The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH) is a reputable non-profit and registered charitable housing provider dedicated to supporting Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness. Our work centers around the voices of those who have shared their experiences, immediate needs, and solutions. Through building partnerships locally and island-wide, the ACEH works to identify and address systemic and structural barriers and share information, resources, and lessons learned while also providing cultural support, connections, and housing stability.

Our Vision: Our way is to care for all our people, from the youngest to the oldest. We are all one. Some of our people living away from home are suffering, isolated and homeless. We stand together to end homelessness.

The Nurse will utilize and support Harm Reduction Plans and Agreements that support Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness to attend Land-based Healing Camps as well as work one-on-one with individuals who recently transitioned to and from detox, living on the streets, and supportive housing. The Nurse will also lead the coordination and delivery of Harm Reduction planning, which includes harm reduction care and substance use support for safe and low-barrier participation in camps. Contributing to the development of the Decolonized Harm Reduction Framework from a nursing perspective, this position will work closely with the Executive Director and the ACEH Team and liaise with primary care providers, Island Health/various health organizations and professionals, acting as a primary advocate for Indigenous Street Family members who visit the acute care facilities and care follow-up provided.

You are required to submit a resume and cover letter that highlights Indigenous ancestry, Indigenous community/organization involvements, education, certification, demonstrated contract experience, and how your knowledge, skills, and abilities will support and contribute to the ACEH and our community through a cultural lens.

Applications missing this will be automatically screened out of the selection process

Position Type: Full time

Wage: $35.00 per hour

Start Date: December 2023

Location: 101-736 Broughton Street and on the land when and where Land Based Healing Camps occur.

Responsibilities:

• Develop comprehensive care plans that include the development of an Indigenous Alcohol Harm Reduction program and Cannabis Substitution program for participants while out on land-based healing camps and day trips.
• Provide acute care while out on the land, including using Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Oxygen, First Aid kits, etc.
• Risk management for land-based healing camps; identifying the closest public health facilities and emergency services, care plans for travel, etc.
• Work with Family Members to coordinate with family doctors, pharmacies, and other services to arrange medication and generic substitutions.
• Provide access to medications while out on the land.
• Review and orient camp staff on Family Member care plans.
• Administer alcohol through the Indigenous Alcohol Harm Reduction Program.
• Complete all necessary charting and documentation.
• Work closely with the Land Based Healing Manager to develop safe and cultural land-based healing camps and day events.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing RN or LPN registration with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• Preferred minimum of two years of acute and community experience.
• Experience practicing in an outreach, community, and/or primary care nursing capacity. Preference is given to applicants with experience working with substance use disorders and accompanying challenges of homelessness.
• Experience developing and implementing harm reduction planning within a team setting, including risk assessments and wellness planning, considered an asset.
• Current and up-to-date First Aid and CPR certification.

Required Information:

• Willing and able to complete a Criminal Record Check through the Ministry of Justice for working with vulnerable adults.
• Valid BC Driver’s License
• Dependable vehicle
• Two work-related references (no more than three years old)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work respectfully, knowledgeably, and effectively with partners and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, adapting to cultural uniqueness to create a sense of safety for all;
• Knowledge of providing culturally and trauma-informed care; Understanding the intergenerational trauma that occurs because of colonization, Residential Schools, Sixties Scoop, and other oppressive systems, as well as the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
• Ability to learn from other leaders and Elders, modeling the vision and encouraging others to commit to and champion the vision – inspiring others into new ways of working together to provide excellent wrap-around support services within a cultural lens and approach.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Positive, encouraging, flexible, and reliable.
• Progressive understanding of mental health challenges, chronic alcoholism, substance use, and addictions, and the resulting impacts on overall health, well-being, and quality of life.
• Ongoing willingness to engage in the understanding of persistent mental illness, addictions, and other challenges and how these impact people’s overall health, well-being, and quality of life.
• Ability to effectively respond and adjust to unexpected events, assess risky situations, problem-solve, provide crisis intervention, and manage conflict in a culturally supportive manner.
• Ability to work independently and effectively respond to and manage competing demands while adhering to deadlines.
• Effective written, electronic, and verbal communication skills to facilitate interprofessional collaborative practice, healthy and culturally safe environments, and a respectful workplace for community members, staff, guests, and volunteers.

• Ability to use stairs
• Ability to lift 30 pounds
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Ability to complete repetitive tasks (such as sitting, standing, walking and bending)

• Preference will be given to qualified candidates with Indigenous ancestry.
• The ACEH values strength in diversity. As an inclusive employer that celebrates the gifts of all its staff, the ACEHS encourages members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to apply.
• Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter which highlights how your knowledge, skills and abilities will culturally support and contribute to the ACEH and our community.