TEMPORARY UNTIL MARCH 2026
Under the direction of the Clinical Operations Manager, this position is responsible for the provision of safe, effective and ethical nursing care. The RPN will provide direct professional nursing care to clients requiring mental health services and presenting with less complex care needs (stable with predictable outcomes). Utilizing the principles of the nursing process, and in collaboration with the RN and members of the clinical team, the RPN can provide care to clients with more complex needs within their level of competence. The position provides comprehensive community treatment, rehabilitation and support to referred seriously mentally ill individuals in the Windsor-Essex County area. The position provides professional case management services within the framework of a client directed clinical/rehabilitation case management model. The incumbent(s) provides a continuum of functions, including: assertive outreach, assessments, building therapeutic relationships, developing support plans with clients, client and systems advocacy, symptom management, supportive counseling, family support, and crisis intervention
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
The position responsibilities include the following within the scope of practice guidelines provided by the College of Nurses for Registered Practical Nurses (RPN):
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Conducts detailed assessments of the mental health care and basic needs of individuals receiving treatment at CMHA-WECB Early Intervention Program for Psychosis (EI Program).
Completes regular assessments of client’s mental health and wellness and communicates assessment results with client, natural supports and other team members when needed.
Providing client needs identification through on-going assessment and team treatment planning;
Recognizes deviations from predicted client responses and consults appropriately with the clinical team.
Routinely assesses client’s physical and mental health needs to identify early stages of relapse and complex care needs. Once identified, RPN to initiate consultation with RN to review current care plan and mutually determine the need for the RN to assume the full range of care requirements during this period.
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Provides Clinical Intervention to support client needs within the RPN scope of practice.
Developing goal focused support/care plans based on assessment with client and other supports as appropriate, including family members and/or other natural supports, service providers when available.
Assisting client in determining priorities for goals and interventions
Outlining interventions and activities to be carried out.
Coordinating involvement of other agency/program staff and outside resources, working toward the best interest of the client using excellent collaborative and time management skills.
Ensuring that interventions address the outcomes or goals as derived from the clients’ plan of care, in participation with the client and their supports. Evaluate client outcomes and updates the care plan as required in collaboration with the RN and the inter-professional team.
Ensuring each client has a crisis plan on file.
Acting as a resource person or an advocate to assist individuals in obtaining information/accessing services/supports which are deemed needed;
Ensures a minimum workload of direct client intervention as negotiated with the immediate supervisor.
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Ensures objectives of program are met.
Providing psychosocial rehabilitation, counseling and therapeutic support to client in achieving goals, particularly in the areas of mental health, physical health and wellness, basic life skills, social interactions, family relationships, coping with mental illness, medication education and adherence, vocational skills development, monitoring progress and carrying out interventions and support.
Participates in the evaluation of program goals and objectives making recommendations on changes to current program activities for improved service delivery
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Ensures all file management and reporting functions are maintained in a comprehensive and timely manner adhering to agency policies.
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Assists clients in accessing and obtaining other community resources where needed and appropriate, and advocates with and for clients to ensure adequate resources are available. Where resources do not exist or are inadequate, advocates within system to develop or improve essential services and resources for individuals with serious mental illness.
Ensuring clients have information related to rights under the Mental Health Act and other related legislation, when needed
Ensuring client has awareness and understanding of rights relating to services and confidentiality.
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Under authorization of a psychiatrist or physician, receives medication orders, administers medications, including injectable medications, where appropriate.
Adhering to standards as set out by the College of Nurses of Ontario and agency Policy and Procedures.
Following agency procedures and College of Nurses of Ontario Standards regarding documentation of medication orders, medication administration and reporting of errors.
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Conducts ongoing assessment and observation for effects and side effects to the prescribed medication.
Acting, with client’s consent, as liaison with client’s psychiatrist/physician
Effectively communicates assessments and concerns regularly with team members and psychiatrists/physicians and collaborates to establish interventions and supports based on client needs and goals.
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Assesses needs and values of family where family involvement has been indicated in order to support, link, educate and advocate for family as needed.
Ensuring family members are aware of available community resources that provide services and support. Where conflicts arise between the wishes of clients and family members, family members are referred to an appropriate alternative service.
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Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the Mental Health Act and related legislation, the College of Nurses, as well as the programs and services of local social agencies, government departments, institutions and other groups concerned with the client population
EDUCATION & SKILLS:
Requires knowledge and skills acquired through completion of a Registered Practical Nurse Diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution.
Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario. Certificate in Mental Health Nursing is a preferred asset.
Two (2) years of experience working in a mental-health related field is required. Demonstrated experience with and detailed knowledge of first episode psychosis and other psychiatric illnesses within the last 5 years. Minimum one year experience in outpatient specialized mental health. Comprehensive knowledge of working with persons with psychotic disorders including etiology, prognosis and treatment modalities and of early intervention in psychosis. Experience working with youth and young adults. Comprehensive knowledge of psychotropic drugs is required.
Comprehensive knowledge of mental illness and treatments; comprehensive knowledge of functions and principles of case management; thorough knowledge of psychotropic and other mental health related medications; up to date knowledge of relevant mental health and nursing policy, legislation and regulation; effective written and oral communication skills; knowledge of community resources. Thorough knowledge of nursing principles, procedures, and practices in accordance with the Standards of Practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario and the regulations of the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).
Bilingualism in both official languages at the advanced level is considered an asset.
A valid Ontario Driver’s License with access to a reliable vehicle and proof of current insurance and licensing are required for this position.
Hours of Work: Thirty-Five (35) hour work week. The agency’s regular hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Flexible hours are required to meet client and service needs.
Salary range: Grade 8, $35.71 – $42.25 per hour
Per 2022 - 2026 Collective Agreement
Applicable shift premiums are paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement, Article 17.11.
Please submit your cover letter and resume clearly stating how your skills and experience meet the position requirements prior to the posting closing date.
Posting Date: October 23, 2025
Posting Deadline: October 30, 2025 @ 4:30pm
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment at CMHA-WECB. We are however, unable to respond to individual calls. Only those individuals selected for consideration will be contacted for next steps. Thank you for your understanding.
This position is posted per Article 15 of the Collective Agreement. Internal candidates will be considered in priority as established by the Article, as such external candidates may not be considered if there is a qualified internal applicant.
We are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all identities and experiences, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen CMHA. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at hrteam@cmha-wecb.on.ca.
Please note that candidacy for positions will require you to be authorized to work in Canada.
Please note that a satisfactory police vulnerable sector check is required as a condition of employment for all roles with CHMA-WECB.
