy
• Ability to work with a variety of client presenting situations, personalities and level of ability
• Able to work both on a team and independently
• Able to work a minimum of 2 evenings and some Saturdays
• Demonstration of critical thinking and prioritization skills.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work with multidisciplinary team, clients and family members
• Excellent organizational skills and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• A working knowledge of data management systems. Catalyst Knowledge preferred.
• A successful Police Vulnerable Sector Check as per agency policy and procedures 
• A valid driver’s license and daily access to an insured vehicle 
• The ability to provide services in both English and French a definite asset

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from diverse individuals who self-identify on the basis of any of the protected grounds under the Human Rights Code, and we encourage you to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to this role within your application. We are wholly committed to integration and to building a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace where every employee has a voice and is given the opportunity to fully contribute, ensuring an equal employment environment without discrimination or harassment, while maintaining the independence of individuals and removing barriers to accessibility in the workplace. We remain committed to full compliance with the Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation.

 ASCO is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our HR representative of the accommodation measures required which would enable you to be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. 

 Please apply by sending your resume and cover letter detailing what interests you about this opportunity and experience you have that sets you apart from others. Closing date: December 17 , 2021

 WE WELCOME ALL APPLICATIONS, HOWEVER ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED