Skip links

Mental Health and Addictions Nurse

Website Shibogama First Nations Council

JOB TITLE: Mental Health Nurse – Remote First Nations Community (Northern Ontario)
LOCATION: Remote, Wapekeka, Wunnumin, Kingfisher Lake

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time
REPORTS TO: Mental Wellness Clinical Lead / Nursing Programs Manager
COLLABORATES WITH: Community Health Nurses, Public Health Nurses, Mental Health Workers, Visiting Physicians

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mental Health Nurse will provide culturally safe, trauma-informed, and community-centered mental health care to individuals and families in a remote First Nations community. Working within a multidisciplinary team that includes community and public health nurses, mental health workers, and visiting doctors, the Mental Health Nurse plays a critical role in assessing, supporting, and coordinating care for community members experiencing mental health and substance use concerns. This position addresses the unique needs of a remote community without local hospital or psychiatry services and aims to strengthen mental wellness through prevention, early intervention, crisis response, and health promotion.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Care & Mental Health Support

Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and develop individualized care plans
Provide therapeutic interventions, psychoeducation, and supportive counselling to clients across the lifespan
Monitor and support clients with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, grief, substance use, and other mental health conditions
Participate in crisis response planning and provide mental health support during community crises or emergencies
Liaise with visiting physicians and psychiatrists (via telehealth) for medication support and specialized consultation
Collaboration & Coordination

Collaborate with existing community health nurses, public health nurses, and mental health workers to ensure coordinated care
Work with external service providers (e.g., telepsychiatry, withdrawal management, social services) to facilitate referrals
Assist with discharge planning and follow-up for clients returning from hospital or treatment centers
Health Promotion & Community Engagement

Deliver mental wellness education sessions in schools, community gatherings, or with specific groups (e.g., youth, Elders)
Promote culturally relevant healing practices and support land-based, traditional, and community-led initiatives
Participate in community events and outreach to build trust and reduce stigma around mental health
Documentation & Reporting

Maintain accurate clinical documentation in accordance with nursing standards and confidentiality policies
Support the health team with program planning and reporting, including identifying gaps in services or emerging community needs
QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Certification

Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) with a focus or training in mental health
Current registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
Certification in Mental Health Nursing (e.g., CPMHN(C)) or relevant continuing education is an asset
Current CPR & First Aid certification
Valid Ontario Driver’s License
Experience & Skills

Minimum 2 years of experience in mental health or addictions nursing, preferably in Indigenous, rural, or remote settings
Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, Indigenous mental health, and intergenerational trauma
Ability to work independently in a remote environment with limited access to emergency and specialist services
Effective communication, empathy, and cultural humility
Experience with crisis response, suicide prevention, and harm reduction is highly valued
Working Conditions

Fly-in/Fly-out depending on location
On-call or flexible hours may be required
Shared accommodations and travel allowances may be provided
Must be comfortable working in a setting with limited infrastructure and support services
Preferred Attributes

Indigenous ancestry and/or experience working in First Nations communities
Knowledge of local language, cultural practices, and community dynamics
Ability to adapt nursing practice to reflect community values and traditional healing
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Rachel Gessie, Health Director, at rachelg@shib.ca

 

 

To apply for this job please visit shib.ca.