Assistant Head Nurse

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and skilled addiction and mental health professional to be a member of the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT). ACT works primarily with individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, addictions, and houselessness, whose illness presents a barrier to engagement in treatment. Clinical services are most often delivered through outreach services in the community, and in partnership and collaboration with clients, families, other health providers, inner city agencies, and community programs. Reporting to the Care Manager, the AHN provides clinical support, mentorship, and leadership to the multidisciplinary team. They are responsible for referral management, transitions in care, care planning, crisis and comprehensive risk assessment and planning. The AHN attends and leads team case conferences, complex case reviews, and other client care meetings. The incumbent will develop and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders in order to provide a continuum of recovery-oriented services to clients accessing community Addiction and Mental Health services. This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

As an Assistant Head Nurse, you will be responsible for staff assignments, patient flow and acting as a role model, clinical resource and advocate for nursing staff. In addition to providing frontline nursing care, as required, you will take a leadership role in the promotion of quality patient care and the implementation of operational priorities. Your in-depth knowledge and skills, advanced judgment and clinical experience, will assist in providing solutions for complex health care issues at all levels with patients, interprofessional teams, administrators and policy makers. You will play a key role in providing safe, quality patient and family centered care while reflecting the shared vision and values of AHS.

Completion of an accredited nursing education program. Active or eligible for registration and practice permit with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA). Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP).

Minimum of 5 years of relevant addiction and mental health experience, preferably in a community setting. Critical thinking skills, working knowledge on the management of concurrent disorders and medical co-morbidities, and the principles of chronic disease management and recovery are required. Advanced knowledge and skill in the areas of evidenced-based assessment and treatment of mental illness and addiction is required. Advanced knowledge of comprehensive risk assessment and safety planning is required. Demonstrated ability to work well in a team and seek consultation when necessary. Ability to ambulate, climb stairs, and move quickly without limitations in a variety of environments. Possession of a valid Class 5 driver’s license and a vehicle in good working order for work related travel. Extensive knowledge of the Addiction and Mental Health and community resources, and knowledge of mental health legislation including Community Treatment Orders. Demonstrated ability to work well with a range of community and agency stakeholders as well as clients and families. Demonstrated ability to provide mentorship and leadership to a multidisciplinary team. Working knowledge of care transitions within Addiction and Mental Health.

Working knowledge of ETO system, Homeward Trust, is an asset. Working knowledge of Connect Care Workqueues and referral management is preferred.