Our Story:
Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving, and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect, and innovation.
This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.
Description of Duties:
Provides public health nursing services with a focus on health promotion, health protection and disease and injury prevention specific to assigned program area, and in accordance with the Ontario Public Health Standards and the College of Nurses of Ontario standards and practices as defined by the Regulated Health Professions Act, the Nursing Act and consistent with the mission, vision, values, and strategic direction of the Department.
Current Assignment: Provides public health nursing service in the delivery of Infectious Diseases Division programs, specifically in the Infectious Disease and Tuberculosis Control Program which includes case, contact and outbreak management of communicable diseases. This role also includes on-call work.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Applies nursing science and the nursing care process to all client groups. Provides case management, health counselling, consultation, and education and resources to targeted individuals, groups, and stakeholders. Completes screening and intake assessments.
- Maintains client and committee records (electronic and manual). Completes documentation, reports, and statistics.
- Develops and implements communication strategies to educate and encourage behaviour change at the individual, community, and policy level as it relates to improving the health status of assigned priority or universal populations.
- Implements community engagement strategies to build the capacity of community groups and networks; provides support, guidance and knowledge to help groups identify and influence determinants of health.
- Coordinates consultation and planning teams within the department and in the broader community, involving various agencies and staff.
- Advocates for policy changes related to improved access and health status specific to assigned priority or universal populations.
- Engages in collaborative, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral approaches to address health risks of priority or universal populations. Collaborates and develops effective relationships with colleagues and other community professionals and stakeholders in the development and delivery of health promotion and protection activities for assigned priority or universal populations, and to facilitate continuity of care and contribute to comprehensive client care with optimal outcomes for priority or universal populations.
- Uses harm reduction principles grounded in the concepts of health equity and social justice to identify and reduce or remove risk factors in a variety of environments and settings, (e.g., homes, neighbourhoods, community sites, workplaces, and schools).
- Participates in surveillance activities and analysis and uses data to identify and address health issues within a population or community. Monitors, analyzes, and interprets information (e.g., health status data, community needs assessment, current research data, and patterns/trends in epidemiological data and service delivery) as it relates to strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services for priority or universal populations.
- Engages in research and monitors health related publications, trends and frameworks to guide program development, inform practice and improve the health of priority or universal populations. Evaluates and modifies health promotion programs as needed.
- Develops and actively participates in an individual continuous professional development plan to support ongoing quality improvement and maintain professional nursing and public health standards. Furthers professional competence by participating in various programs, seminars, and workshops.
- Provides nursing expertise in major departmental initiatives such as mass immunization campaigns and emergency response.
- Acts as a preceptor to nursing students and volunteers.
- Represents the department, division, and/or program on community initiatives, committees, and coalitions
- Keeps manager informed of pertinent day to day issues related to work assignment.
- Performs the intake role in the provision of clinical services. Reviews records and lab results for completeness and takes action to ensure appropriate treatment referrals. Participates in the enforcement of relevant legislation.
- Maintains and safely handles a computer/tablet, cell phone, audiovisual equipment, program materials, and educational materials. Informs manager regarding equipment and repair needs.
- Maintains an inventory of clinic supplies, vaccines, and medication; compiles order for supplies for approval of manager.
- Acts as a preceptor, which includes assigning, monitoring, and coordinating learning assignments for unpaid nursing students and volunteers assigned to the program area for field practice and/or observation.
- Acts as a preceptor, which includes assigning, monitoring, and coordinating learning assignments for unpaid nursing students and volunteers assigned to the program area for field practice and/or observation.
- Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
- Must possess a current Certificate of Competence as a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario and a Baccalaureate degree that includes preparation in Public Health, or a Diploma in Public Health Nursing (per HPPA amended 1997). Current CPR certification, immunization status, and proof of immunity for Hepatitis B are required.
- Knowledge of public health issues and strategies related to the reduction in incidence of infectious disease, outbreak control, infection control, and immunization, including indications and contraindications to vaccination and management of adverse vaccine reactions, such as anaphylaxis.
- Knowledge of the principles of infectious diseases and tuberculosis control and immunization.
- Knowledge of Regional and Departmental policies and procedures, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Standards, Ontario Public Health Standards, Health Protection and Promotion Act, Health Care Consent Act, Personal Health Information Protection of Privacy Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Nursing Act, Child and Family Services Act, and other related legislation and professional guidelines and standards.
- Knowledge, skill and judgment in the application of nursing science and nursing process; assessment and history taking; child, adolescent and adult learning principles; life cycle/maturational stress factors; and the etiology of health factors specific to priority or universal populations.
- Skill in project management, strategy development, and report writing. Critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge and application of health surveillance data as it applies to assigned area of work.
- Understanding of and ability to apply health promotion and communication strategies in collaboration with others in order to raise awareness of health issues and place social justice and health equity on the public agenda.
- Knowledge of how social, economic, and environmental factors affect health, health promotion strategies, and current community health developments; use of social justice concepts to improve health and wellbeing of the public; and capacity building, advocacy, and policy development for priority or universal populations.
- Leadership, facilitation and team building skills. Ability to model, support, and serve as a preceptor for professional and skills development. Skill in priority setting, organization, and self-directed learning, with minimal supervision.
- Skill in community organization and conducting informal and formal assessments of health needs for priority or universal populations. Creative ability and experience in providing innovative health promotion activities; engaging others and motivating productive participation of community groups, schools, individuals, and staff to meet program objectives; and building effective partnerships with community members.
- Skill in health counselling, consultation, group process and facilitation, with public speaking and interpersonal skills to counsel, advise, and facilitate learning by individuals and groups of children, adults, school staff and other professionals, peer health workers, parents, caregivers, and community members. Ability to provide non-judgmental and inclusive service to all clients. Ability to refer, coordinate, and facilitate access to services in health and other community sectors.
- Computer and technology skills with the ability to use software to create documents, conduct internet-based searches, and networking. Ability to use and maintain electronic documentation for various purposes.
- Ability to participate as an effective team member within an interdisciplinary health setting with community members of various backgrounds and cultures.
- Ability to travel to various locations within, and occasionally outside Waterloo Region.
- Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization
We thank all applicants in advance; however, we will be corresponding only with those selected for an interview.
The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the Region, we respect, encourage, and celebrate our diversity. The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number 519-575-4400, or TTY number 519-575-4608 to request an alternate format.
