Mental Health Nurse

Note: Effective January 1st, 2023 the salary range for this position is $ 1,577.08 to $ 1,969.90 per week in compliance with the recently amended OPSEU Correctional Bargaining Unit collective agreement provisions. Note: there will be a new salary range for this position effective January 1st, 2024 which includes applicable increases in compliance with the collective agreement provisions. The new salary rates effective January 1, 2024 and dates for implementation of the 2023 and 2024 salary rates are still to be confirmed.
Consider Your Next Career with the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Ontario Public Service!
The Ontario Public Service is one of the largest employers in the province, with a wide range of exciting career opportunities. We believe in the core values of trust, fairness, diversity, excellence, creativity, collaboration, efficiency and responsiveness. We invite you to join our teams!
The Ministry of the Solicitor General is embarking on a large-scale initiative to modernize Ontario's correctional system, with a focus on enhancing safety and security, infrastructure and services in institutions across the province. Consider a rewarding career in correctional services and join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals in custody and in keeping our communities safe.
We are seeking caring and compassionate Mental Health Nurses to join our health care team at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre. As a Mental Health Nurse, you will use your specialized knowledge and skills to provide patient-centered Mental Health care to offenders.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:
• Conduct Mental Health assessments for the purposes of triage and on-going care
• Plan and implement treatment plans
• Monitor adherence and response to treatment plans and health care interventions
• Liaise with community care providers to obtain Mental Health histories and facilitate transitional care at discharge
• Lead case management by initiating patient-specific plans of care
• Coordinate care with other members of the health care team, such as primary care, psychiatry, social work and psychology
• Utilize your sound knowledge of crisis prevention and intervention
• Contribute to Mental Health program development within the institution
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with other staff members and external stakeholders
• Share your knowledge and expertise with other staff members
• Practise in accordance with College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standards and Ministry expectations
• Practise in accordance with the security requirements of the institution

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You must be registered as a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario and be in good standing
• The successful candidates will be required to be registered for a Mental Health Nurse certification program upon job offer and complete certification requirements within a specified period of time
The ministry will accept the following certification or proof of enrolment:
• Canadian Nurses Association – Current Psychiatric and Mental Health Certification
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - Concurrent Disorders Certification
• Accredited Colleges in Canada – Mental Health Certification

Nursing and Mental Health Knowledge and Experience

• You have in-depth knowledge of mental illness, Mental Health nursing theory, community Mental Health resources, evidence-based practices and current treatment options acquired through enrolment in/completion of a post-diploma/post-degree certificate program in Mental Health, and supplemented by continuing education in Mental Health/psychiatry
• You can interpret and apply relevant legislation (such as the Mental Health Act, Regulated Health Professions Act, Health Care Consent Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act)
• You have knowledge of Mental Health evidence based practices and current treatment options as well as experience completing comprehensive Mental Health assessments
• You can elicit, interpret and evaluate information from patients and other sources and draw conclusions to develop treatment and care plans
• You are able to evaluate patient responses to planned interventions and to modify interventions in collaboration with the inter-professional team to achieve established inmate goals
• You can address emergency situations and implement appropriate therapeutic interventions

Effective Communication Skills

• You can present information in a clear and concise manner as well as adapt your communication skills to provide information and health teaching to a diverse population
• You can work collaboratively with others, such as the inter-professional team, correctional staff and community agencies
• You are an effective patient advocate and can advocate for and encourage patient participation in their plan of care
• You have oral and written communication skills to clearly communicate care and progress through documentation, including progress notes, written care plans, clinical and administrative summaries
• You are able to support patients in working towards achieving identified goals

Hours of Work

• This is a fixed-term, full-time position (40 hours per week). You are expected to work rotating shifts in a health care unit that provides 7 days per week service, up to 24 hours a day.