Dufferin Area Family Health Team

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team (DAFHT) is seeking one (1) full-time Nurse Practitioner to join our interagency, collaborative team working 0.5 FTE at the Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario Dufferin (YWHO) (18.75 hours) and 0.5 FTE (18.75 hours) at the HART Hub Dufferin (HHD).

The Nurse Practitioner is a vital part of the YWHO and HHD and will work as a member of a diverse interdisciplinary team which includes and Service Navigator, Mental Health Counsellor, and a Peer Support worker to support and achieve the vision and mission of each organization by participating in chronic disease management, health promotion and disease prevention programs. This is a great opportunity for an individual to practice autonomously, within a fully supported team environment providing education, advocacy, and support for those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

YWHO supports and provides young people in Dufferin County aged 12 to 25 with low barrier access to a full range of services including mental health and substance use supports, primary care, education, employment, housing and other social services all through youth-friendly access points. YWHO services are designed to improve experiences and outcomes for youth by:
• Increasing access to rapid, low-barrier services;
• Reducing transitions by providing care in one location; and,
• Providing tailored, high-quality programs co-developed with youth to meet their needs.

HART Hub Dufferin (HHD) is dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals in Dufferin County experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use issues. By providing integrated, low-barrier support services, we aim to enhance the quality of life, physical health, and overall well-being of individuals in our community. We take a person-centered, equity-focused approach to ensure that clients have access to the care they need when they need it.

REPORTING FUNCTION:
The Nurse Practitioner will receive direction from the YWHO Manager and the HHD Manager for day-to-day operations and be accountable to the DAFHT Executive Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide comprehensive episodic primary care to individuals within the scope of practice of the Nurse Practitioner as outlined in the College of Nurses of Ontario Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses in Extended Class. The provision of primary care includes assessments, diagnosis, counseling, screening, referral, education, treatment and follow-up
• Perform compressive assessments including a full health history, collecting all relevant information pertaining to the presenting problem to identify and communicate a medical diagnosis
• Collaborate with family, caregivers, and community partners to collect collateral information that can help to inform the assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan
• Consult with team members to provide interventions and comprehensive care, including prescribing drugs, ordering lab tests with an emphasize on health promotion, education and disease prevention
• Provide information and education to patients to increase their understanding and management of particular health issues
• Evaluate and analyze the patient’s response to therapeutic interventions
• Make necessary referrals to other community providers
• In collaboration with youth, support the use of YWHO standardized measures to support measurement-based care to provide health and services, monitor progress, and improve youth outcomes
• Participate in and/or lead in complex care planning, including assessing, evaluating, and amending plans of care after ongoing evaluation of the youths’ needs in collaboration with the interprofessional team
• Perform selected diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and pharmacological agents and therapeutic measures within scope of practice
• Integrate psychotherapeutic approaches into clinical visits
• Provide leadership advocating for practice changes to enhance safe patient care
• Knowledge of approaches that promote health equity, including anti-oppressive and anti-racist practice, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, community engagement, cultural safety, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and human rights and accessibility frameworks
• Provide services and support to youth and their families that is consistent with the values of both the YWHO and HHD models of care
• Provide access to services both in person, remotely (off site) or virtually (online, phone) as needed, and
• Maintain complete, accurate and timely records of patient visits using the electronic medical record (EMR)
• Be available for after-hours clinical work based on the needs of the patients at the clinic where the Nurse Practitioner will be working. Time commitment would be approx. 4 hours one evening per week.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum one (1) year experience in primary care and/ or community care
• Registered Nurse Extended Class (EC) (evidence of completion required)
• Masters of Nursing (or equivalent) with clinical focus of Primary Care in a Family Health Team or Community care setting, providing full-spectrum care
• Completion of education required by the College of Nurses of Ontario on prescribing controlled substances
• Willingness to pursue subspecialty education in mental health and addictions and gender affirming care
• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Current membership with the RNAO, NPAO, and
• Basic CPR certification.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Employ nursing communication skills in all interactions (e.g., active listening, respectful and culturally appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication, compassion, empathy, etc.)
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of the Nurse Practitioner within an interdisciplinary team, and the ability to work effectively by optimizing collaborative relationships
• Experience working with youth and young adults in a community setting. Strong clinical skills in mental health assessment and treatment, change agent, problem solver, critical thinker, team builder, role model, innovator, visionary, public speaker, best practices in the clinical area, ability to engage in quality improvement and scholarly activities
• Knowledge and proficiency in current, evidence-based methods and practices or primary care delivery with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention
• Ability to prepare statistical reports
• Proficiency in the use of computer hardware and software
• Ability to prioritize, manage time effectively, and be flexible in an ever-changing work environment
• Willingness to teach and train other members of the interdisciplinary team as required, and
• Flexibility to take on other tasks as required.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
• This is a permanent, full-time contract position
• This role requires in-person, on-site, and in-community presence
• Hours are 37.5 hours per week - including day and evening shifts, with some weekend hours, and
• Current driver’s license and reliable vehicle to travel to sites and within community.

WHY JOIN US:
• Salary range $64.10 - $66.67 per hour plus benefits
• HOOPP Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 100% employer paid extended health care benefits including health, dental, vision, critical Illness, and EFAP and EAP program
• 4 weeks of paid vacation to start, paid wellness days/ floater days, paid personal and sick time, and
• Organizational commitment to work-life balance.