Mental Health Nurse Coordinator

At Ottawa Inner City Health, we do health care differently. It’s part of who we are. We are a nurse-led, trauma-informed organization working on the frontlines of homelessness and mental health. We work in the margins- the grey area- with clients experiencing complex trauma, mental illness, and substance use challenges. Our approach is hands-on, harm reduction focused, relationship-driven, and rooted in human dignity.

We are currently seeking 2 Temporary Full Time (18 months) Mental Health Nurse Coordinator (MHNC) who is passionate about equitable health care and ready to lead clinical practice on a team that’s not afraid to get into the nitty-gritty.

Why This Role Matters

• As a MHNC, you’ll be at the heart of our mental health services, supporting people experiencing homelessness across multiple program sites. You’ll assess, plan, work with partner organizations, and deliver care to some of the most underserved members of our community, while shaping a culture of compassion, advocacy, and trauma-informed excellence. We work in a supportive team environment and provide extensive ongoing training and support to our nurses.
• Build therapeutic, trust-based relationships with clients navigating homelessness and mental health challenges.
• Complete holistic mental health assessments, including tools such as the MoCA and PHQ-9.
• Co-create individualized, trauma-informed care plans in collaboration with clients and interdisciplinary teams.
• Provide clinical leadership and work closely with attending psychiatrists to implement evidence-based treatment plans.
• Monitor care plans, ensure clients’ voices guide every decision and transition.
• Work with equity-seeking communities to create more accessible and equitable healthcare for all.
• Act as a strong advocate, walking alongside clients as they access housing, care, and stability.
• Support and supervise front-line client care workers and nursing students, modelling trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices.
• Participate in ongoing data collection, evaluation, and research to strengthen our programs.
• Attend ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Engage in after-hours on-call rotation to ensure 24/7 support to staff and clients.
  
  

Qualifications

• The MHNC must meet the standards of practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Possess a current Registered Nurse, Certificate of Competence.
• Has attained a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Masters preferred.
• A minimum of 2-5 years’ experience working directly with persons who are homeless and living with persistent mental health and substance use issues.
• Demonstrated competence in clinical nursing practice related to the care of adult homeless persons.
• Demonstrated ability to work with other care professionals in care delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, consult and negotiate.
• Have an understanding of harm reduction.
• The MHNC must have strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with Electronic Charting Systems, proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
• Have a stable and positive attitude towards their work.
• Be a self-learner and self-directed.
• Adopt an independent practice model of care delivery while working cohesively with the nursing team.
• Understand how to apply harm reduction strategies in the clinical setting.
• Be proficient in trauma-informed care.
• Must provide a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check.
• French speaking an asset.
  
  

Ottawa Inner City Health welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Proof of current vaccinations and a Vulnerable Sector Police Check will be required.