Hiv/Aids Outreach Nurse (Rn)

Come work as an HIV/AIDS Outreach Nurse with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Vancouver Coastal Health is looking for a Nurse to join the team at Three Bridges Community Health Centre with the STOP HIV/AIDS Initiatives. Apply today to join our team!

As a HIV/AIDS Outreach Nurse with Vancouver Coastal Health, you will

• Collaborate with other community-based agencies to reach populations at high risk for acquiring STDs and HIV.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide outreach services to vulnerable/marginalized clients and communities who are at high risk for HIV/AIDS.
• Distribute harm reduction supplies.
• Provide harm reduction education, counseling and support from a nursing perspective on issues relating to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV in non-traditional settings such as gay bars, drop-ins, on the street and other meeting places.
• Work collaboratively in team settings to develop creative strategies to address the challenges and participates in research projects, and surveys as required.
• Identify the health issues, behaviours, needs, barriers and challenges for at-risk populations.
• Provide frontline primary health care services to clients in the form of immediate assessment, intervention and treatment.
• Liaise with community-based AIDS organizations or other organizations to plan, develop, implement and deliver preventive HIV/AIDS educational material workshops and programs to targeted groups.
• Provide pre- and post-test counseling for the HIV antibody test, test results, and ongoing support and referral to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of HIV/AIDS clients.

Education & Experience

• Valid BC Driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes.
• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Two (2) years’ recent related community-based experience providing screening, assessment and treatment services to clients at risk and/or living with HIV/AIDS including experience performing HIV tests or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Certification in Reproductive Health (STIs) with the BCCNM is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to analyze situations, problem solve and facilitate resolutions.
• Broad knowledge of BCCNM Standards for Practice for registered nurses.
• Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills that promotes communication and lead to a cooperative approach to problem solving within a multidisciplinary setting.
• Broad knowledge of harm reduction strategies and interventions in the context of infectious disease, substance use, and the opioid overdose emergency.
• Demonstrated ability to identify community resources appropriate to client needs.
• Broad knowledge of harm reduction strategies including a positive attitude toward substance dependent clients
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.
• Broad knowledge of mental health (including the Mental Health Act) and substance use including current pharmacological approaches to substance use treatment
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients and their families, health care staff and community partners.
• Ability to operate related equipment including applicable software applications
• Knowledge of Community development and health promotion principles and practices.
• Broad knowledge of other facilities and HIV/AIDS community resources.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, take initiative, be flexible, and work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and make nursing practices decisions
• Demonstrated ability to manage aggressive and suicidal behavior.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a culturally diverse population including Indigenous clients/ communities and sexual minorities.
• Broad knowledge of HIV/AIDS, STIs and communicable disease control.
• Skilled in the use of equipment, and in the techniques appropriate for treatment.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Demonstrated de-escalation and conflict resolution skills.
• Broad knowledge of nursing theory and practice within a client-centered approach.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events.
• Demonstrated ability to assess client responses to care, and to respond appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to provide consultation, leadership and work direction.

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 the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care/Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Officer Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Vancouver Coastal Health must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.

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.

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

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our goals of creating a great place to work and delivering exceptional care. We acknowledge and accommodate unique differences and ensure special measures are in place so that all prospective and current employees are given an opportunity to succeed.

We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2023.

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 https//my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings 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.