Job Description

Organization Overview


Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is a registered, charitable organization that provides integrated, accessible, and equitable community based primary care, wellness services, and health education to Durham community members who face multiple barriers to their health and well-being.


DCHC also provides equity-based programs and services that focus on priority populations such as Indigenous, Black, the 2SLGBTQI Community, Newcomers to Canada, Seniors, and Unattached patients (i.e., those without a family doctor), to name a few. DCHC ensures Durham community members receive not only sick care, but preventive care as well.


At DCHC, we are a team-based interprofessional group of staff including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counselors, dietitians, outreach workers, medical secretaries, and other administrative staff. We always place every client at the centre of our approach to care, based on their needs. We address these needs through integrated clinical and wellness care and health education.


It's an exciting time to be joining this organization. Durham Community Health Centre has been selected as the lead agency for the new Homeless Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in the Durham region. This innovative hub will provide life-changing services for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, helping them regain stability and rebuild their futures. The Hart Hub is a 24/7 operation, providing continuous support to the community.

Position Overview

Working as a part of the interprofessional care team, the Registered Practical Nurse (HART Hub) will deliver comprehensive care to DCHC clients, utilizing an understanding of the social determinants of health. The RPN will prioritize the health needs of DCHC's priority populations, with a primary focus on delivering client-centered care and addiction-focused health services to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or substance use challenges in the community. The RPN will engage both internally and externally to assess population health needs and enhance well-being through targeted assessment, treatment, and prevention strategies aimed at reducing health inequities.

Employment Status:

Permanent Part-time (0.5 FTE)

Position Status:

This is a Bargaining Unit position. All terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement apply.

Hours of Work Schedule:

17.5 hours per week, evenings and weekends may be required.

Salary Range:

Annualized salary range of $24,230.00 - $28,403.00 (prorated based on FTE) commensurate on skills and experience and plus Group Benefits & HOOPP

Hiring Manager:

Director, Hart Hub

Primary Location:

Community-based and across various Agency locations within Durham Region

Key Responsibilities

Provide client-centered primary care in a non-judgmental manner, involving clients as partners in their care, recognizing the social determinants of health and associated health risks, and taking the stance of a health advocate. Actively participate, seek, and provide consultation within an inter-professional model of care. Perform clinical assessments and health information gathering for clients with complex needs. Provide nursing services that address the biopsychosocial needs of clients, including those with multiple comorbid health conditions, mental health diagnoses, and/or concurrent disorders involving substance use/abuse. Prioritize client-centered care for DCHC's priority populations, including the homeless population and individuals recovering from addiction. Perform intake assessment activities for new clients and provide direct access to primary care. Contribute to providing more accessible, targeted services to DCHC clients through direct service, referrals, and navigation. Complete timely and accurate medical records of client encounters, documentation, and third party correspondence using DCHC's Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. Support client safety through evidence-based practices and adherence to policies and standards, including communication and teamwork, infection prevention and control, safe medication practices, safe use of equipment and facilities, and risk reporting. Contribute to activities related to the development, implementation, and evaluation of medical directives, policies and procedures, best practices, and protocols. Adhere to and promote evidence-based practices and standards of best practice in keeping with DCHC clinic operational guidelines. Actively participate in case conferences when required. Participate in chart audits, development, and implementation of Quality Improvement Plans (QIP), and accreditation activities with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation (CCA). Demonstrate active participation in the CNO Quality Assurance (QA) Program to ensure the maintenance of continuing competence to practice and with DCHC's performance management requirements. Participate in agency training activities and meetings as requested. Provide clinical supervision and training for nursing students when applicable. Ensure client care and caseload are managed to achieve the goals of DCHC's Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement (MSAA).

Key Qualifications

Practical Nursing Diploma Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Membership in the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario is an asset. Experience providing care to individuals facing homelessness, substance use, or complex health and social challenges. Phlebotomy certification is an asset. Minimum of two years of experience working as a primary care RPN with clients with complex needs preferred. Experience in a Community Health Centre (CHC) setting or other community health practice, preferred. Experience working with communities and individuals facing barriers to accessing healthcare services preferred. Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively and respectfully in a collaborative, inter-professional team environment. Ability to communicate with clients in an easily understandable manner, practicing active listening to understand client needs and coaching clients as collaborative partners in their healthcare. Excellent written communication skills, including report writing for a clinical setting. o Basic CPR certification required. Experience using Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN). Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word) is an asset. Competency in facilitating client group activities. Valid current vulnerable sector police check required upon hire. Valid Ontario Driver's License and access to a vehicle. Flexibility to work or drive to meetings at any of DCHC's clinical locations in our service area, including mobile clinic sites, as required. Ability to work a flexible schedule with at least one evening per week.

Key Attributes includes:

Demonstrated Minimum Attributes core to the Agency: Service-oriented, Initiative, Results-oriented, Flexible/Adaptable, Collaborative, Effective Communication Skills, Team Player, Ability to manage risk within one's responsibility & accountability, Ability to take Accountability.


In addition, the following are the role-specific attributes: Conceptual thinker; Efficient, Alliance builder, Creative & Innovative Thinker, Analytical/Systematic, Empathic


Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position (DCHC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human right protected ground).

Application Process

While we thank all applicants for their interest in applying, only those qualified and considered for an interview will be contacted. All applicant submissions will be kept on file for six months, for future consideration. All applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly. All positions are subject to the successful completion of the following pre-employment conditions for all external hires: Reference Checks; and Criminal Background checks (including Vulnerable Sector Screening). Please be advised that AI Technology is used during the screening process of applications. All final hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team
Durham Community Health Centre is committed to complying with all applicable standards as set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA),the provisions ofthe Ontario Human Rights Code, and any other applicable legislation. Accessibility: If you have accessibility needs and require alternate formats or other accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 905-723-0036, or by email to recruiting@durhamchc.ca. Durham Community Health Centre, and staff are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes diversity