Indigenous Clinical Resource Nurse (RN) - Mental Health and Substance Use

Come work as an Indigenous Clinical Resource Nurse (RN) - Mental Health and Substance Use with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Vancouver Coastal Health is looking for an Indigenous Clinical Resource Nurse (RN) to join the Indigenous Mental Health and Substance Use in Vancouver BC. Apply today to join our team!

As a Clinical Resource Nurse - Mental Health and Substance Use with VCH you will:

• Act as a clinical resource by providing consultation and clinical support to the interdisciplinary care team other professionals and students for the clinical area.
• Role models evidence informed best practices to support staff in achieving best client outcomes through in the moment education.
• Consult confer and collaborate with multidisciplinary team members physicians educational resources Indigenous based experts such as elders indigenous cultural knowledge keepers and Indigenous community leaders and other health care professionals to achieve excellence in client-centred education and research.
• Work collaboratively across multiple sites clinics and services within an integrated health service delivery model and interdisciplinary care team that includes primary care mental health and substance use outreach based and home-based services private General Practitioner (GP) partners and other community care services.
• Establish maintain and enhance therapeutic relationships based on respect.

Education & Experience

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Three (3) years recent related nursing experience in the designated clinical area(s) including one years related teaching experience and/or group facilitation or an equivalent combination of education training and experience.
• Completion of Educator Pathway Program is preferred.
• Valid BC Drivers and access to a personal vehicle for local travel may be required.
• Pursuant to Section 41 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code preference will be given to individuals of Indigenous identity (First Nations Inuit Mtis).

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice Cultural Safety Gender Affirming Harm Reduction and Recovery Oriented Models of Care.
• Comprehensive knowledge and demonstrated ability to provide culturally safe care has completed Indigenous Cultural Safety training.
• Demonstrated understanding and in-depth knowledge of First Nations Inuit and Mtis Peoples and history.
• Demonstrated understanding of provincial and federal guiding principles and documents for example In Plain Sight Report and Calls to Action to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in the health care sector.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and recognize current health care system gaps and barriers for Indigenous individuals and communities seeking health care.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and recognize power inequities within the healthcare system associated with ongoing impacts of colonialism.
• Demonstrated ability to assess clients at risk and knowledge of appropriate acts e.g. Mental Health Act Adult Guardianship Act Public Health
• Act Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act as it relates to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.
• Knowledge of clinical practice related to treatment and care of the designated client population.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clinical leadership and work direction.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
• Comprehensive knowledge of mental health conditions substance use and substance disorders the recovery model and principles of psychosocial rehabilitation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of nursing theory and practice within a client and family centred model of care.
• Demonstrated ability to teach demonstrate facilitate and lead.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs and materials for staff/ clients and families based on education theories principles and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to promote a supportive creative learning environment and engage in continuous quality improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to develop educational programs and material.
• Comprehensive knowledge of adult education principles methods and tools.
• Comprehensive knowledge of other health disciplines and their role in patient/client care.
• Demonstrates ability to problem solve using sound judgment in applying critical thinking skills within safe limits of patient/client care.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and set work priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to use research and methodology in practice.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership work direction and consultation.
• Demonstrated skill in facilitating groups that include professionals/patient/clients and or patient/clients/family members.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate negotiate and deal effectively with co-workers physicians other health care staff clients and their families and staff of outside agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively deal with conflict resolutions.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events and set priorities.
• Demonstrated ability in conducting physical mental psychosocial/functional environmental assessments.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally on a one to one and group setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and support staff through transition.
• Demonstrated computer skills including the ability to effectively use PARIS.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes.

As per Ministry of Health policy all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care research and teaching delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH we embrace thinking boldly taking smart risks and going first when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package including MSP extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports including counselling critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

At Vancouver Coastal Health our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices diverse teams and inclusive environments which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of BCs Top Employers Canadas Best Diversity Employers and Canadas Top Employers for Young People in 2025.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.


***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.